Hill appointed to deliver first phase of new homes at South Wimbledon regeneration

Large Housebuilder of the Year, Hill, has been appointed by Clarion Housing Group as partner in delivering the first phase of homes for the estate regeneration at High Path, which will see the redevelopment of over 600 homes, as well as an additional 1,000 new homes and amenities right on the doorstep of South Wimbledon station.

Hill has extensive experience in regeneration, investing heavily in its highly skilled team to build trusting relationships with residents in existing neighbourhoods. Hill also engages with relevant stakeholders to ensure homes will have a lasting positive impact and that minimal disruption will affect estate residents. An example here is its recent estate regeneration project Agar Grove in Camden, which was bestowed with the Mayor’s Award for Good Growth and the Mayor’s Award for Good Sustainability at this year’s London Planning Awards – proving Hill to be a trusted and reputable appointment for High Path.

This will be the first time Hill has worked in Wimbledon, expanding its portfolio, geographical reach and continued contribution to the regeneration of estates across London and the UK. Hill has joined forces with Clarion successfully on current projects in Epsom and Rainham, with High Path evolving the strong working relationship between the two housing specialists.

The first phase of homes at High Path will comprise 134 homes; 125 apartments and nine houses. Both existing and future residents have been carefully considered throughout the planning stages, with the proposal including a variety of energy efficient properties and replacement homes for current residents. A variety of styles such as flats, duplexes, maisonettes and houses, new homes with wheelchair access and a new neighbourhood park providing residents with outdoor space are also planned. Each aspect of the project has been included as a result of direct feedback from a series of public consultations.

In March 2019, Hill, collaborated with local Merton Abbey Primary School, Clarion and PRP Architects for Regeneration Week. The purpose of the programme was to provide an opportunity for the students to learn what the regeneration will mean for them and how they can influence its impact. The week involved a number of engaging activities, including learning about the safety around building sites with the Considerate Constructor’s Scheme mascot Honor Goodsite, who also helped shatter the stereotypes and drive for a better gender balance in the construction industry. A series of creative and educational exercises then followed, which involved the children drawing their dream home for a time capsule and proposing names for new streets and buildings, whilst educational workshops included a maths exercise to garner an understanding for the role of quantity surveyors.

Cain Peters, Regional Director at Hill, explains:

“Having previously worked on a number of regeneration projects across London, we’re confident that our highly experienced team are going to successfully deliver quality homes, whilst remaining respectful of the existing residents on the estate. Community engagement is so important with these projects – we’re not just redeveloping their homes, but their livelihoods too. We’re looking forward to providing energy efficient homes built to an excellent standard, that meet the needs and requirements of the community. We’re delighted to be working alongside Clarion again to grow this new and flourishing area in Wimbledon.”

Bob Beaumont, Director of Regeneration at Clarion Housing Group, comments:

“Clarion’s Merton regeneration project will ultimately provide 1,700 high quality homes for the community in High Path. After six years of preparation and planning with residents and local stakeholders, we are pleased to appoint Hill to deliver the first phase of work. Clarion is committed to rehousing our existing residents first, so every one of the 134 new homes constructed will go to Clarion residents and leaseholders who already live on the High Path estate.”

Hill was appointed by Clarion in July 2019 after a tender process, with the contract of the first phase worth £35m. The construction of the first phase of homes at High Path will be starting this Summer (2019) and will be due to complete in 2021