The co-founder and chief operating officer talked to the Architects’ Journal about the death of ‘box building’ and Londonewcastle’s ‘licence to thrill’ mantra.
What kind of schemes are you currently working?
We are working on five large central London mixed use developments. In Shoreditch we are looking to redevelop the Huntingdon Estate to create a residential-led mixed use development in the heart of the creative hub – which we hope and believe will become an iconic development.
We’re also working on a 31-storey Ian Simpson Architects designed building in Canary Wharf – Dollar Bay. We also won planning on the BFLS-designed Goldhawk Estate in Brackenbury Village which will be a mixed use scheme in a private, managed environment. This area has seen little development over the past decade and we see the opportunity to create a groundbreaking development for the area.
We want to be known as innovative developers who produce stimulating living environments with good architecture that create communities that are encouraged to socialise and collaborate.
How have the last few years been for you and how do you foresee the coming years?
London is far more sophisticated city than it was at the peak of 2007 where it was focused on location, location, location. We are now in an era where it’s the buildings – as well as their locations – which are leading the price point. People are looking for lateral living in more conventional layouts in new build developments that offer not only good transport links, but also security and 24/7 concierge service.
How has the developer landscape changed during the recession?
To be successful developers need to be tuned into the way people want to live…. People are very conscious of what they get for their money and expectations have risen. It’s down to developers to consistently raise the bar.
What do you want from your architect?
Imagination and the creativity to produce functional buildings that offer great living environments.
What would you most like the government to do for you?
Somehow try and stimulate the mortgage sector which continues to be very difficult – though it has slightly improved in areas.
How are you altering your approach in light of the localism agenda?
Localism has always been with us in one way or another – and we take the views of groups in the local community very seriously.
Which regeneration scheme most inspires you and why?
Argent’s Kings Cross regeneration. Obviously, the transport links are great, I like this part of town, I like the ethos, architecture – how the student village, theatres and side streets interact with residential and commercial space. It will offer a fantastic canvas to live, work and play.