Berkeley’s £300m Riverlight project is the first to start construction on the massive Vauxhall Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area where ultimately 16,000 new homes are planned over the next decade.
London Mayor Boris Johnson broke first ground at a ceremony yesterday to mark the historic moment.
Riverlight will provide 752 homes including one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments, alongside a hotel, restaurants and shops set in landscaped gardens. There will be 99 affordable homes each built to Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Designed by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners and located on the bank of the Thames, next to Battersea Power Station, the development is centered around six river view apartment blocks.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “The design standard on this inaugural site in the regeneration of Nine Elms is absolutely spot on, with vast amounts of public space for everyone in the capital to enjoy sitting happily alongside well designed good quality housing.”
Tony Pidgley, chairman of the Berkeley Group, said: “Our intention is to create a place that will grace the Thames, drive investment, and deliver new homes and jobs. It will set a benchmark for the whole regeneration area.”
Residents of the apartments will have access to a clubhouse featuring a gymnasium, swimming pool, private cinema and virtual golf, a spacious lounge and a library.