Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens September 2021

Welcome to blog number 23 about my September site visit to Courtyard Gardens in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the development.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left. Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 3 September 2021 onsite showing the progress to date.

The photographs in the gallery below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

A view from behind Johnsdale taken on 3 September 2021

A view from behind Johnsdale taken on 5 March 2018

Now that the development is nearing completion it’s fascinating to compare the photographs taken during construction to the ones taken before the gas holder was demolished as the examples above and below.

This personal project has taught me so much about the building process from demolition back in January 2019 until now. From the foundations and footings to the types of bricks that are used and all the skilled trades and craftspeople involved to make this happen – not forgetting everyone working behind the scenes from the designers & architects to the team working onsite in the office (portacabins) and everyone in between to pull everything together.

I have been very fortunate to have been given access to go onsite regularly over the past nearly two years to photograph the changes for posterity. A huge thank you to the Berkeley Group for accepting my request to photograph the process and to Ness Kingham - Assistant Site Manager, for showing me around each time and telling or rather teaching me about the works and processes taking place.

I asked Ness to give a brief update about the stage the site was at during my visit and this is what she said:

‘We were preparing for the handover of Block B, undertaking final decorations, cleaning and podium landscaping. Internal trades and brickwork were continuing in Block C’.’

From behind the shops on Station Road East on 3 September 2021

From behind the shops on Station Road East on 2 February 2019

Car park beneath Block B.

Stairwell in Block B.

This is how I dress for the occasion

A kitchen in an apartment in Block B.

Living room in an apartment in Block B.

Terrace

View from Block B onto the front entrance looking onto Block C.

A navy kitchen in an apartment in Block B.

Another kitchen in an apartment in Block B.

A view over the terrace from a penthouse apartment. The strip on the top is part of a lightning protection system.

A spacious penthouse terrace in Block B.

A view towards the North Downs from a penthouse apartment in Block B.

Bathroom in a penthouse apartment in Block B.

A view from the patio doors from a penthouse apartment in Block B towards Block C.

A view from a penthouse in Block B towards the main entrance on Station Road East.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block B towards Block A and the shops on Station Road East.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block B towards the hoist on Block C with far-reaching views of the North Downs.

The hoist on Block C.

Hardwick House the sign over the entrance to Block C.

Underground car park to Block B.

Brick work on Block C.

Corridor in Block C.

Block C.

Inside Block C.

From outside looking into the car park in Block B.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I am.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from July 2021 please click here.

To read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 22 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back in October to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens May 2021

A view from the main entrance with Block A on the right and Block B under construction on the left.

A model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted, just opposite the development.

Block A on the right with Block B adjoining back centre and Block C on the left.

Block A is Atkinson House, Block B is Beecham House and Block C is Hardwick House.

Welcome to blog number 20 about my May site visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion of 111 high-end one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William, part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 19 May 2021 showing the progress to date. I photographed the final preparations on some of the apartments as they get ready to welcome their new residents during June into Block A now know as Atkinson House.

The photographs below are each captioned top left – if viewing on a smartphone they may only be visible in landscape format.

Read on to find out more…

The entrance to Block C showing Block C. This used to be the entrance to the trader’s car park.

The finished paved forecourt with parking and electric charging points for cars.

One of the electric charging points for cars.

The gated entrance to the car park for Block A giving each apartment space to park.

White lining in car park A giving a generous parking space for each vehicle.

The maintenance walkway at the side of the car park showing the grills for ventilation.

Looking back to Block C from the gated car park entrance at Block A.

The official name of Block A is Atkinson House.

Each apartment has its own outdoor space. These balconies are from Block A.

Maintenance pathway at the side of Block A.

As always I am shown around the site by Ness Kingham, Assitant site Manager who tells me the current state of play as below is her update of the day.

Final works and snagging were being undertaken internally and to terraces of Block A, in preparation for the handover of the block and first legal completions at the start of June. White lining was underway within the car park, and cycle racks and storage lockers were being installed. Landscaping was progressing outside of the block to be able to hand over a section of the gardens to residents. The brickwork was up to the 5th floor on Block B, whilst on Block C the mansard roof was being installed, scaffold erection had recently completed, and brickwork was underway to the basement levels. Internals were progressing within both Blocks B & C.

The terrace area next to a penthouse apartment in Block A with spectacular views.

Slate tiles finish the exterior of this penthouse apartment in Block A showing doors to the spacious terrace.

Views to the open countryside.

The views of the North Downs and beyond from a penthouse apartment in Block A.

The hoist that carries materials and appliances to Block C.

Looking out from Block A over the main entrance towards Block C on the left and Block B on the right.

Landscaping plants and grasses ready for planting.

Another view from a penthouse terrace in Block A looking over at Block B on the right and Block C on the left.

Stones for drainage under the flooring of a penthouse terrace.

I always find my visits so interesting, there is so much to look at and absorb – from the variety of contractors involved to just how meticulous St William is to meet exacting standards for the final finish. On this visit there were 150 people working onsite.

Further photographs show how the development is slowly coming together with Blocks B & C due for completion later in 2021.

A kitchen in a three-bed apartment.

Another view of a kitchen in a three-bed apartment.

The living room in a three-bed apartment nearing completion.

A shower room nearing completion.

Hallway showing coat cupboard and utility cupboard nearing completion.

Kitchen and living area in an apartment nearing completion.

Entrance to Atkinson House almost ready for the new residents.

A first floor spacious terrace under construction.

From the entrance looking towards Blocks A (right) and B (left).

Car park beneath Block B.

A penthouse in Block C under construction.

The view from a penthouse towards the top of Snatts Hill. The top of the spire at St Michael’s can be seen to the right.

Inside Block C looking towards Blocks B & A.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing and learning about the progress of the development as much as I have.

All of the images taken are held within my personal archive for posterity.

To read the blog from April please click here and to read previous blogs, these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 19 previous gasholder blogs.

For further information about Courtyard Gardens please follow this link to the Berkeley Group St William website.

More information here on the Robert Leech website too.

Looking forward to going back at the end of June to photograph the progress to share.

Thank you.

Stella