Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens - Prospective Book

A view from behind Johnsdale and behind the shops on Station Road East, Oxted in 2018

Here in Oxted we used to have a gasholder that sat in the centre of our town for over 50 years!

That all changed in 2019 when demolition began to make way for 111 high-end apartments and penthouses.

Having had a business right next to this landmark for 23 years I made it my mission, whenever the time came for it to go, to photograph the process for posterity.

The demolition and build took place between January 2019 and March 2022. St William, part of the Berkeley Group granted me access on a regular basis to document the process. With the help of the Assistant Site Manager, I wrote monthly blogs to share my experiences and record the process. I was amazed and captivated by the many stages, craftsmanship, and people involved throughout this time, I learned so much.

My intention was, and still is, to create a coffee table picture-led book showing the changes on the site. I just didn’t want hundreds of images laying dormant on my hard drives. So, it is through the photographs taken I share the story of the time the gas holder came tumbling down making way for a wonderful new living space – Eden place, formerly known as Courtyard Gardens.

If you would like to receive a prospectus about purchasing the proposed book please register your interest here.

During demolition early 2019.

A vast space for the process to begin.

Courtyard Gardens now called Eden Place in Oxted, Surrey.

To read the previous 27 blogs about Courtyard Gardens click here and scroll to the bottom of the Blog page under ‘Featured’ where they all appear.

Thanks Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens March 2022

The water feature at Courtyard Gardens has an industrial finish, in recognition of the gas holder that once sat on the site for over 50 years. To see how the site once looked go back to the beginning of these blogs to January 2018.

Welcome to Blog number 27 about my March visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted, built on the former gasholder site now called Eden Place.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates visually documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder, which started in January 2019, right through to the completion this month, 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 Eden Place – the new name of the road Courtyard Gardens sits in.

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 in the galleries 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 gasholder taken on 5 March 2018

Same view taken 9 March 2022 - Hardwick House (Block C)

Hardwick House - Block C completed. The car park entrance on the right of the front door is to Beecham House - Block B car park.

The steps from the entrance up to the gardens and Beecham House- Block B front door.

The pathway between Blocks C (left) and Block B (right).

Beecham House - Block B

Hardwick House - Block C.

The pathway between Beecham House - Block B on the left and Hardwick House - Block C on the right looking towards Atkinson House - Block A.

A view of where the office cabins once sat, next to Hardwick House - Block C.

The side of Hardwick House - Block C.

The car park beneath Block C Harwick House with bicycle stand.

A view from an apartment in Hardwick House - Block C.

A finished kitchen in Harwick House - Block C.

A finished bathroom in Hardwick House - Block C.

The car park for Beecham House Block B is accessed to the right of Hardwick House - Block C’s front door.

Car Park Block B

A finished penthouse terrace.

The life in Hardwick House - Block C.

A corridor in Hardwick House - Block C.

The finished entrance hall in Hardwick House - Block C.

Photograph taken 17 August 2020 the same viewpoint as below

Photograph taken 9 March 2022 the same view point as above

I hope you have enjoyed following the progress from start to finish of Courtyard Garden (Eden Place) here in Oxted?

It has been a real honour and education to have been given access to document to process for posterity.

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

To read the blog from January 2022 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 26 previous blogs in consecutive order.

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. There are a few remaining apartments in Block C, Hardwick House if you are looking to make a purchase.

Thank you

Stella

SMS Creative Photography Celebrates Twenty-Five Years

Shop front from February 1997 - 83 Station Road East, Oxted, Surrey. The lettering, by a local master craftsman, was created by hand direct to the perspex.

SMS Creative Photography was born on Monday 10th February 1997 at number 83 Station Road East, Oxted!

That makes it 25 years ago - a quarter of a century! So much has changed and happened since then – notably the evolution of photography and the introduction of digital photography for the masses. We went fully digital in 2005 and have embraced the changes ever since.

In August 2019 after 23 years on the high street, I moved away to work remotely embracing opportunities to photograph nationwide and overseas, as well as keeping a firm foothold in Oxted where I live and run the business from.

Thank you so much for all your support over the years, I could not have come this far without you. It has given me so much joy and pleasure to be able to create a business from something I just love – namely photographing people and the things they love and value. Such as their family, home & garden, business premises, headshots and so, so much more.

In 2012 I was commissioned to photograph a comprehensive classic and supercar collection to create provenance and a lasting memory for the owner to mark a special birthday. This commission led me into the automotive world, including photographing Formula One behind the scenes at the British Grand Prix.

As a result of this, in 2013 I created a new brand within SMS Creative Photography called ‘Stella – Lifestyle and Automotive Photography’. To see images from various automotive events including Formula One take a look at the website - stellascordellis.com

Seven times World Champion Lewis Hamilton at the British Grand Prix 2018 with fans during signing autographs.

It gives me even more pleasure to reconnect with so many of you to update your photographs from the very early days. Our ‘Then & Now’ page, on the SMS Creative Photography website, shows the passing of time – you can find it here.

If this idea appeals to you and you would like to recreate a picture from one that I have taken years ago, then please do get in touch – I’d love to hear from you!

Mother and son when he was six years old.

The same mother and son when he was 18 years old.

I continue to photograph portraits, family photo-shoots and celebrations, business headshots, and much more – feel free to explore the website.

Before you do this, I just want to let you know that I have been working on a personal project for posterity since January 2019, photographing the demolition of the gas holder that once sat in Oxted town for over 50 years.

There is a new housing development, nearing completion, on the site – built by St William part of the Berkeley Group. You can see and read the blogs I have written about the process from start to almost finished here – scroll to the bottom of the page under ‘Featured’ - there are 26 blogs so far in total with a couple more to follow to complete the journey due for completion at the end of March 2022.

The demolition process started in January 2019.

The site was ready for the foundations to start in March 2019

There are 111 apartments in three blocks due for completion March 2022

Thank you for your custom and support. I look forward to seeing you again soon.

If you have a project in mind, or just to say hello, feel free to get in touch:-

either on 0777 181 0105 or 01883 722282 or email info@smscreativephotography.co.uk

I’ll leave you with a gallery of a few images from the early days - can you spot yourself?

With many thanks

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens November 2021

The car park entrance to Block C - Hardwick House Courtyard Gardens.

Welcome to blog number 25 about my November 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.

Blocks A and B are now complete! Project completion due January 2022.

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

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

There are 41 apartments in Block A – 21 apartments in Block B and 49 apartments in Block C – including seven penthouses – two each in Blocks B & C and three in Block A.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 23 November 2021 showing the progress to date.

The photographs in the galleries 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…

Before and after – on the left photographed on 29 August 2018 and on the right on 23 November 2021. A view from Station East opposite the entrance to Courtyard Gardens.

The landscaped gardens between Block B and C.

A view from a penthouse terrace.

View from a penthouse terrace.

Right of centre you can see the spire from what was St Michael’s School and now apartments.

The water feature under construction.

Benches to rest and take time out.

On the day I visited the majority of the brick work on Block C was complete with the hoist and silo now removed. With decorations continuing within the apartments terraces and balconies. Landscaping continues and permanent seating benches in place. The water feature is nearing completion.

A view from a penthouse in Block C towards the North Downs

A view from a penthouse towards Johnsdale on the right.

A view from a penthouse Block C overlooking the North Downs.

A kitchen in an apartment in Block C.

View from a balcony in Block C.

Utility room Block C.

Stairwell Block C.

Working outside Block C.

A view from behind the flats on Station Road East during the demolition process photographed on 27 March 2019

The same view point as above showing Block C – Hardwick House photographed on 23 November 2021.

Corridor Block C.

Living room kitchen Block C.

A kitchen Block C.

A view from a balcony Block C.

Ensuite shower room.

A reflection of me in a wardrobe mirror.

An apartment hallway Block C.

An apartment kitchen Block C.

Entrance to Block B car park.

Sign above the pedestrian entrance to Block C.

The side of Block C with Block B to the left.

Block C with blocks B & C behind.

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 October 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 24 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 for the final weeks as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens June 2021

A view from a penthouse terrace in Block C showing the top of the hoist in the foreground, the shops in Station Road East on the right and Block A 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 21 about my June 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.

The photographs featured in this blog were taken on 23 June 2021 showing the progress to date. It has changed a lot since my previous visit in May. It was lovely to see some residents had moved in and made their balconies homely. I can see the site beginning to change from a building site to a resplendent community now called Eden Place.

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 view from one of the penthouses in Block C looking towards the top of Snatts Hill..

A view from a penthouse in Block C.

Looking towards Block A showing the fourth and fifth floors.

Block A from Block C penthouse terrace.

A penthouse in Block B. There are seven penthouses in total.

From Block C penthouse showing the penthouses in Block B left and Block A right.

From a penthouse terrace in Block C with views of the North Downs.

Inside Block C – laying the tracking for the individual apartments to be constructed.

Inside the dividing walls…

Insulation inside the dividing walls.

A living room inside Block C.

A view towards the terrace doors in Block B.

The basement car park in Block B.

Kitchen and living area in Block B.

Stair core ready for plastering

Each time I attend the site I’m shown around by Ness Kingham, Assistant Site Manager. Below she explains the stage the development was at during my visit:

Externally, lighting bollards were being installed in the landscaping area, works were underway forming the structure of the water feature, and another section of pathway through the landscaped gardens had been freshly laid with tarmac.

The Block B scaffold was being struck and brickwork was progressing around the Block B basement linking it to the Block C brickwork.

Internally, joinery and second fix dry lining were underway to the lower floors of Block C and cables were being pulled. Meanwhile, in Block B, decorations were continuing in the apartments and the stair core was being boarded out ready for plastering.

The basement was starting to be cleared of equipment and materials to allow for decorations and snagging, and a push was being made to get the necessary materials distributed before the impending crane dismantle in mid-July. At the time of the visit, the tower crane was being serviced.

From Block B looking onto Block C.

A view onto the landscaping of the gardens from Block B.

Block C due for completion later this year.

Landscaping taking place.

Scaffolding around Block B.

The external stairs to the podium which will wrap around the water feature.

The hoist and silo outside Block C.

Brickwork progressing around the Block B basement lining linking it to Block C.

The wall will be the home of the water feature.

The crane was being serviced.

Landscaping and lighting bollards underway.

From the top of Snatts Hill – a comparison to show on the left taken in January 2019 and on the right in June 2021.

A reflection of me.

The removal of the scaffolding on Block B.

A corridor in Block C.

Electrical cables in Block C.

I hope you are enjoying seeing and learning about the progress of the development, I know I am.

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

To read the blog from May 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 20 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 July to photograph the progress to share.

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