Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens January 2022

Welcome to Courtyard Gardens - Oxted

Welcome to blog number 26 about my January 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 with Block C – the final part, due for completion March 2022.

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 with more than two pictures 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 area where the letter boxes will be in Block C Hardwick House. Taken 6 October 2021

The finished letter boxes – all 49 of them. Taken 27 January 2022

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 27 January 2022 showing the progress to date.

THEN & NOW

The top photograph taken on 2nd May 2019 from behind the flats in Station Road East. Below the trees and fence in the centre you can see the outline of where the gas holder once sat.

The bottom photograph is the same viewpoint on 27th January 2022.

Block C Hardwick House stands resplendently without any scaffolding and nearing completion.

A view from a penthouse apartment in Block C looking over to Block A and the entrance to Courtyard Gardens for Blocks A & B.

A view from one of the penthouse apartments towards the North Downs and Station Road East behind the shops.

A terrace on one of the penthouse apartments Block C.

A view from a penthouse apartment terrace in Block C looking towards the top of Snatts Hill. The spire from St Michaels can be seen from above the trees centre-right.

Looking down onto a terrace in Block B from a penthouse in Block C.

A view from a penthosue in Block C towards the North Downs.

A terrace from one of the two penthouses in Block C.

A spacious terrace in one of the two penthouses in Block C.

Another spectacular view from a penthouse terrace in Block C with the North Downs clear to see.

The terrace of a penthouse in Block C.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from Station Road East, Oxted.

On the day of my visit the apartments in Block C were nearing completion and the gardens almost planted and ready for Spring time. There was a lovely waft from a sweet-smelling shrub as I wandered through the gardens. It does look and feel like a wonderful place to live.

The office cabins that once sat next to Block C and behind Block B have been taken down making way for landscaping and the finishing of the gardens.

A view from an apartment terrace in Block C looking towards Blocks A & B.

A kitchen in Block C.

A bathroom in Block C.

A bathroom in Block C.

A kitchen in Block C.

The water feature at the entrance to Courtyard Gardens depicts the finish of the gas holder that previously stood on this site.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from Station Road East inbetween Starbucks and Gloss Hair Spa.

A view from a penthouse looking out to the terrace Block C.

Block C as you enter through the gates of Courtyard Gardens.

Externally Block C is complete and is accessed by cars via a separate car park entrance from Johnsdale.

Eden Place – the name of the road Courtyard Gardens is located.

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 November 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 25 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. The last few remaining apartments in Block C, Hardwick House are well worth looking at.

Looking forward to going back in the next few weeks to photograph the progress as we edge closer to completion.

Thank you

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 April 2021

The second bedroom in the showhome.

Welcome to blog number 19 about my April 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.

Due to the lockdown restrictions, I haven’t been on site since December. I was delighted to be welcomed back on April 14th to take a variety of photographs of the progress to share with you. I must say It does look incredible – I am always amazed by the number of processes, skills and crafts involved to create buildings such as these. It doesn’t seem that long ago that a solitary gasholder sat on the site for over 50 years!

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

Read on to find out more…

The car park under Block C.

The plant room where all the heating and water is housed very neatly for all three blocks.

The same plant room showing the boilers and pumps for water and heating to service all the flats in all three blocks.

Looking out of Block C onto Block A.

Looking out from a terrace in Block C onto Johnsdale.

Looking out onto the back of the shops on Station Road East from the plant room.

The layout for indivudual flats to be constructed.

Looking out of Block C on to Block A and the entrance to Blocks A and B under the arch.

A penthouse apartment in Block C.

Timber pattressing in position within a kitchen wall for units to be fixed to.

Whilst I was on site I was told there were 150 people working in different areas. It’s interesting to see the various stages each Block is at. Block A will be completed first, followed by Block B then Block C.

Car park beneath Block A .

Construction of an apartment space.

Apartment under construction.

Penthouse in Block B with a beautiful slate finish and fabulous view from the terrace.

Looking out from the terrace of a Penthouse in Block B to Block C.

Apartment inside Block A.

Kitchen progress in Block A .

The master bedroom in the show home in Block A.

En-suite shower room in show home.

The second bedroom in the show home.

The second bedroom in the show home.

The assistant site manager who shows me around the site on each visit is called Ness Kingham – I asked her for a current update on each of the three Blocks, below is her response:

Block A is at decoration with apartments gradually being handed over to customer service for final snagging. Block B façade is near completion, and internals are progressing with 2nd fix at lower levels. Block C mansard roof has commenced and windows are installed on half of the block. Internally, the lower levels are at first fix whilst the rest of the building is made watertight. Externally, the lower half of the podium landscaped gardens is underway.

The living room in the show home with doors to the terrace on the left.

The comfortable breakfast area in the kitchen in the show home.

The kitchen in the show home is well laid out with plenty of storage.

Tastefully furnished with attention to detail.

Desk space in the living room in the show home.

The living area in the show home looks out onto the entrance of Courtyard Gardens.

The entrance to Courtyard Gardens from the show home looking out onto Block C.

The view from the living room window in the show home looking out onto the entrance to courtyard Gardens. Block C in the center with Block B to the right.

The spacious terrace to the show home.

The spacious terrace to the show home.

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 December 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 18 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 May to see the progress to share.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens December 2020

Block A this side of the building has completed brickwork.

Welcome to blog number 18 about my December site visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing updates documenting the process from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019, right through to the completion in summer 2021 of 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

These photographs were taken on Tuesday 15 December, with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions).

To give you a better understanding of the site I have included a photograph of the model below of Courtyard Gardens, it clearly shows the layout – I often refer to it before going on-site to get my bearings.

Read on to find out more…

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

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

I noticed a big change since I last visited the site back in October, as always the scale of the development never ceases to amaze me.

My site visits are accompanied by Ness Kingham, Assitant Site Manager who shows me around and updates me about the changes since my last visit and what is due to happen next. The next paragraph, from Ness, tells you more about the state of play on the day of my visit.

Internal trades are underway on Block A with first fix mechanical and electrical on the higher levels, and second fix dry lining on the lower. Brickwork is near complete, with balustrading underway on the balconies and terraces, and scaffold striking has commenced on the eastern elevation. Brickwork has commenced on Block B and windows are being installed on the upper levels. On Block C, façade is underway on the lower floors and blockwork has gone up in the basements. Externally, a second mortar silo has been installed and the original site cabins have been removed to make way for landscaping to commence in January.

A view from between Blocks B and C with Block A on the left. The original site cabins that once stood right of the mortar silo have been removed to make way for landscaping stating January 2021.

Looking out of the pedestrian entrance to Block B across what will be landscaped gardens to Block C.

Looking towards the entrance and communal lift in Block A.

A lift in Block A.

Inside a living room in one of the apartments in Block A.

Water pipes in a corridor riser.

Doors to one of the apartments in Block A leading to a terrace.

View from a balcony in Block A onto the entrance and soon to be landscaped gardens, looking towards Station Road East.

The car park beneath Block A – the pipe and cables are complete in the ceiling.

Inside the plant room that houses the boilers and water tank which serve all the apartments – Block C

The different grades of plasterboard some are better suited to humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, whereas others provide higher fire resistance or sound insulation properties.

Inside a master bedroom in one of the apartments in Block A.

Electrical cable and pipework in the ceiling recess of a corridor in Block A.

Side of Block B showing the hoist.

A terrace to a first floor apartment in Block A behind Priory House.

Close up of the brickwork, on the left the red ones and the purple ones on the right. This still needs to be cleaned and the expansion joint sealed

A balcony in Block A.

Balcony in Block A with balustrading underway.

Whilst I was there a lorry brought in a second mortar silo to service Block C.

Looking out of a second floor balcony from Block A showing Block B in the far distance on the right and overlooking what will be the landscaped garden entrance to Block B with Block C on the left.

Same view as the previous image showing a second mortar silo has been installed in front of Block C. Landscaping will commence January 2021, in the area bottom left of the photo where the machine is seen.

A stairwell in Block A with balustrading.

Looking back at Block A from the soon-to-be landscaped gardens and entrance to Block C.

Looking towards the walkway between Block A on the right and Block B seen on the left. The curved concrete structure forms part of the landscaped gardens as shown on the photograph of the model at the start of this blog.

A floor level within Block C.

Brickwork on Block B.

Block C where the former Johnsdale car park was, the site cabins can be seen to the right of the picture, with the crane just visible.

Below pictures of the site photographed in January 2019 and again in December 2020

The site in January 2019 when the start of the dismantling of the gasholder began.

The site in December 2020 showing Block C with Block A showing to the right.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

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

To read the blog from October please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 17 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.

I’ll be back with more news as soon as I can depending on the current lockdown restricitions.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens October 2020

Block B (right) and Block C (left) at Courtyard Gardens Oxted.

Welcome to blog number 17 about my recent visit to Courtyard Gardens here in Oxted – built on the former gasholder site.

This forms part of a series of ongoing updates 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 in summer 2021, by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs I’m showing were taken on Monday 26 October, with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions).

To give you a better understanding of the site I’m including a photograph of the model below of Courtyard Gardens so we can get our bearings – I often refer to it before going on-site – read on to find out more…

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

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

I always look forward to photographing onsite because so much changes from month to month. During this visit I was told:

“We are preparing the slab of Block C on the 5th floor, with brickwork at level 3 on Block A and windows at level 5. The first fix mechanical and electrical are at level 1 on Block A. The windows on Block B are at level 1”.

The underground car park in Block C.

Looking out from the top of Block C towards Johnsdale on the right of the photograph.

View from 5th floor of Block C toward the top of Snatts Hill onto the A25.

Looking out from Block A

Block C level 5 – marking out the steel, preparing the slab for the next stage. The crane in the background bringing materials.

Block C level 5 preparing the slab. Beautiful views!

Blocks A and B car parks are connected via pedestrian access only. Cars will have independent access to the respective parking areas but pedestrians can pass between all car parks.

Looking through the rebar at the views beyond at level 5 Block C.

Underneath Block C decking to prepare for the 5th floor slab.

Block A on the right showing Block B and Block B car park to the left, the future landscaped gardens will sit in the foreground.

Block C car park level 1.

Windows on Block A.

Looking down from Block C at what will be the landscaped area and road entrance to Blocks A and B.

The development is gated for residents and their guests only. Block C is accessed via Johnsdale, behind Station Road East. Whilst Blocks A and B are accessed via Station Road East. There is parking for residents in the car parks beneath the flats.

Looking at Block C from future landscaped gardens outside Block B.

Block C on the left and Block B on the right showing the windows at level 1.

Block A windows at level 5 and brickwork at level 3. The foreground area will be landscaped.

Windows installed in Block B level 1, the brickwork is built around this.

Block B car park sits underneath the building.

Brickwork at level 3 on Block A .

Pointing to brickwork – there are three different colours of brick used, known informally as yellow, red and purple. This photo shows purple bricks only.

Block A level 3 windows and doors opening onto balcony ready for the brickwork to be built.

Balcony view level 5 Block A.

View from balcony Block A.

The Berkeley Group is renowned for landscaping and Courtyard Gardens will not be an exception. Finished with wonderful gardens, seating areas and a water feature.

View from Block A towards Block C.

Inside an apartment Block A.

Corridor Block A.

Finished brickwork Block A level 3. Purple brick colour shown on the left of the picture.

Brickwork detail above the balcony doors.

Inside one of the flats showing wiring and sprinkler pipes on the ceiling.

The show flat is taking shape and will be ready to welcome prospective buyers in February 2021.

Inside the plant room in Block A that houses the boilers and water tanks for all apartments, this can be found at basement level.

Another view inside the plant room.

The side of Block C from behind the flats on Station Road East that sit above the shops. This use to be the traders’ car park by Johnsdale.

Block C with Block A seen behind on the right.

The Front of Block A which is accessed via a side road on Station Road East next to Carpet Right.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

All of the images are held within my personal archive for posterity. It’s becoming harder to remember what the site first looked like before, but what I do remember is the vast gasholder that deceptively took up so much space.

To read the blog from September please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 16 previous gasholder blogs.

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

I’ll be back in December with my next site visit update. Unfortunately the November visit will not be possible due to the current Government lockdown restrictions for non-essential visits.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens September 2020

Courtyard Gardens, Oxted – view of Block C from the top of Block B

Welcome to blog number 16 – this months site visit took place on Thursday 24 September, a sunny and warm day despite the wet and overcast start.

This blog forms part of a series of ongoing blogs documenting the gasholder before demolition, during demolition at the start of 2019, and during the building process which I started in the Spring of 2019. Completion of the 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses is scheduled for Summer 2021 by St William part of the Berkeley Group.

The photograph below shows a model of the completed development to help you understand the progress photographs a little better.

A model of Courtyard Gardens housing development can be found at Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, Oxted opposite the site.

Block A shown above on the right, with Block B adjoining via a walkway is shown back centre. Block C is separate from Blocks A & B and is shown on the left.

The entrance to Blocks A & B is via Station Road East – seen in the foreground of the model. Block C is accessed via the entrance on the far left of the model, next to Johnsdale, where the former car park entrance once stood – all set beautifully within landscaped gardens. Each apartment has a balcony or terrace to enjoy the outside space.

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

Looking out of Block C to the top of Block A.

Inside Block C

Looking out of Block B to Block A

Block C, level 4 slab being built. Block B is in the background.

Each Level and apartment is identified

From Block B looking towards Johnsdale.

The views from the top of Block A from the roof level which is inaccessible to residents.

How things have changed since my site visit in August.

The current status I’m told is – the frame is complete on Block A – at level 5 on Block B – and at level 4 on Block C.

The SFS (steel frame structure - the metal that is put up around the edge of the building that the purple weather defence board is then fixed to) is being installed at Block B level 2 and Block A level 5.

Meanwhile, all other trades are operating solely on Block A with windows being installed on level 3, brickwork on level 2, and internal fit-out across levels 1 and 2.

Block C up to 4th floor there will be 5 floors when complete.

View from the roof of Block A inaccessible to residents.

The outside lift on Block A– a hoist for passengers and materials to all floors.

The lift shaft and core of Block B.

Block B looking towards Block A.

The top of Block C on level 4.

Car Park Block A.

A view of the top of Block B on the right and Block C on the left, the portacabin the site mangers and others work from is visible in the middle.

An outside lift called a hoist has been added to Block A to enable passengers and materials to be easily distributed to the different floors. The second crane has served its purpose and will be dismantled when the weather conditions are right.

Block A level 5.

The different colours of the fireproofed plasterboard represent different purposes. The plasterboard that is grey on both sides is fixed to the walls where the front doors are and are reinforced to prevent forced entry.

Living room in Block A.

Looking out onto a terrace on Block A.

The brickwork on Block A.

There are three different colours of brickwork used on this development to give a unique feel.

Bricklaying in progress on Block A.

Windows and terrace doors fitted ready for the brickwork to complete the exterior on Block A behind the shops in Station Road East. (where my old studio was)

The inside of the utility cupboard in the show apartment.

Living room in the show flat.

Inside one of the apartments.

Corridor in Block A.

Markings on the floor for a wall to be added

Masterbedroom in the show flat Block A.

Block C from behind the flats on Station Road East.

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the progress of the development as much as I have, it’s been lovely to share this with you.

To read the blog from August please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found towards the bottom of the main blog page under featured ‘Featured’ blogs – this includes all 15 gas holder blogs.

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

I’ll be back next month with more news.

Thank you.

Stella