Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens August 2020

Far reaching views from the rooftop of Block A at Courtyards Gardens, Oxted.

It has been six months since I last had the pleasure of photographing Courtyard Gardens, the former home of the gasholder here in Oxted, Surrey and what a tremendous change I encountered.

This is blog number 15 and 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 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.

When entering the top of Snatts Hill from the A25 you can’t help but notice the emerging levels of Block A, I’m told the concrete frame is nearly complete with some final upstands left to pour on the roof. The view from the top of the building is spectacular – overlooking the far-reaching views of the North Downs and above the rooftops of the town.

The comparison of the two photographs below shows the view from the top of Snatts Hill in August 2018 on the left and August 2020 on the right. Isn’t it strange how quickly we forget how imposing and grand the gasholder once was, after all, it was part of the landscape of Oxted for over 50 years

My site visit took place on Monday 17 August, the photographs shown on this blog tell more of the unfolding story with captions on each image - (smartphone view in landscape format to enable captions). I’m going to start with 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 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.

A view of Block C from behind the flats in Station Road East.

The underground car park in Block C.

The plant rooms, pre-blockwork, these are on the lower ground floor. The car park is the level below.

This is the falsework on Block C Level 00.

From Block C the podium on level 1, looking back at Blocks A & B.

These are the walls and stair core on Block B

Looking back at Block A from Block B.

New social distancing rules to stay 2 metres apart.

Blocks C & B.

The build so far, I’m told Block B is at level 3 and Block C is progressing to level 2. Brickwork, façade and dry lining have commenced on Block A whilst mechanical and electrical works are underway in all blocks.

The entrance to the foyer of Block A.

Looking out of Block A over Block C.

One of the two bedroom flats.

A view from a balcony in Block A overlooking the entrance in Station Road East.

Level 01, Block A.

The exterior brickwork on Block A showing the different types of bricks used – the yellows.

Another brick type called red.

Windows and bricks on level 1 Block A.

A flat in Block A – Level 1.

A spacious view inside an apartment on Level 02.

A sunny view looking over Block C.

Block A – Level 3.

Looking down from Block A showing a terrace and looking over Block C. The entrance to Courtyard Gardens can be seen in the centre of the picture.

The brick work on the exterior is starting to take shape, there are three different finishes to give Courtyard Gardens a unique look and feel.

Level 02 from Block B overlooking Block C.

The exterior curve of the building on Block A.

Looking out of Block A over to Block C.

Block A looking over to Block B on the right.

A balcony view from Block A looking over the development.

Block A, on the rear elevation adjacent to the station.

From Level 04 of Block A showing the breathtaking views of the North Downs.

Another far-reaching view from the top of Block A.

A view from Block A. The crane closest to the building is soon to be dismantled. The hoist is already erected on site which will provide distribution of materials to each of the floors.

From the rooftop of Block A showing the top of St. Michaels in the distance.

From Block A rooftop looking towards the A25 and the top of Snatts Hill with St. Michaels at the top in the far distance.

The start of the brick works.

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.

I’ll be back next month with more photographs to share with you from my September site visit.

To read the blog from February please click here and to read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs, this includes the other 14 gas holder blogs.

Thank you.

Stella

Oxted Town Re-Opens

As we emerge from lockdown to a different world to the one we left in March we can begin to enjoy freedom again.

In June I took a trip into Oxted town to take a few photographs to see how the town was looking during lockdown and to see the construction progress at the former gas holder site Courtyard Gardens from different viewpoints around the town.

The last time I was able to go onsite to take progress photographs was in February, a link to my blog from then can be found here. I think you’ll agree it is going up very fast! I don’t know when I will be given access to photograph onsite again as only essential workers are currently granted the right to do so.

Above photographs of Courtyard Gardens from various viewpoints around the town in June 2020.

On July 4th hair salons and barbers were given government permission to open their doors to start trading again following strict guidelines to avoid the spread of coronavirus. I wanted to record this moment for posterity and to see how the town was waking up after closing in March.

Above photographs of the re-opening of hair salons, barbers and other shops in Oxted town on July 4th 2020 to mark this moment in time.

Hopefully, it won’t be too long before I’m given permission to resume my site visits at Courtyards Gardens to bring you up to date photographs of the development.

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Thanks for reading

Stella

Lockdown In Oxted Town

Now that I have settled into lockdown I find myself in some kind of surreal routine – combining daily exercise, work and virtual social life, I am feeling institutionalised.

A couple of weeks ago I ventured into the local town of Oxted where I once had my studio to take a few photographs.

I hadn’t been to town for over six weeks because of being abroad and lockdown. I decided to take the half-hour walk as part of my daily exercise to take photographs to document the effects of coronavirus on the high street so I could look back on them in years to come.

It wasn’t until I arrived on the high street that the full impact of the pandemic hit home – it felt like I was on a desolate film set and the director was going to shout – ‘lights, camera, action’ and the actors would start performing, but no this was real life, there was no one around and no traffic. The shops all had notices to say they had temporarily closed, some windows were covered from the inside, the restaurant tables weren’t set for diners and coffee shops in darkness.

I had been living in a bubble, even though I had watched the news bulletins, somehow it wasn’t until now the reality hit home – our lives won’t ever be the same again.

I’d like to share with you some of my observations, I’m sure one day I’ll reflect on this time as if it were a dream.

In the meantime, lockdown continues with a few relaxed rules meaning we can venture out for more exercise, go back to work by keeping to the 2-metre social distancing rule and even meet up with one other person outside of our home in a park. Weddings, events and overseas travel continue to be off-limits for the foreseeable future!

Keep well and stay safe!

Stella

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To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens February 2020

My site visit to Courtyard Gardens on 25 February proved to be relatively dry considering it had been the wettest February on record. I noticed a significant difference this month from my previous January visit, concrete underground car park floors are starting to appear and exterior walls taking shape.

This is blog number 14 and forms part of a series of monthly visits until completion of all 111 high-end one, two and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses in Summer 2021, by St Willam part of the Berkeley Group.

The photographs that follow have captions to tell you more about the process.

Carpark floors and walls taking shape.

From previous blogs I’m sure you are aware of how the site is changing. On this particular visit I noticed the most significant change because of how much work has, and is, taking place above ground and the number of workmen on site.

Block A is taking shape with the concrete carpark floor nearing completion.

Carpark concrete walls taking shape.

The carpark wall being formed. Showing the completed concrete floor.

From small skips to other building materials that aren’t packaged are moved across the site by crane.

Overlooking Block C carpark.

Two cranes make the move of a foul pump chamber quick and efficient from one end of the site to the other.

Placement of a foul pump chamber under carpark in Block C.

Foul pump chamber carefully lowered in place.

Block C lift core is complete, ready to be integrated with the basement slab.

Regular deliveries of freshly mixed concrete for immediate use.

It is now becoming clear exactly where Blocks A, B and C are positioned as the outlines of buildings take shape.

Behind Oxted railway station, Block A.

Behind the shops in Station Road East, the carparks are taking shape.

Lowering the foul pump chamber in place.

Carpark walls ready for filling with concrete.

Building the structure for the walls.

Four piles excavated in preparation for forming a pile cap.

Block A carpark taking shape from a different viewpoint.

Carpark walls for Block B.

Precision engineering for the correct alignment of the buildings.

Careful lowering of materials takes precision steering above and below ground.

Lowering of materials. Viewpoint behind the lower end of Station Road East.

The cab for the crane operator.

Block C carpark showing piling caps ready for the next stage.

This ongoing process of visiting the site every month, from the demolition of the gasholder in January 2019 to now has given me a real sense of appreciation as to what goes into building a development such as this.

I have learnt so much about the different processes, including the different skills, the architectural plans, the materials, the site management and how the weather plays a part as to how the site is managed. I am always excited to see the changes from month to month and am thankful to St William, for giving me the access to capture the changing town for posterity.

Looking up at one of the two cranes.

Cutting materials to size.

Lots of activity on site this month.

Carpark walls under construction.

The portacabins in the distance are also a hive of activity for site management.

Top of the rebars on the Block C lift core ready to be integrated with the basement slab.

Piling caps.

Thanks for reading I’ll be back in April with an update about my March visit. To read the other blogs about Courtyard Gardens please click here.

This link to my January visit to the site shows a display model of the development at Robert Leech Estate Agents just opposite the building works, this is where the buildings are brought to life and well worth a visit, you won’t be disappointed.

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens January 2020

A model of the development from the Station Road East entrance. On the far right is Block A with adjoining Block B to the left and Block C front left, sitting in beautifully landscaped gardens. Access to Blocks A and B are via the current Station Road East entrance whilst Block C is accessed independently via the Johnsdale entrance.

My first visit of 2020 to the Oxted Courtyard Gardens development site took place on Friday 24 January on an overcast day. A lot had changed since my last visit back in early December when the piling was nearing completion and the second tower crane was about to be installed. Although the site was closed for two weeks over the Christmas break I did notice a significant change, read on to find out more.

The following photographs all have captions on top to tell you more about the procedures in place for the 111 high-quality apartments.

The foundations for the underground car park at the back of the shops in Station Road East where Block A is located.

The two tower cranes used for moving materials from the furthest points on site.

The piling completed for Block A with the pile caps visible.

Some of the pile caps for Block A. This will form a pillar in the underground car park.

A view of where the steel cages are made and where Block B will be located

The second tower crane was installed in a day, the preparation to install the base took two weeks. The two piling rigs are no longer on-site as all the pilling is complete.

Making the cages that form the pile caps.

Finished cages.

This is blog number 13, just a brief recap in case you haven’t been following them.

I started writing my blogs in January 2019 when the demolition of the gasholder - which was previously on the site for over 50 years - commenced as a personal project for posterity. I have a long and deep connection with Oxted as my studio in Station Road East, which I moved away from in August 2019 after 23 years, backed onto the site, and ever since I took the lease on the premises at the end of 1996 I heard about how the gasholder site may one day be developed and I was not going to miss the opportunity to photographically document this, which has become a fascinating and enlightening project.

During each of my site visits, I always learn more about the construction process and all the skills that are employed along the way to ensure everything complies with building regulations, health and safety, and all the other regulations to monitor the air quality and vibrations to name only a few.

The development will be completed at the end of Summer 2021 and the show apartment will be ready for viewing this Summer with over 50% of the apartments already sold.

This mobile concrete pump was hired for the day to assist with depositing large quantities of concrete via a long arm into the base of Block C.

The concrete is poured via this arm into a cage to form a pile cap under Block C.

The concrete is poured into a cage to form a pile cap under Block C.

The foundations of the underground car park of Block C.

Foundations in place for Block A showing the piling caps.

Steel cages are constructed on site, and are surrounded underground by concrete to form a pile cap.

The two cranes are used to move objects from one part of the site to the other with ease and precision.

A view looking up to where Block A will sit, the portacabins will be relocated down the site as the development progresses.

The underground car park of Block C.

The pile cap, the bars poking out the top are column starter bars. The blue columns are dewatering wells to assist with the ground water levels.

Another angle of the development from the left of the Johnsdale entrance, the apartments are behind Station Road East, clearly showing Block C on the right with Block B on the left with Block A adjoining it. All the apartments are being built with underground allocated parking.

My previous blog showed the finishing of the base for this crane to be installed.

The foundations have to be immensely strong to support the tower crane, especially as the site is exposed to harsh winds and the elements.

The two tower cranes work together to save time moving materials accross the site.

Look towards Block A with the foundations completed.

A view from the portacabins towards Block C showing the arm from the concrete pump depositing to the base concrete.

The underground car parks for Block C on the left and Block B far right.

A view from behind the flats at the bottom of Station Road East shows another angle of Block C.

On the far left showing the entrance to Block C, behind the houses in Johnsdale.

A view of the site from the Johnsdale entrance showing Block C on the right and Block B on the left with Block A adjoining Block B. All 111 high-quality apartments enjoy a private outside space.

There are two separate entrances to the development. Blocks A and B via the current Station Road East entrance and Block C via the current Johnsdale entrance, there is no cross over point between Block C to Blocks A and B due to the different levels. The landscaped gardens are communal.

Inside Robert Leech Estate Agents.

If you would like to find out more about purchasing one or just to satisfy your curiosity, call into Robert Leech Estate Agents on Station Road East, you’ll also get to see the model of the development, they are very friendly in there, just ask to speak to Suzanne Buck from the St William Group or her colleague Geraldine Nightingale both assigned to the development.

That’s all for now, I’ll be back again next month with my February site visit.

Thanks for reading.

Stella

Oxted Gasholder - Courtyard Gardens Build - December 2019

Welcome to my December blog here at Courtyard Gardens in Oxted the former site of the gasholder which was demolished earlier this year.

This is blog number 12 and forms part of a series of monthly visits until completion of all 111 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses in Summer 2021.

As mentioned in previous blogs I have been given kind permission by St William part of the Berkeley Group to photographically document the progress. I had my business premises on Station Road East for 23 years until I relocated in August this year, 2019, to work remotely. I was at number 83 Station Road East which backs onto the site, on the far left of the picture below. When I opened my business in early 1997 there was talk about the gasholder being demolished which was on and off for years, that was until it became a reality. It was because of this that I have made it my mission to take onboard the photographing on a monthly basis for posterity. Little did I know when I started this process that I would learn so much first hand about the building process and look forward to learning more whilst photographing onsite.

The photographs from my visit this month were taken on Tuesday 10 December, whilst I was accompanied by Assistant Site Manager Ness Kingham, my thanks go to her and all the other friendly people onsite who make me feel most welcome each time I visit.

Looking down the site over the sheet piling where Block A will be built.

All of the photographs have captions on which tell you what was happening at the time of my visit. On this particular occasion they were completing the piling process and preparing the base for the delivery of a second crane. The two cranes will be used to move deliveries from different parts of the site with minimum disruption and ease.

The entrance in Station Road East to the site.

A view looking down towards Johnsdale. The underground car park foundations are in place. The road in the foreground will be one of the two entrances to Courtyards Gardens. Water is being swept away as deliveries arrive.

The delivery of diesel is a regular occurence to keep the machinery in constant working order.

This area is used to make the steel cages using rebars.

This area has been prepared for the insertion of the steel cage, in preparation for the delivery of the second crane.

Temporary safety steps are used at strategic points around the site for ease of access.

One of the two piling rigs with the first crane visible behind it.

This rig is ready to be inserted and anchored within the steel cage made for the second crane to be bolted to. This is all below ground and when covered with concrete will not be visible other than the anchor points.

All the work that has taken place this year was firstly to demolish the gasholder which stood in place for 50 years and to prepare the foundations which have taken up until now. In the new year the above ground building works will commence on Block A. As mentioned in previous blogs there will be three Blocks, A, B and C.

To read the previous 11 blogs please follow this link to the Blogs part of the website.

This cage made onsite is used specifically to go in the pit as part of the anchor station for the arrival of a second crane.

This is where the steel cages are made onsite using rebars. Rebar is added to concrete to provide tensile strength.

The cages are made to order depending on their use onsite.

CCTV is used around the site for security.

A look through the safety barriers at the piling rig and crane. The two piling rigs are responsible for the insertion of the 401 piles drilled into the ground.

The site from the top corner of the former Johnsdale car park.

This is where the steel ‘cages’ are made for the piling.

Safety wear as shown here is compulsory. If it is raining and frosty, safety glasses can be removed when necessary so the rain and condensation on the glasses are not hazardous.

To view a model of the finished development head on over to Robert Leech Estate Agents in Station Road East, Oxted. It really is fascinating to see how this once forgotten area will be transformed to enhance the town.

This area will become one of the underground carparks. The blue tubes visible through the fence in the centre foreground is where surplus water is collected from the water table and drained away via the processing plant.

The two piling rigs and the crane. The crane will be used to move deliveries efficiently from one part of the site to the other.

Information about the crane.

To get to the work platform this workman has to climb 30 metres. The ladders are divided into sections with a safety platform separating each one.

With careful guidance, the cage is lifted in preparation for insertion in the concrete laid pit.

Lots of faces at the window of the onsite office to watch the insertion of the steel cage in the pit which sits at the front of the cabins.

It takes precision and guidance to position the cage in the pit over the steel rods.

Gently does it over the four corners.

It has to be precise, the steel rods need to be in the correct place during insertion of the cage.

The people in the orange hats are slingers who are responsible for directing any lifting.

The next stage is to insert the crane anchor bolts, followed by more carefully-built rebar cages, before filling the base with concrete.

Each person working on the development has a specific role which is intrinsic to the progress, I think this really is team work at its very best, with strict time frames and coordination in place. It never ceases to amaze me how much is actually involved, My next visit will be taking place at the end of January.

Once the cage is securely in place the chains that attach it to the machinery are unclipped.

Job done with careful precision.

A row of piles, covered with protective caps, ready for the next stage.

Well that’s a wrap for this year at Courtyard Gardens, I’ll be back at the end of January with more progress photographs. In 2020 so much more will be taking place above ground with Block A completed in the autumn, can’t wait to watch it go up!

In the meantime have a fabulous Christmas.

Bye for now…

Stella

To read other previous blogs these can be found on the ‘Featured’ blogs below by using the arrows on the right to scroll through the past 30 blogs.