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 July 2021

Courtyard Gardens – Block B on the left and Block A on the right.

Welcome to blog number 22 about my July 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 15th July (crane dismantling from a distance) and 21st July 2021 onsite showing the progress to date.

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…

A view from Ellice Road car park showing the dismantling of the crane.

Each section carefully lifted away.

Segments of the crane transported away from the site

After Crane removal – view from Ellice Road car park, showing the top of Block C

A view of Block C from what will be the entrance off Johnsdale.

This is where the crane once sat, bolted to firm foundations.

Close up of where the crane was bolted.

Car park CBlock B level 00

Take a look at Oxted town and all it has to offer, hear what some of the local traders have to say, including me!

It’s interesting to witness the various stages of the building process and how the different trades work together – from electricians, bricklayers, landscapers, plumbers, tilers and so many more.

At the time of my visit they were preparing for the tower crane concrete infill works to the ground and first floor slabs, whilst the waterproofing and landscaping continued on the podium. Final decorations were underway to Block B and internals continued in Block C.

Stairwell in Block B

Kitchen in an apartment in Block B

Bedroom in Block B

Fitted wardrobes and dressing area in master bedroom Block B

Electrical cables in a corridor riser, Block B

Kitchen in Block B nearing completion

Spacious cupboard in an apartment in a hallway in Block B

Living room in Block B leading onto a terrace via the patio doors

Family bathroom in Block B

Elevator in Block B

Block C with landscaping taking shape in the foreground.

The hoist outside Block C

Landscaping in front of Blocks A and B

A view from an apartment in Block B towards the entrance of Block A - Atkinson House.

Brickwork on Block C

Preparing the steel edging of the pathways outside Block B

Finishing touches to the doorway of Block B Beecham House

Porticos at the Entrance to Block A –  Atkinson House

A close-up of the car park entrance to Block A with apartments above

From the end of Block B looking towards Block A

Final surface preparation shows the installing of the concrete haunching to the steel edging

The last crane was removed from the site on 15 July, this is where it once stood

A terrace to an apartment in Block B

A fast battery charging unit for work tools

The side of Block C from behind the existing flats at the back of Station Road East

A lovely navy kitchen in open plan living area in Block B

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, please do get in touch if you would like to know more.

To read the blog from June 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 21 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 September to photograph the progress 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 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 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