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 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

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