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

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.