Durkan completes London’s newest urban village

Factory Quarter, built on the former Prestolite factory complex in Acton, West London, took place over a 3 year period and was procured in a PPC 2000 contract through Logic Homes, the development company of which Durkan is a part, specialising in the delivery of mixed tenure housing to improve quality and provide value for money. Made up of eight equal shareholders comprising, housing associations, constructors, developers and architects, the Logic Homes contract structure has seen the design, construction, cost and risk challenges all managed constructively through a partnered and co-operative approach, resulting in the creation of London’s newest urban village.

Designed by architects BPTW, Living Architects and GHM, the Factory Quarter development provides a mix of 104 apartments for affordable rent, 185 for shared ownership and the remaining 165 for private sale. Durkan constructed seven blocks, ranging in height between 2 and 8 storeys and converted two of the late art deco listed factory buildings, providing a tangible link with the site’s past.

Other facilities at the 2.4 hectare development include a multi-use community focused meeting space, retail and commercial space, covering an area of over 5000m2. The landscaped area at the centre of the development was carefully designed to link all the residential blocks, encouraging pedestrian interaction. A children’s play area, quiet areas to sit and tree planting also enhance the communal areas.

Green energy solutions have been high on the agenda at Factory Quarter, with the overall development receiving an Eco Homes ‘Very Good’ rating. The heating and hot water are supplied via a central, combined heat and power system which uses bio-fuel boilers, combined with wind turbines - meeting the 10% renewable energy target for the development. Every property has a smart meter which can be read remotely, this eliminates the need for estimated bills and residents only pay for the energy they use.

Durkan are particularly proud of the fact that Factory Quarter was completed with a £7 million reduction on the original budget and almost nine months ahead of schedule. One innovative way Durkan and the partnership reduced construction times and increased quality was to work on two blocks at the same time, incorporating ‘thin joint’ blockwork on internal walls, and mixed lightweight steel and timber-frame elements.

The development also created around 300 new employment opportunities and offered community involvement through the wider context of its design. Over 20% of the overall workforce was from the local area, 6 of Durkan’s apprentices worked on the site and several students from the Acton and West London College carried out work experience to help with their NVQ qualifications. Due to Durkan’s high record of training women in construction and working with the Women and Manual Trades (WAMT) organisation, a film making team from Oxford University also visited the site to interview women employees for their documentary ‘ Raising the Roof.’

Robert Clark, Managing Director, Durkan commented “Through a high level of co-operation from all parties involved, Durkan are delighted to provide much needed modern eco-efficient homes, set in a sustainable community for local residents in Acton.”

Neil Hadden, Genesis’ Group Chief Executive said ‘”The fact that these fantastic new homes were finished nine months ahead of schedule is testament to the hard work from all parties involved.”

Speaking at the opening of the Factory Quarter, Councillor Stephen Greenhalgh, Leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council commented ‘”Average house prices in the borough are over £450,000, well out of the reach of many hard working families but schemes like this show that it is possible to get a foothold on the property ladder even during these tough economic times.”

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