St Ann's Grove

We worked with Countryside Partnerships and Clarion Housing on their bid to transform the site of St Ann’s Hospital in north London into a mixed-use development of 950 homes, with 60% affordable housing. The proposed landscape-led development would enhance the existing character of the site and form a new neighbourhood, with a focus on community, health and wellbeing. The focal point of the scheme is the extended Peace Garden, an existing historic green space, which includes a mix of play areas, fitness equipment, water features and quiet space. Homes ranging from one bedroom flats to four bedroom houses are provided in brick buildings of varying heights around the site.

The existing administration building at the heart of the site overlooking the Peace Garden would be refurbished and extended to provide an indoor and outdoor amenity space for the community. Other retained heritage buildings, including a water tower and gatehouse buildings, would be re-purposed as creative hubs with a focus on retail and wellness, with a café and convenience store. Bricks from existing buildings would be reused to preserve the memory of the old hospital site. Permeability, accessibility and wayfinding across the site heavily influenced our design.

Sustainability, in line with the London Plan’s aspirations for Good Growth, informed the energy strategy. Fully electric heat pumps would be the predominant energy source in pursuit of zero net carbon, while our masterplan delivers an urban greening factor of 0.4. The SINC would be protected and enhanced, new trees planted, and roofs would comprise a combination of solar PV panels and planting – all contributing to improved biodiversity. The community allotments, managed by the Bridge Renewal Trust, would promote wellbeing and healthy eating, in line with the Mayor’s Food Strategy.