Cundy Street Quarter in Belgravia, London

The Cundy Street Quarter is poised for a transformative enhancement, shifting from a predominantly car parking dominated area with limited public amenities and outdated affordable housing, to a vibrant, low carbon neighbourhood within the prestigious Belgravia district. Central to the redevelopment initiative are plans to introduce 88 affordable housing units directly on site. This thoughtful provision includes new homes available at social rent for Walden House residents, prioritising their relocation into more spacious accommodations within the project's first phase. Such measures underscore a concerted effort to minimise displacement and ensure a seamless transition for the existing community.

In addition to residential improvements, the redevelopment is set to enrich the local landscape significantly. Enhanced green spaces are a cornerstone of the design, aiming to foster community engagement through the creation of a community hub alongside new amenities, including a food store and cinema. The project's commitment to public welfare extends into the meticulous redesign of Orange Square, which will feature a welcoming new entrance leading into Elizabeth Place Gardens – envisioned as a lush urban sanctuary equipped with a water feature and a rich variety of plant life to promote biodiversity. Importantly, the gardens will be accessible to all residents of the Cundy Street Quarter, contributing to a holistic sense of community.

Efforts to enhance connectivity and accessibility are evident through strategic improvements to Avery Farm Row, which will become more cycle and pedestrian-friendly, and the establishment of a new water fountain to mark a distinguished gateway into this part of Belgravia. Further, the revitalisation of Ebury Square opposite the new residential developments is anticipated to invigorate the area, contributing to a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

Significant investment, amounting to £10 million, is allocated toward enriching new and existing public spaces, including a revision of Ebury Square Gardens to integrate children's play areas more effectively. Moreover, Elizabeth Place ‚Äì accessible via Cundy Street ‚Äì will host an array of shops, restaurants, and cafes with outdoor seating, complemented by residential units above, enhancing the vibrancy and appeal of the area.

In a nod to the area's historical and architectural fabric, new developments will embody a series of design principles reflective of traditional London 'mansion blocks,' with a keen emphasis on sustainable architecture that resonates with the character and scale of the surrounding Belgravian buildings. This includes new pedestrian and vehicular routes to bolster neighbourhood connectivity and the creation of distinct residential addresses on Ebury Street, Ebury Square, and Pimlico Road.

This ambitious redevelopment promises not only to elevate the living standards of its residents through the provision of modern, affordable housing but also to reimagine public spaces in a way that nurtures community, biodiversity, and overall wellbeing in one of London's most esteemed locales.