Developer Minerva has been granted permission to begin work on the Ram Brewery site in Wandsworth. The project will combine commercial and residential space seamlessly, with the total floorspace of the project totalling 1 million square feet.
Originally, Minerva submitted proposals for a development based around two residential towers with space on the lower levels for office space and retail units. However, this design was vetoed after English Heritage and the Health and Safety Executive voiced objections, meaning architects were forced to revise their plans.
The new plan comprises of a 36 storey residential tower measuring 113 metres in height, designed by EPR architects. This tower will offer 661 new homes, many of which are thought to fall under the bracket of affordable housing.
10,000 square feet of both retail and restaurant space will also be created on the ground floor of the tower and in buildings adjacent to the landmark feature.
Furthermore, the site’s heritage will also be addressed under the new plans. The Ram Brewery closed in September 2006 after previous owner Young’s & Co Brewery P.L.C. located to alternative premises.
Up until its closure, Ram Brewery held the moniker of the “oldest British brewery” – a history which Minerva is keen to pay lasting tribute to. As such, historic buildings will be rejuvenated and turned into a brewing museum. A micro-brewery operation will also occupy part of the site to ensure the historic use of the location lasts well into the future.
In total, the development is expected to cost around £1 billion to complete, including a £16.5 million community infrastructure levy Minerva has agreed to pay in order to upgrade the area’s one way system.
This sum also takes into account the significant work to be undertaken on the banks of the River Wandle, which runs through the site and as such can be used as an attractive feature for residents. Minerva plans to put aside 2.8 acres of the space along the bank in order to create a public domain.
Joint Chief Executive of Minerva, Tim Garnham, believes the development will encourage further renewal in the Wandsworth area.
He says; “As well as regenerating a significant area at the heart of Wandsworth town centre, the plans will act as a catalyst for further local investment including the council’s plans to redesign the gyratory, which will see the majority of traffic removed from the town centre.”
Do you think the preservation of the site’s traditional industry will be achieved using the micro-brewery and brewing museum, or do you think setting aside one or more of the historic buildings as pubs would be more fitting, especially given the struggles the pub industry has faced in recent years?
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