Located on the former Gasworks site in Epsom, Surrey, our scheme is a short distance to Epsom town centre and Epsom Railway Station. On behalf of Zenith Land, the application proposes 5 residential buildings ranging between 8 to 12 storeys, providing 456 residential units, along with access arrangements, parking, hard and soft landscaping, ample private and public amenity spaces and the re-provision of the Laine Theatre Arts Education Building.
The scheme has been designed with the ambition of creating as much meaningful public realm and landscaping as possible at the heart of the scheme forming part of a new community in Epsom town centre. A ‘green lung’ is designed to form a new setting for the new buildings within the scheme’s proposals as well as forming a relationship with the neighbouring surroundings, other green spaces and recreational areas in the immediate locality.
3 linear residential buildings define the edge of the new ‘green lung’ these elements address the perimeter of the site and are therefore more contextual in scale and materiality.
2 pavilion buildings are positioned within the ‘green lung’ at the heart of the scheme framed by the linear blocks on the perimeter. These 2 buildings (dodecagons) reference the historic gas holders on the site and allow for the landscape to flow around the buildings in contrast to the harder edges of the linear buildings.
The new building for the Laine Theatre Arts will allow the theatre to grow and maintain its status as one of the preeminent dance and musical schools in the UK.
This new open landscaping within the scheme will acts as a physical and visual amenity for all residents and the general public to enjoy, with areas for play, rest, socialising, culture, art and the opportunity to maximise biodiversity and enhance wellbeing.
The developed proposal has been designed with the incorporation of sustainable design and construction methods, the use of cleaner energy and modern green technologies.
Buildings are designed with a high-performance building envelope with a low building form factor to improve overall thermal efficiency.
Sustainable urban drainage strategies are combined within the landscaping to make the scheme more vibrant and visually attractive.
High quality landscaping provides communal amenity and promotes ecological benefits and biodiversity enhancements.
The proposal will not only create a new community in town centre but will also serve as a green lung which will connect to the existing wider network of open green spaces and recreational areas in Epsom.
Improving the connections between these established green spaces and routes will bring numerous advantages such as increasing and protecting biodiversity and supporting local wildlife. Also able to introduce additional functional outdoor spaces and meaningful public realm for both new residents and all the community to enjoy.
Creating a thriving community through promoting Epsom’s performative culture and encouraging residents to actively participate in cultural and artistic activities, promoting social cohesion and a vibrant local culture.
Enhancing Epsom’s green infrastructure will lead to healthier lifestyles and wellbeing through active transportation options. The inclusive design ensures shared routes are accessible to people of all age and abilities. Providing open spaces encourages social interaction and fosters a sense of community and belonging.
