Berkeley Group’s St William was created to unlock some of the most technically complex brownfield sites in Britain. It has begun to develop dozens of old gasworks and reconnect them with the surrounding communities.

The office has developed a set of ‘first life, then places, then buildings’ principles to shape the masterplanning for these sites: encouraging sociability; connecting people to nature; connecting people to place and the authentic memory of each site.

At Clarendon, the principles for each space developed out of the social activity being encouraged, from exercising to using the community café connected to the park. Our approach, as always, rests on the quality of the spaces, not just the quantity.

The Design’s approach means the gasholders retain a strong presence and the design also references north London’s Moselle Brook, which runs beneath the site. Children are encouraged to paddle the course of the Brook, which eventually cascades into the footprint of the former gasholder, with rain gardens resonant of its original natural banks. A new urban square and pocket park are integral to the design, with rich planting offering seasonal delight.

​

​

  Download case study  

​​