UK affordable homebuilder Berkeley to build 161 homes on recently acquired 15.5-acre site adjacent to Surrey National Golf Club; development slated to begin in early 2013

Allison Oesterle

CHICAGO , October 29, 2012 (press release) – Berkeley has announced its acquisition of the former Oaklands Hospital site on Coulsdon Road, Caterham-on-the-Hill and pledged its commitment to start the build programme by the end of October.

The 15.5 acre site, adjacent to the Surrey National Golf Club, which was granted planning permission in June, is to be re-developed to provide a total of 161 homes including two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Over four acres will be left as open spaces including an area of woodland and a newly created Natural Play Trail on existing Green Belt land to the south western boundary, as well as other areas throughout the development.

The scheme was drawn up after extensive engagement with the local community, councillors and amenity groups and will be called Oakgrove. The build programme is planned to take three years and will be undertaken in two phases; the first phase is currently underway with the second phase starting in 2014.

Comments Berkeley managing director, Matthew Biddle: “We understand that people are always wary of change but we believe the development of Oakgrove will be a great asset to this area of Caterham; it will sit comfortably within the existing residential nature of the area and provide much needed homes for young professionals and families.

“Following our Great Park development in Warlingham ten years ago, we are delighted to be bringing the Berkeley brand back to Caterham; we are renowned for the quality of our build, the high level of specification and our attention to detail and we look forward to be able to demonstrate this when the first homes are launched.”

Oakgrove will feature a palette of materials that will fit with the existing vernacular style of the area with low rise buildings of predominately two-storey homes. A sales office is planned for early 2013, followed by a selection of showhomes which will demonstrate the quality of the build and range of homes available.

Within the scheme, a number of homes will be available for shared ownership and rent through leading affordable housing provider Affinity Sutton, while an existing care facility is to be replaced with a modern state of the art, purpose-built single storey building which is being undertaken by the site’s former owners the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Works for this start in January 2013 with completion within 18 months. An existing home, known locally as the ‘Blue Peter’ bungalow is also to be retained.

The architect for the residential element of the scheme is OSP Architecture, which has already worked on a number of award-winning Berkeley schemes, while Mapp Architects is responsible for the new care building.

Berkeley has announced the appointment of Hamptons estate agents to handle initial enquiries. For further information or to register interest, please telephone 01372 469279.

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