The Forge, Upton Park

Telford Homes acquired The Forge in 2014; a swift unconditional purchase of a site without a planning consent. The site was formerly a bus depot bounded on two sides by existing residential developments.  

We obtained planning permission in September 2015. The scheme, designed by RMA Architects, comprises residential apartments, clustered around communal courtyards, accessed off a new public street.  The new buildings range from three to five storeys with a 14-storey focal building.

The development comprises 35% affordable housing and 39% of the homes are family sized with three bedrooms or more. 125 homes have been sold to M&G for build to rent.

In addition to delivering much needed new mixed-tenure homes the development provides substantial public realm enhancement beyond its red line boundary, and a new public pedestrian and cycle link through the site. It makes a net positive biodiversity contribution compared with its previous use. 

Our vision of creating high-density residential apartments clustered around communal courtyards, responds well to the dynamic and changing nature of the capital, whilst respecting its historical urban patterns. Importantly the courtyards provide opportunities for neighbours to get to know each other and enjoy their new community. Given the prevalence of urban loneliness across the world’s cities, the importance of good urban planning and high quality green infrastructure can help counter the often negative health implications of city living. Good place making fosters connections and social interactions between people and nature.

The Forge has also recently won a prestigious Housing Design Award 2020, for more information CLICK HERE.