Mace, Fraser Property and Caddick Developments fly with Wings of Steel at Vauxhall Sky Gardens

Last week saw Mace, Fraser Property, YOO Design and Caddick Developments celebrate the completion of the exterior of Vauxhall Sky Gardens. Due for completion in 2017, Frasers Property and Caddick Developments are undertaking the redevelopment of a site at 143 to 161 Wandsworth Road in London. The proposed development comprises a mix of commercial and residential space, including a single storey podium, as well as an 8 storey tower and 36 storey tower block. 

The construction milestone was celebrated with invited guests, who were treated to a special performance byWings of Steel – the steel drum band from Wyvil Primary School. A neighbor to the development, the school has been a key stakeholder for the site team. Indeed, the Mace team’s fundraising for the school saw the purchase of drum equipment for the band. In 2015 the project team raised £5,700 for the school, which helped to purchase new steel pans and expand the number of pupils in the band. 

Head of School at Wyvil Primary School, Rachel Pereira da Silva, said: “After many years of pan playing, the old steel pans were looking battered and slightly worse for wear. The donation from the Mace project team at Vauxhall Sky Gardens meant that the Wings of Steel band was given a new lease of life with new pans and more members joining. It’s therefore been a fantastic opportunity for the children to show their appreciation and play for the audience at last week’s event.”

The residential element of Vauxhall Sky Gardens consists of 202 private, 2 penthouses and 35 affordable apartments, with seven floors of commercial office space within the tower providing over 4,000 square metres of office space. Linked by a two storey public realm indoor area, the buildings will offer the highest plot ratio of any residential building in London through the incorporation of two 'Sky Gardens'. The gardens offer over 22,000 square foot of outdoor space and the internal residential layout maximizes views to the north and west of London.  

Simon Lear, CEO of Developments at Frasers Property UK, said: “Vauxhall Sky Garden sits at the gateway of the Nine Elms Regeneration area. The structural completion of the top of this 36 storey tower marks a huge milestone for us & for the wider area. The scheme is a huge success, and all apartments & commercial space have been forward sold, we look forward to welcoming our new residents in early 2017 when the site is complete.” 

Johnny Caddick, of Caddick Developments, added: “This is a momentous day for us and I’m thrilled to see our aspirations for this development taking shape and nearing fruition. I’m immensely proud of the quality of the scheme and the fact it will form a major part in the regeneration of the South Bank. I’m confident the finished result, due first quarter of 2017, will be a welcomed and celebrated addition to the area.” 

Chris Harrison, Mace Project Director at Vauxhall Sky Gardens, said: “This is a key milestone for us on the project and a chance to thank the team for getting us this far – ahead of programme. It’s also wonderful to have Wings of Steel here to celebrate with us and show off their amazing skills on the steel pans! We have now just nine months to completion so it’s the final push before residents and businesses can move in and enjoy such a fantastic development.” 

Vauxhall Sky Gardens has been designed with key sustainability features including sustainable energy, low energy services and renewable energy generation, plus the residential units meet Code for Sustainable Homes level 3. 

All apartments will have their own "winter garden" or balcony and will benefit from the use of communal sky and roof gardens, to deliver year round amenity space for residents. Moreover, the building will be a new landmark that will stimulate ongoing regeneration in the area.