Property development is a complicated business. With so many moving parts involved, it is essential to have somebody who oversees the process. This is why Michael Hughes, Residential Land’s development director, plays such a pivotal role in the organisation.
After all, what’s an impressive disused warehouse when you can’t get residential planning permission? What’s an exquisitely designed bathroom when you can’t get hot water?
“We’ve delivered something with an architectural footprint”
“Our team has the whole property cycle covered,” explains Michael, “from involvement in the due diligence at acquisition stage right through to selling the property or letting the units. We also have a property management team that deals with building management across the estate, including compliance, ensuring everything is in working order and helping the occupier – whether it be a leaseholder or tenant – whenever they come across problems.”
In recent years, there has been a particular focus on sustainability. A development that Michael is particularly proud of is the collection of four eco houses in Kew Bridge that Residential Land sold last year.
Our environmentally friendly and energy efficient eco house at Kew Bridge Court in Chiswick
“To my mind,” says Michael, “Kew Bridge Court is the best scheme that we’ve finished. We delivered four very high specification townhouses that were all completed on time and on budget.”
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The Kew Bridge Court Eco Homes were designed to be both environmentally friendly and energy efficient for the occupier. The houses include solar panels, extensive insulation, green roof gardens, ventilation systems, underfloor heating and hot taps in the kitchens (which is far more energy efficient than boiling the kettle).
The latest development which is due for completion this summer is Palace Wharf in Hammersmith. Part warehouse restoration, part new build, it is located on the riverfront near the very popular River Café. Michael believes that unlike so many other developments in London, Palace Wharf is a site with great architectural merit.
Luxury living at one of Kew Bridge Court’s eco houses
“The original buildings were last used as a ceramic works,” says Michael, “and we are ensuring that the industrial feel of the building is retained. For example, we have replaced all the original Crittal windows with new Crittal ones and it looks fantastic.
“Then we have five new copper-clad town houses, which, with their cubist design, are very sympathetic to the industrial nature of the other blocks. As the copper greens in the coming years the building’s character will start to change and this will be exciting to see.
Palace Wharf in Fulham is due for completion in the coming weeks
“So that’s something we can all be proud of – we’ve delivered something with an architectural footprint.”
Perhaps it is this mix of the new and the old that serves as a microcosm for London as a whole – a city that celebrates both tradition and progression. Whatever you’re looking for, whether it be spanking new or comfortingly traditional, Residential Land is bound to have it covered.
