Articles - Creative Design
We are thrilled to share an exciting update from Woodberry Down, an innovative regeneration project by Berkeley Group Plc, set across 64 acres in Hackney. This exemplar project has recently been awarded two prestigious Green Apple Environment Awards, recognizing its outstanding achievements in sustainability.
Woodberry Down, a community-led initiative, is revitalizing a postwar housing estate, transforming it into a vibrant, sustainable neighborhood. This project, in collaboration with Hackney Council, Woodberry Down Community Organisation, Manor House Development Trust, and Notting Hill Genesis, aims to deliver 5,500 mixed-tenure homes. The development features a 15-acre network of public parkland, nature trails, and wildlife habitats, creating a green, biodiverse environment for the community.
The first two phases of the development have already achieved a remarkable 142% Biodiversity Net Gain, thanks to the inclusion of blue and green roofs and native planting. This significant accomplishment has been recognized with two awards in the Regeneration category: Gold for Environmental Best Practice and Silver for Sustainable Development.
A key highlight of the project is the transformation of one of the two on-site reservoirs into the Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve, in partnership with London Wildlife Trust and Thames Water. Additionally, the project incorporates various low-carbon technologies, such as electric car charging stations, solar panels, air-source heat pumps, and an on-site district heating energy centre, all contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly community.
Trevor Hughes, Berkeley Development Director at Woodberry Down, expressed his excitement about the recognition, stating, “We’re thrilled to have scooped two awards for sustainable regeneration at Woodberry Down. The estate regeneration is bringing forward thousands of well-connected, sustainable new homes, with acres of biodiverse green space for the whole community to enjoy. Wins like this wouldn’t be possible without the support and vision of our partners; Hackney Council, Woodberry Down Community Organisation, Manor House Development Trust, and Notting Hill Genesis.”
