Global charity Oasis today announced that it has chosen the award-winning United House Group as its preferred partner for the redevelopment of the Oasis Centre in Waterloo.
Oasis chose United House after a demanding three-stage competitive selection process, based on a range of criteria including their approach to the project and their track record of delivering high quality buildings that make a difference to their local communities.
United House is a specialist contractor and developer with an outstanding track record in delivering innovative mixed-use developments. They have experience of working in the London Borough of Lambeth through the Clapham One scheme, which is due for completion in early 2012, where a Studio Egret West (SEW)-designed new community library, a primary care medical centre, leisure facilities plus affordable and private housing have created a new focus to Clapham High Street.
As part of the United House team, SEW has been appointed as architects for the development. SEW, renowned for its exciting community schemes, will help transform the Oasis site in Westminster Bridge Road into a vibrant community hub which will include new facilities for local residents, charities and community groups.
Design feasibility studies for the site are in progress and have included a range of options. Oasis and United House will now begin engaging with the local community, stakeholders and the London Borough of Lambeth to develop a scheme for the site. They will be consulting widely with and involving neighbours, local businesses, community groups and all relevant statutory bodies in the New Year. Following the consultation process, detailed plans will
be produced and a formal application will be submitted to the London Borough of Lambeth and the GLA.
Steve Chalke, the founder and leader of Oasis, has described the plan as his “20:20 Vision” for the area. He said: “I am delighted to be working with United House on the redevelopment plans for the Oasis Centre. We are working hard to meet the needs of the local community in Waterloo and to develop a sustainable programme of positive and inspirational change. I am confident that, together with United House, we can develop a scheme that builds on our existing work and create huge benefits for this community.”
Jeffrey Adams, Group Chief Executive of United House, said: “We are excited about the prospect of working with Oasis in Waterloo and with the Lambeth community. We look forward to assisting Oasis deliver its regeneration goals and transformational 20:20 Vision.”
Christophe Egret, of SEW, said: “Oasis has significant aspirations for the Waterloo area and we look forward to creating a development that will bring opportunity, build aspiration and act as a catalyst for local regeneration.”
For more information, contact Marion Hardman, Four Communications on 0870 626 9030
Editor’s Note
About Oasis:
Oasis is a group of charities which works at the heart of communities to develop community hubs. They aim to provide a whole package of integrated and diverse services to benefit the whole person and the whole community. In Waterloo, Oasis Charitable Trust currently operates, amongst other things, a number of after school clubs, a youth project in St Thomas’ Hospital, and Oasis Church Waterloo. In September 2011 Oasis Community Learning partnered with a local primary school to open Johanna Primary Oasis Academy Waterloo. www.oasisuk.org
About United House:
United House is a leading housing specialist delivering innovative solutions across London and the south as a contractor, developer and investor. It offers a unique and integrated combination of private residential and social housing new build, refurbishment, regeneration, Public Private Partnerships and high-end private residential development. The company was founded in 1964 and current turnover for 2011 is £270 million. United House Developments won the Housebuilder of the Year accolade in the What House Awards 2011. www.unitedhouse.net