Housing Project Wins Prestigious Prize

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Bourbon Lane housing development picks up a Civic Trust Award

An innovative housing scheme in Shepherd’s Bush has won a prestigious honour at the Civic Trust Awards 2008.

The Bourbon Lane development, owned by Octavia Housing and Care, won the Special Award in the ‘Housing Award’ category, coming ahead of 49 other candidates for the prize.

The scheme, built by Como Homes, is 100 per cent affordable housing and is made up of 78 purpose-built flats; 45 are for social rent, while the remaining 33 are for sale to key workers on a shared ownership basis.

Bourbon Lane was commended at the Civic Trust Awards for its public mews areas, private gardens, ‘warm’ timber cladding and brightly coloured appearance. The judges also commented on the building’s energy efficiency, as a combined heat and power plant generates electricity on site, providing residents with electricity and hot water.

Praising the “courageous scheme”, the judges said, "The streetscape creates a positive atmosphere and good neighbourhood streets, giving the area character and personality."

The apartments, which are near Shepherd Bush’s Central Line Tube station and are part of the Westfield shopping centre development, are built on a previously run down and contaminated brownfield site.

Hammersmith and Fulham Cllr Adronie Alford, Cabinet Member for Housing, said the development was a welcome addition to Shepherd’s Bush: "This is a borough where too many people feel that the ladder of opportunity has slipped away. The Council wants to ensure that everyone has a chance to get a foothold on that ladder”.

Expressing her delight at the award, she added: “The Bourbon Lane development demonstrates how well planned landscape and architectural design can create an interesting, attractive and thriving neighbourhood. I hope this development will encourage such qualities in other social housing projects."

Those living at Bourbon Lane shared her enthusiasm:

"This development is wonderful. I love my flat and feel very proud of my purchase,” said resident, Adam Fry.

“A lot of thought was put into building this place and I feel honoured to have had a chance to purchase this flat".

The Bourbon Lane development was completed in July 2007.

March 25, 2008