The development of two key residential schemes within the International Quarter London (IQL) has taken a major stride forward.

Alison Brooks Architects has been selected from five practices invited to submit initial designs. The buildings they design will include commercial space, a creche, and over 330 homes; increasing the number of properties available at IQL via affordability schemes such as Shared Ownership and Help to Buy. 

Public consultation on a final set of designs is expected to begin in January, and the proposals will be consulted on and exhibited locally. They will demonstrate the very highest standards of architecture, while also melding seamlessly into the existing mix of residential, commercial and retail property at IQL. Plans for the public spaces around the buildings will refine the original masterplan and provide a continued focus on outside space, accessibility and nature.

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IQL is a joint venture development between Lendlease and LCR to create a vibrant new neighbourhood within the heart of Stratford, which brings together new homes, offices, and a diverse range of shops.

Justin Davies, Head of Residential at Lendlease, Europe said: "Alison Brooks Architects have a wealth of experience in designing high quality residential buildings, and they have been hugely collaborative throughout this process. We are keen for that approach to continue as we take forward a project that will see us double the amount of housing on offer at IQL."

Adrian Lee, Development Director at LCR, commented: "These designs will play a crucial role in delivering much-needed new homes for London and contributing to the Government's housing targets, while bolstering IQL's reputation as one of the capital's top destinations to live and work. The area has leading cultural institutions and outstanding leisure and sporting facilities on its doorstep, which help it stand out as a great place to locate. 

"We look forward to welcoming Alison Brooks Architects to the IQL team to bring new flair and design excellence to Stratford and to ensure that the new buildings will have sustainability at their core."

Alison Brooks added: "We're honoured to have been selected to work amongst the exceptional architects working in the IQL and the wider Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park context. Our intention is to bring new character and urbanity to this park-side site, evoking the spirit of early 20th C residential towers of New York and Chicago. Our proposal is conceived as a series of nested hexagonal columns that form 'park ledges' rising above a colonnaded base. We look forward to developing this concept with Lendlease and the wider Stratford and QEOP communities."

(CM/MH)