Wates Construction has entered into a Pre-construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to build The Bishops Avenue, a 22,084m2 luxury later living residence in Hampstead Heath for Riverstone, a provider of exceptional London living for over 65s.

Wates, one of the UK's leading family-owned construction, residential development and property services companies, will deliver 93 apartments with the ambition of setting new standards for sustainability and the creation of social value in the integrated retirement community sector. The enabling and basement works are scheduled to commence later this month, with the main work commencing in November 2023 for 86 weeks.

The residence, located in a landscaped woodland setting, will include a hair and nail salon, spa with sauna and steam rooms, swimming pool and vitality pool, library, club room, restaurant and bar, cinema, exercise studio and ballroom. There will also be bespoke on-site professional care with highly qualified staff to provide support and care to residents should they require it.

At The Bishops Avenue, Riverstone is bringing a strong commitment to sustainability and social value, with the project focused on an all-electric energy strategy targeting a net zero carbon plan. Pioneering modern methods of construction will be deployed to develop the site, this will include the use of precast façade systems, bathroom pods, utility modules and bespoke joinery.


Environmental features will include habitat creation and enhancement through a nature pond and regenerated historic native woodland, bio-solar roof panels, electric vehicle charging points for every parking space, heat recovery technology, heightened thermal performance and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

Wates Construction's sector-leading sustainability and social value programmes will also be activated across Barnet to support the wider community as part of the contractor's presence at The Bishops Avenue. Bespoke initiatives will be developed in response to local needs and may include school and college workshops, construction apprenticeships and work experience placements, upskilling sessions to support local employment, trading with local social enterprises and volunteering. Wates has also committed to working with Barnet Council to hire local people, including employing at least one person on the project from a group furthest from the workforce[1].

Dean Rosewell, Regional Director, Wates Construction London Residential, said: "This development represents the very best in later living provision, raising the bar for the sector. What really stands out about The Bishops Avenue scheme is the importance that has been placed on putting future residents at its heart – from first-class facilities to the design of the apartments and communal spaces. We are proud to be partnering with Riverstone to bring their ambitious plans for this this luxury later living community to life, drawing from our expertise in delivering complex, high quality and sustainable residential schemes across prime central London locations."

Paul Vesty, Chief Development Officer of Riverstone, commented: "Our Bishops Avenue residence marks an important milestone for Riverstone as we continue to develop our mix of prime London locations and wide-ranging amenities and expand our expert team to include sector-leading sustainability and social value credentials. Our partnership with Wates will enable us to bring our third residence to life in an outstanding location in which we're confident will see significant demand for this type of exceptional later living offering."

The Bishops Avenue is Riverstone's third residence and continues the roll-out of a programme across prime London locations.

Wates Construction is currently building a later living scheme for Signature on the neighbouring plot at The Bishops Avenue, marking its expansion into the sector.