Morgan Sindall has started work on a £17.25m project to build two new residential blocks in Somers Town as part of Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme.

The firm was appointed to the enabling and construction work of this key residential development by the PAGABO framework on behalf of Camden Council.

When completed in late 2024, the two buildings will house 34 new one, two and three-bedroom homes which will be available for social rent. One block will house 20 homes with the other housing 14 and a new community space will also be built on the site.

The project has been able to proceed at pace due to the close working relationship between the council and Morgan Sindall. This saw the pre-construction services agreement (PSCA) quickly completed and the design, surveys and enabling works were finished in just four months. Achieving this timescale meant that the council was able to secure crucial funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA).

The new blocks will replace the aging, pre-existing TRA Hall building with homes featuring high-end amenities and high-performance insulation. The plot will be heated by a district heating system, providing residents with efficient and sustainable heating.

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Morgan Sindall is employing its expertise and Intelligent Solutions approach to solve several logistical issues and complexities inherent to building in Camden’s bustling, urban environment. This includes being in close proximity to a local school, which necessitates strict planning on delivery arrangements and site security to avoid disruptions to the school’s daily operations.

In addition, the site is on a 2.5m left to right slope which requires cutting into and filling the ground to level it. As it was formerly the coal distribution yard for St Pancras station, excavating the area has also unearthed a lot of industrial detritus, which has also required careful management.

As Morgan Sindall look to leave a lasting legacy on a historic area, the team will partake in a number of social value initiatives. The tier one contractor has committed to local employment and apprenticeship schemes, which will see team members conduct community liaison work and go into local secondary schools to talk about careers in construction.

Morgan Sindall Construction's Area Director for London, Richard Dobson, said: "As the need for affordable housing and functional community spaces increase, regeneration schemes such as this are becoming more and more urgent. The Central Somers Town project will become a real asset to the community, breathing new life into the area and providing high-end homes in the heart of Camden.

"As with so many of our projects, this development is about more than just construction and it provides a fantastic opportunity to generate significant social value for the people living and working in Camden. We look forward to employing local construction professionals, supporting apprenticeships, and engaging with students about what a career in construction can offer. Most importantly, we will work with the community, weaving their needs into our work and continuing our longstanding relationship with Camden Council."