St Bernard's Gate, Southall

An award winning mixed tenure residential development in London Borough of Ealing for Catalyst Housing on the site of the former Victorian asylum, St Bernard’s Hospital, has delivered 266 new homes in six individual blocks, consisting of 126 market sale, 98 Shared Ownership, 22 social rent and 20 at the new London Living Rent.

The development was designed by Hester Architects with PRP Project Services acting as Employer’s Agent for Catalyst. Several the historic features were retained during the project, including three Grade II listed buildings; a Gatehouse, North House and St Bernard’s Chapel. All three were restored to their former glory, with the Chapel and Gatehouse being used as community assets, commercial retail space and affordable workspace, and North House providing luxury apartments.

With the development adjacent to Ealing Hospital, it was crucial to ensure hospital operations could continue as normal. A number of below-ground constraints such as live gas mains and large service tunnels housing critical hospital infrastructure ran through the site, which meant a high level of coordination was required throughout the design and construction phasing.

The development was awarded the Evening Standard New Home Awards, winning Best Development in the Affordable Housing Sector.

James Chatt-Collins, Director of Sales & Marketing for Catalyst said: “We are delighted to have worked with Higgins to deliver such a high-quality development at St Bernard’s Gate. Not only does it look great, this new neighbourhood provides a significant number of affordable homes for local first-time buyers, as well as brand new public space and excellent community facilities.”