Berkeley Homes’ new South regional regeneration arm St John is setting up a joint venture with designer loft company Yoo.
They will concentrate on high-density middle market schemes in suburban areas.
This week Yoo — the loft builder set up by designer Philippe Stark and developer John Hitchcox — and Berkeley signed up to their first joint project. St John will develop Yoo’s 7.5-acre (3ha) site in Stanmore, Middlesex, next to Canons Park tube station.
Both companies hope to continue the relationship with similar jvs, especially north of the north circular in an arc between the M4 and the M1.
The developers hope to submit a planning application shortly. It will incorporate private and affordable housing together with a variety of commercial and retail uses. Acton Housing Association will be the affordable housing provider.
St John will head development and construction management, while Yoo’s design team of 20 will be working on the basic concept as well as bringing its branding and marketing skills to the project.
John Hitchcox, chairman of Yoo, said: “This allows us to continue our policy of undertaking major urban developments, with a focus on high-quality design.”
● This week Yoo also appointed Richard Fryer as land director. Fryer’s remit is to expand Yoo’s UK portfolio, concentrating on major UK cities. Fryer joins from Antler Homes, and was previously development manager at Berkeley Homes (west London).
