Ark Soane Development Celebrates Topping Out Ceremony

The mixed-use development in Acton, West London, comprises 116 high-quality homes, as well as a new 1,200-pupil secondary school, Ark Soane Academy, which opens later this year.

The topping-out ceremony was attended by key figures and stakeholders of the development including Simple Life London representatives, Stuart Churchward and Steven Brewster, as well as Jamie Wilding and Andrew Watson from Countryside,  to celebrate the major milestone in the construction of the multi-million-pound development.

Stuart Churchward, Development Director, for Simple Life London, said: “We’re delighted to have reached this major milestone at Ark Soane. We’re very excited about this scheme, marking the third Simple Life London location and our first development to the West of the city. We have been working with Countryside since 2006 and have delivered over 5,500 BTR homes across the UK. It’s great to see our partnership continue to go from strength to strength. We’re really looking forward to offering a high quality rental option, matched with a professional service, to the people of Acton.”

Daniel King, Managing Director, West London & Thames Valley, Countryside, said: “Following the start of construction last August we are proud to have made swift progress on these high-quality new homes. This topping out ceremony signifies the partnership working that is making the project a success, and we’re looking forward to completing these mixed-tenure homes next year.”

David Gooch, Network Homes Executive Director of Development, said: “It’s great to see this fantastic development at Ark Soane reach an important milestone. We are pleased to be working with Countryside to provide twenty one Affordable Homes for nominees of Ealing Council.’

Designed by Pollard Thomas Edwards Architects, Ark Soane Academy will occupy the first three floors of the six to 12-storey building, as well as the use of the surrounding grounds, which include a multi-use games area, sports hall and playgrounds. The rest of the building will be home to 113 apartments. There will also be three separate townhouses.

92 of the apartments will be let and managed by the award-winning build to rent brand, Simple Life London. Each apartment will be fully furnished and residents will benefit from Simple Life’s recognised high-quality, professional service. Local residents will be able to apply for the Simple Life London rental apartments early next year.

Of the remaining homes in the new development, 21 will be affordable, managed by Network Homes, and the three townhouses will be for open market sale by Countryside.

The new homes will be located close to The Woodlands Park as well as Acton High Street and will enjoy excellent transport links, including the recent opening of the Elizabeth Line at Acton Main Line Station. A sustainable energy centre utilising a Ground Source Heat Pump is also being delivered as part of the development.