Croydon is to be among the first to benefit from major Chinese co-operation as China and Britain agree improved trade relations.
The China Building Technique Group Co (CBTGC) has signed as primary contractor on one of the town’s biggest mixed-use developments, the half-billion-pound One Landsdowne Road landmark project, which is opposite London’s next Westfield shopping mall and due to be one of England’s tallest residential buildings.
The China Daily News featured the deal prominently on Wednesday, October 21, alongside its report of the meeting between the Queen and President XI Jinping.
The partnership between CBTGC and local developers, Guildhouse Rosepride, is considered an important element of China-UK co-operation in infrastructure construction.
Croydon Council leader Tony Newman said: “We have seen a closer relationship between the two countries at the top levels recently with Chancellor George Osborne having just visited China, and President Xi Jinpeng’s visit to the UK strengthening this relationship. The partnership is a result of a growing business relationship between the two governments.”
CBTGC’s strong reputation in high-rise buildings is a key reason it was selected to work on the design and engineering consultation for One Lansdowne Road, bringing its technical expertise to the project.
David Hudson, chief executive of developers Guildhouse UK in Croydon, said: “In the UK, the high-rise is a fairly new phenomenon, and many people are sceptical about whether Croydon can finish such as magnificent project. But with a partner like CBTGC, we know it is deliverable,” said Mr Hudson. “CBTGC has already contributed a lot to the building, making it more efficient.”
He added that although CBTGC will be providing technical advice on the project, local workers and supply companies will be used for the actual build and schemes would be in place to ensure the project benefited the local community through providing training initiatives for young workers and professionals in Croydon.
Mark Waterstone of development partners Rosepride, said: “As a local developer who has worked in Croydon for many years, it gives me great pride to bring forward a scheme of such ambition and promise. I am delighted we have teamed up with CGTGC and I am extremely confident that we will deliver one of the most iconic landmarks to London.”
The One Lansdowne Road project will deliver more than 65,000 square meters of floor space once completed, making a significant impact on Croydon Council’s goal of delivering more than 8,000 homes in the next five years.