Dora House redevelopment hosts topping-out ceremony

The site at the former Dora House in St Johns Wood has celebrated a milestone for the construction of a new 170-apartment redevelopment by hosting a ‘topping-out’ ceremony.

The ceremony, on Wednesday 2 June, was attended by representatives of both C&C and developers Regal London. It marked the point that work on the redevelopment’s structure and roof was completed, which was achieved 4 weeks ahead of schedule.

The redeveloped Dora House, a new name for which is shortly set to be unveiled, will contain 170 stylish and attractive apartments, of which 90% will be available as affordable housing in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) including £10.7m of grant funding.

The development will include a state-of-the-art video security system, an underground car park, charging points for electric vehicles and mobility scooters, solar panels and air source heat pumps to help provide renewable energy, and Wi-fi throughout.

In addition, the site includes plenty of space for residents to relax and keep active thanks to a spacious communal lounge, several gardens (including a roof garden and a winter garden), a dedicated ‘activity zone’, a café and a salon. As part of its community support work, there will also be three respite and rehab units.

Julia Ashley, Chief Executive of C&C, said:

“The redeveloped Dora House isn’t simply addressing the shortfall in affordable housing for the over 55s in London; it also creatively reimagines what affordable housing could look like in the future.

“It will set a standard, not just for C&C but across other housing organisations. It’s a building that has been designed by the residents for the residents, and will have a special feel to it. It will provide substantial affordable housing, and also includes features that you would find in market rented modern flats in London.”

Residents of Dora House, which closed in 2016, have the right of return to the new property; with new applications being received and considered by Westminster City Council’s housing department nearer the time of completion. The redevelopment is currently on track to reopen in late 2022.

You can watch the latest timelapse video of the Dora House redevelopment on the C&C Youtube site.

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