Charterhouse – the sq, Clerkenwell

Thornsett were selected to partner on an open book basis with the Trustees of the St Bartholomew’s Medical College to regenerate the last undeveloped World War II bombsite in London. Thornsett were chosen to take the outline plans for the 6 block scheme through planning and right through to sale and completion. The completed development provides 184 luxury one, two and three bedroom apartments around a central courtyard. At 0.44 hectares, it is Thornsett Group’s largest project in London to date. The site also encompasses 4,699 sq m of commercial space, as well as a new 2,500 sq m Cancer & Cardiac Research Institute for the School of Medicine and Dentistry. This is now part of a medical training and research campus and benefits from its proximity to the redeveloped St Bartholomew’s hospital. Construction commenced in May 2006 and was completed in September 2010.

Benefits for Client

  • £18 million for charitable trust
  • New Cardiac and Cancer Research Centre
  • Ground rent income retained for St Barts
  • 50 affordable housing units

The Development

  • 184 luxury apartments (134 private)
  • 24,000 sq ft of retail space
  • 27,000 sq ft medical research unit
  • Gross Development Value: £79.5 million

Development Features

  • Location close to St Bart’s hospital and London’s medical community
  • Scheme designed to show-off some of the area's key attributes – including ancient plane trees, a medieval wall, and views of the Charterhouse buildings and Smithfield Market
  • Central courtyard, concierge service, wrap-around balconies and roof terraces designed to maximise space and enhance the London living experience
  • Ground-level space for specialist retailers
Thornsett were a valuable partner for the Trust and understood the confines of charitable law.
— Roger Henderson, Chairman, The Medical College of St Bartholomew’s Hospital Trust