AQ strikes gold for innovative design

Following a long string of awards for Admiralty Quarter (AQ), Crest Nicholson's Regeneration scheme in Portsmouth Harbour, the scheme has just been awarded a Building for Life Gold standard recognising design excellence and best practice in the house building industry.

Building for Life is led by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), the government's advisor on architecture, urban space and public space and the Home Builders Federation (HBF). It is regarded as the national standard for well-designed homes and neighbourhoods, and is presented annually to new projects that demonstrate a commitment to high design standards, good place-making and sustainable development.

Judged against 20 stringent criteria, AQ was tested on issues such as its contribution to the environment and community, its character, streets, parking and pedestrianisation, design and construction. To gain a Gold standard the development had to score 16 points or more out of 20.

Chris Warner, Sales & Marketing Director from Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd said: “We are delighted to have received a Building for Life Gold standard for AQ. It recognises the commitment we have given to build this development to the highest standards possible. It is an important accolade and gives AQ the recognition it deserves.

“It also proves that with the right vision it is possible to create outstanding places to live and this is something we should all aspire to in the future.”

Adjacent to the Historic Dockyard and a short walk to Portsmouth city centre, AQ consists of a 22 storey Tower which provides stunning views of the harbour and gives Portsmouth a spectacular new landmark. The 13 individual apartment blocks and the Queen Street frontage make up the rest of the development range from four to eight storeys with a private courtyard garden of nearly an acre, concealing underground parking for residents.

Dominic Church, Senior policy advisor for CABE comments: “Crest Nicholson is recognised for the strength and quality of its design standards, which are carefully considered and successfully breathe new life into the area. The CABE Gold Standard is a benchmark for well-designed homes and communities, and many of Crest Nicholson schemes are typified by the high level contribution they make towards the creation of place.”

In November a brand new Spar convenience store is expected to open in one of the three commercial units on the ground floor of the scheme, improving local shopping facilities even further.

AQ is also well connected, with train services out of Portsmouth Harbour station, just a few minutes walk away, providing high-speed links into London Waterloo in an hour and a half, and mainland Europe just a ferry-ride away.