The Bourne estate was identified as a place that could benefit from redevelopment work. It is in the Hatton Garden area of Holborn. Most of the estate was built between 1901 and 1903 and is Grade II listed.
The northern part of the estate, north of Portpool Lane looks as it was built. It is made up of tightly packed, five-storey blocks. Two post-war blocks, Mawson House and Gooch House, were added later to the southern part of the estate.
In spring 2012 Matthew Lloyd Architects were chosen to take the redevelopment scheme forward to planning permission. This was granted in February 2013. The construction contractor was Higgins and works completed in 2017.
The scheme has provided 75 new homes, including replacing 20 flats in the demolished Mawson House. There is also a new tenants’ hall, and improved public realm and open spaces. The new homes are a mix of homes for council tenants, Camden Living homes and homes for private sale.
The scheme has won several awards:
- Housing Design Awards 2018 / NHS 70 Award: Overall Winner
- Housing Design Awards 2018 / NLA Award: Built Winner, Housing Category
- RIBA Award 2018: London Region Winner.