Native Land partners with Singaporean and Malaysian companies on London site

The new Bankside Yards project emphasises eco-friendly innovation.

British property developer Native Land is spearheading a new development on London’s South Bank, UK’s first fossil fuel-free major mixed-use development site spanning 1.4 million square feet, which is a joint venture with Singaporean and Malaysian partners including Temasek, Hotel Properties Ltd, and Amcorp Properties Berhad. 

The development plan was crafted by PLP Architecture, with additional design contributions from a cadre of distinguished architects and urban planners such as Make, Stiff + Trevillion, and Gillespies.

Nicholas Gray, Director at Native Land, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, especially regarding the unique sustainability features that define the Bankside Yards project. "It's a development of scale, integrating sustainability as a core principle. We're pioneering the UK's first fossil fuel-free development, which is entirely electric and includes an innovative energy sharing network between the buildings," Gray stated.

The development, located in a historically rich area of London, integrates residential, workspace, retail, and hospitality elements around 14 historic railway arches, previously inaccessible for over 150 years. These arches are being revitalised to provide 50,000 square feet of amenity space, including retail, bars, restaurants, and cultural venues.

One of the most notable aspects of the Bankside Yards development is its commitment to public space, with over 50% of the area designated as public realm. This approach not only enhances community interaction but also contributes to the aesthetic and functional value of the neighbourhood.

Gray also highlighted the project’s appeal to international investors, particularly from Southeast Asia, underscoring the long-standing relationship Native Land has with these markets. "Our developments have always attracted buyers from Southeast Asia, drawn to London’s stable property market and the central location of our developments. Bankside Yards, with its proximity to Blackfriars station and its high-quality amenities, continues this trend," he explained.

The significance of sustainability extends beyond just the environmental impact, with Gray noting that today's tenants demand eco-friendly features which in turn drive the marketability of such developments. “The Carbon Trust becoming the first tenant of our Arbor office building is a testament to our sustainable design and operational philosophy," Gray added.

Furthermore, the joint venture strategy with international partners such as Singaporean and Malaysian companies has been pivotal. "Working with renowned global partners like Temasek has not only enriched our projects but also ensured a robust investment framework that supports our ambitious sustainability goals," Gray said. These partnerships have been fundamental in bringing diverse perspectives and financial backing to the project.