The property has been designed to look like a historic mansion house with brick detailing, arched windows, turrets, and decorative chimneys

Wates and Riverstone have announced the structural completion phase of a new landmark later living residence in Hampstead.

A traditional ‘topping-out’ ceremony was held recently at the site of the development, a stone’s throw from Hampstead Heath.

Riverstone Bishops Avenue is due to open in 2025 and will be an exclusive residence for over 65s, with an arts and crafts-inspired design and located within an ancient woodland setting.

The topping-out ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Barnet and representatives from the Barnet Education and Learning Service, Barnet & Southgate College, and BOOST, which works with the council and other providers to help local residents into work.

Speeches were given by Wates chairman, Tim Wates; Mark Craig, regional director of Wates Construction London; Penny Hughes, chairman of Riverstone, and Martin Earp, Riverstone chief executive.

With 93 apartments across six stories, the development will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

Amenities include a pool and spa with treatment rooms, an exercise studio, physiotherapy suite, espresso bar, restaurant and bar, cinema, a ballroom, club room, library, and extensive woodland gardens, designed by award-winning landscape gardener, Andy Sturgeon.

The property, designed by architects, RG+P, and interior designers, Bowler James Brindley, will present as a historic mansion house with brick detailing, arched windows, turrets, and decorative chimneys, all using crafted traditional materials, while inspired by the arts and crafts movement and local references.

The interiors have been designed to reflect the arts and crafts movement

The design also targets a net zero operational carbon plan, with sustainability and modern methods of construction at the forefront.

Innovative sustainable solutions such as water-efficient fixtures, low-energy lighting, and the use of low-carbon materials will be incorporated throughout the building.

And renewable energy generation will be promoted via bio-solar roof panels, with electric vehicle charging stations, heat recovery technology, and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

Earp said: “The milestone completion of the structure is a proud moment for Riverstone and our construction partners, Keltbray & Wates, and the ceremony was a great opportunity for us to celebrate the achievements of all those who are working on the project and the close successful collaboration.

Bishops Avenue will be Riverstone’s third retirement development in London.