The Founding (A1), Canada Water

As part of the ambitious 53-acre Canada Water masterplan, The Founding (Plot A1) was envisioned as the inaugural residential development, setting the tone for a new urban centre in London. The challenge lay in transforming a former car park adjacent to Canada Water station into a 35-storey mixed-use building that harmoniously integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces while adhering to stringent sustainability targets and preserving the area's industrial heritage.

G&T provided Cost Management services for The Founding, collaborating closely with British Land and AustralianSuper to ensure financial efficiency throughout the project's lifecycle. The development comprises 186 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, complemented by flexible workspaces and street-level retail units. Designed by Allies and Morrison, the scheme features a tripartite tower structure atop a five-storey podium, drawing on the site’s maritime heritage through industrial-inspired materials and forms. Our role was pivotal in balancing cost considerations with the project’s high sustainability ambitions, including the addition of residential cooling and a post-contract shift to an all-electric building. These enhancements support the goal of achieving net-zero operational carbon and targeting BREEAM 'Outstanding' certification.

The Founding is set to be a landmark achievement in sustainable urban regeneration, designed to deliver high-quality homes with panoramic views, extensive amenities, and a strong sense of community. G&T’s expertise is helping to ensure the project remains on budget and aligned with the broader goals of the Canada Water masterplan, which aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible neighbourhood. Once complete, The Founding is expected to set a strong precedent for future developments within the masterplan, supporting the transformation of Canada Water into London’s first new town centre in a generation.