LONDON — Esam Group, the developer, has unveiled plans for a colossal residential development comprising 51 buildings totalling 3,817 units in the Oakridge neighbourhood of the city, at 323 Oxford Street West, 92 & 825 Proudfoot Lane.
If approved, this development would be one of the largest in recent memory, spanning a 37-hectare (91-acre) plot of land behind Fleetway Bowling and west of Cherryhill Village Mall.
The proposed Beaverbrook community, located at 323 Oxford St. and 92 and 825 Proudfoot Lane, is the culmination of a 20-year vision by Esam Group.
The plan includes 18 highrise towers, several mid-rise apartments, and townhouses spread across seven blocks.
The development timeline spans from 2026 to 2035, subject to approval.
The proposed draft plan of subdivision entails the establishment of a mixed-density residential area, encompassing three medium-density blocks, four high-density blocks, and multiple park and open space blocks alongside road extensions and reserves.
Here’s a breakdown of the proposed development:
● Block 1: 10 towers, 14 to 18 storeys, totalling 1,760 units.
● Block 2: 2 towers, 14 storeys, comprising 452 units.
● Block 3: 2 buildings, 6 storeys, housing 193 units.
● Block 4: 11 townhouse developments with 134 units.
● Block 5: 14 townhouse developments totalling 174 units.
● Block 6: 4 buildings, 13-storey towers, offering 782 units.
● Block 7: 6 townhouse developments, two 12-storey buildings, accommodating 366 units.
The proposal emphasizes the creation of a complete community, with approximately 44% of the site allocated for open space, parks, and channel lands, as outlined in the 2023 Draft Plan.
The remaining land is designated for residential, mixed-use, and potential school sites.
The developer seeks to amend the zoning from various current designations to a mix of residential and special provision zones tailored to each block’s intended use and density.
Notable requested changes include but are not limited to:
● Block 1: Zoning change to permit a maximum height of 75.0 metres (16 storeys) with specific setbacks and density provisions.
● Block 2: Zoning change to allow for a maximum height of 46.0 metres (14 storeys) with designated setbacks and density regulations.
● Block 3: Zoning change to permit a maximum height of 20.0 metres (6 storeys) with specified setbacks and density parameters.
● Blocks 4 and 5: Zoning change to accommodate townhouses and stacked townhouses up to a maximum density of 75 units per hectare.
● Block 6: Zoning change to permit a maximum height of 40.0 metres (13 storeys) with prescribed setbacks and density limitations.
● Block 7: Zoning change to allow for a maximum height of 16.0 metres (4 storeys) within certain parameters.
Additionally, Blocks 9 and 10 are proposed as conservation lands under the OS1 (Open Space) Zone, while Blocks 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are designated for conservation and passive recreation uses under the OS5 (Open Space) Zone.
The proposal emphasizes the creation of a complete community, with approximately 44% of the site allocated for open space, parks, and channel lands, as outlined in the 2023 Draft Plan.
The remaining land is designated for residential, mixed-use, and potential school sites.
The developer seeks to amend the zoning from various current designations to a mix of residential and special provision zones tailored to each block’s intended use and density.
Notable requested changes include specific setbacks, building heights, and density regulations for each block, ensuring sensitive transitions and appropriate interfaces with surrounding developments.
The plan necessitates a zoning change from several existing zoning designations, including Holding Residential R5/R6/R7/R8, Residential R5/R6/R7/R8, Neighbourhood Facility, Holding Residential R8, Holding Residential Special Provision R8, Residential R9, Holding Residential Special Provision R9, Open Space, and Open Space Zones, to a variety of new zoning categories.
These include Holding Residential R5 Special Provision, Holding Residential R9 Special Provision/Neighbourhood Shopping Area, Holding Residential R9 Special Provision, Holding Residential R9 Special Provision/Neighbourhood Facility, among others.
The zoning amendment aims to enable the transformation of the designated area into a diverse residential community while ensuring provisions for essential amenities and infrastructure.
The proposed development aims to address the city’s growing housing needs while incorporating ample green space and community amenities.
The project now awaits review and approval from city authorities, with potential construction set to commence in the coming years pending authorization.
Below is an image rendering of the proposed draft plan of subdivision for the site.
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