The Watermark, a purpose-built integrated retirement community (IRC) located on Melliss Avenue, Kew, Richmond, conceived and to be operated by Elysian Residences, has reached an important milestone with the ‘topping out’ of the new building.
Elysian Residences, who partnered with Octopus Capital and Pension Insurance Corporation plc (PIC) to deliver the new scheme, celebrated the landmark moment at a recent ceremony held on site.
Approached via Melliss Avenue and set in just under two acres, The Watermark, a premium retirement living development, will deliver 88 new retirement apartments and guest suite, with communal healthcare, therapy, and leisure facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, library, and two restaurants, creating a vibrant community that supports wellbeing and engagement.
Eoin Gormley Contracts Director – McAleer & Rushe, Kevin Beirne Head of Retirement – Octopus Capital, Dips Loyal Project Director – Elysian Residences, Max Cawthorn Head of PIC Capital Strategy – Pension Insurance Corporation plc and Shane McCullagh Director – McAleer & Rushe, came together with presentation shovels, to not only celebrate the important milestone but also recognise the collaborative work of the project team and stakeholders.
Jo Cadwell Senior Development Manager – Octopus Capital, Kevin Beirne Head of Retirement – Octopus Capital and Max Cawthorn Head Of PIC Capital Strategy – Pension Insurance Corporation plc, were also each presented with a commemorative engraved trowel to mark the occasion.
Built by development partner, McAleer & Rushe, and designed by award-winning architectural practice, Collado Collins, the masterplan for The Watermark has been location led with the building positioned and orientated to make maximum advantage of the riverside location. Specialist placemaking agency Macfarlane + Associates will create a sustainable new landscape, that reflects the unique location, connecting with the architecture, while retaining the majority of mature trees and shrubs along the riverside path.
Gavin Stein, Chief Executive Officer at Elysian Residences, commented: “Topping out at The Watermark marks an important milestone for this project. This is a rare riverside setting, close to Kew Gardens and village. Our focus has been on creating well-designed homes, supported by exceptional service, shared spaces and carefully considered amenities. Life here will be shaped by the Thames, from summer days along the river to quieter winter months. We look forward to welcoming homeowners and seeing the community take shape.”
Commenting at the ceremony, Patrick Coyle, Project Director at McAleer & Rushe, said:
“Topping out Kew Riverside marks an important milestone for the project team and showcases the strong collaboration between client, consultants, and supply chain partners. From the outset, our aim has been to deliver a development of the highest quality while making a positive, lasting contribution to the local Kew community.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with all stakeholders to create an exceptional retirement living environment for future homeowners as the project progresses toward completion in Spring 2027.”
Max Cawthorn, Head of PIC Capital Strategy at Pension Insurance Corporation plc, said:
“The topping out at Kew represents a major milestone in the creation of integrated retirement living properties in a highly desirable London location. At the heart of The Watermark’s planning and delivery has been a commitment to strong local engagement and ensuring that the development has a meaningful, long-lasting positive impact on future homeowners, and the immediate community.
To maximise positive outcomes, we are engaging with local residents and primary schools, aiming to deliver benefits to every part of the community. Social value is a core principle of PIC’s investment strategy and we are dedicated to ensuring benefits to the local area through the development phase and beyond.
The Watermark embodies Elysian Residences’ philosophy, that as we get older, life can and should be fulfilling, engaging, and uplifting through, while living life on your terms, and in your own private home.”
The project is funded by Senior Living Investment Partners (“SLIP”), a partnership between Pension Insurance Corporation plc (“PIC”), a specialist insurer of defined benefit pension schemes, and specialist real estate lender and investor Octopus Capital, via its joint venture with Elysian Residences.
The Watermark is expected to complete in spring 2027, with prices to be advised. For more information or to register your interest in please contact Elysian Residences
E: thewatermark@elysianresidences.com | T: 020 3695 3609 or visit thewatermarkkew.com
