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Work has started on The Watermark, an 88\u2011apartment, \u00a342.7m extra\u2011care development by Elysian Residences beside the Thames in Kew, with McAleer & Rushe appointed principal contractor and completion targeted for spring 2027.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
McAleer & Rushe has started work on The Watermark, a \u00a342.7 million luxury later\u2011living development for Elysian Residences on Melliss Avenue in Kew, south\u2011west London. Construction News reported the contractor has \u201cbroken ground\u201d on the riverside site formerly occupied by the Biothane plant; planning records and the developer\u2019s own material describe a scheme of 88 apartments with completion scheduled for spring 2027. The development sits within walking distance of Kew Gardens and Kew Village and is being marketed as high\u2011end retirement living that couples private accommodation with onsite hospitality and care services.<\/p>\n
The Watermark is designed as a four\u2011to\u2011six storey specialist extra\u2011care facility. Planning documents and the project\u2019s promotional material say the scheme will include landscaped gardens, resident amenity spaces, car and cycle parking, and a package of communal healthcare, therapy and leisure facilities \u2014 notably a restaurant and a fully accessible swimming pool. Ryder Architecture is the design lead and McAleer & Rushe is delivering the main contract under a design\u2011and\u2011build arrangement, acting as principal contractor for the project.<\/p>\n
The proposal has been on the local radar for some time. Richmond upon Thames council granted planning permission for the redevelopment on 16 September 2020, authorising demolition of existing structures and the creation of the extra\u2011care facility together with publicly accessible amenity space. Local reporting and council records note the redundant industrial site had been largely unused since Thames Water vacated in 2015, and demolition work to clear tanks and plant was reported to have begun in a phased programme in late 2023 ahead of the current main\u2011contract works.<\/p>\n
On\u2011site progress has already moved beyond preparatory talk. A community newsletter published by the developer in July 2025 confirms McAleer & Rushe were appointed principal contractor and began on site in May, listing early works including delivery of temporary welfare cabins, groundworks, installation of security and environmental monitors, an attenuation tank and the erection of a tower crane. The newsletter states the project is registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and sets out contact details for community liaison, naming McAleer & Rushe\u2019s project manager and site manager.<\/p>\n
The Watermark forms part of Elysian Residences\u2019 growing portfolio of branded retirement communities. Elysian\u2019s website emphasises optional onsite care, hospitality\u2011style services and an emphasis on resident wellbeing and social life; a housing directory entry adds that the scheme will offer one, two and three\u2011bed leasehold apartments with 24\/7 staffing and guest facilities. The project announcement also quoted McAleer & Rushe project director Patrick Coyle saying the development would \u201cshowcase our expertise in delivering complex, high\u2011end residential schemes that combine quality, comfort and community.\u201d Elysian chief executive Gavin Stein was quoted in the developer\u2019s statement as saying the scheme reflects the company\u2019s commitment to \u201cexceptional retirement living, combining outstanding design, luxury amenities and a welcoming community.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the developer and contractor stress the scheme\u2019s benefits for prospective residents and the local area, planning documents make clear the project required mitigation measures and neighbour notifications during demolition and construction. The approved consent specifically requires landscaping, publicly accessible amenity and other measures intended to balance the new development with its riverside setting and neighbouring properties, and local reporting of the demolition phase highlighted the need for careful management of tank removal and other groundworks.<\/p>\n
With works under way, the programme remains for a spring 2027 completion. Elysian\u2019s sales material indicates availability information and contacts for prospective residents, and the project team \u2014 now operating on site and registered with the Considerate Constructors Scheme \u2014 is positioning the scheme to open in line with the stated timetable.<\/p>\n