Thornsett Group

A Story of Sustainable Growth

1986
London Building Company plc is formed (1986).
1988
Small residential projects undertaken; first commercial development completed at Colindale, which becomes the Group’s head office for the next 18 years.
1989
Thornsett Group plc incorporated. First residential development completed in Ealing.
1990
Lee Valley Technopark, North London’s first purpose-built Science Park and Innovation Centre, is commenced. This is the first project in Greater London to receive European Union Grant Aid.
1991
First turnkey social housing scheme of 55 homes completed at Broad Lane, Tottenham.
1992
First on-site St Patrick’s Day Céili. (A Céili, pronounced “Kay-lee”, is a dance with live music).
1993
Two homes built in five days as part of a charity drive – project and successful handover covered by London TV news.
1994
Gerard Cunningham appointed as founding Chairman of North London Chamber of Commerce, to the Board of Directors for the Haringey Education Business Partnership and to North London’s Business Leadership team.
1995
Christchurch Street, SW1 becomes the first property purchased from Cadogan Estate - the start of a long-standing relationship; first school project completed (Parkgate School, Clapham).
1996
Completion of first major landmark residential scheme at Quill Street, comprising 161 homes and the longest newly-built single terrace in London.
1997
First higher-education project completed at Leyton Sixth Form College; Thornsett receives an award under the National Heritage Art Sponsorship Scheme; first property purchased from the Grosvenor Estate at Eaton Gate; first doctor’s surgery developed at Stamford Hill.
1998
Luxury development at Eaton Gate completed. Another landmark mixed-use scheme completed in conjunction with English Partnerships at Lee Conservatory Road (119 residential units and 30,000sq ft of industrial space).
1999
First 100 private residential units completed within one year at various London locations; first development of high-end luxury apartments (Hans Road, Knightsbridge).
2000
Start of Welsh Collection developments, with 32 apartments and commercial space in Broad Haven, Pembrokeshire.
2001
Thornsett selected to provide the only residential scheme (Aston Webb House) within More London, a new Thames-side development that includes the new GLA building - home to the Mayor of London.
2002
Peter McCarthy, Denis Cunningham and Gerard Cunningham establish Thornsett Ireland. First deal completed within nine months of company formation.
2003
Moore Arms pub in Knightsbridge has a final party prior to its refurbishment into two luxury homes. Thornsett Ireland delivers first sites to Local Authorities for social and affordable houses.
2004
Thornsett’s 2500th home is built. A further three new Welsh Collection developments commenced in Pembrokeshire National Park. In Ireland, first two turnkey social and affordable developments break ground.
2005
Thornsett Belgium established and first deal agreed comprising 29 apartments and one retail unit. Thornsett Ireland completes first ever show house for an affordable scheme for a Local Authority.
2006
Thornsett Group plc commences work on site for its new flagship development at Charterhouse thesq, Clerkenwell, London. Thornsett Ireland’s Charles Street development is opened by An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD.
2007
Working with the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, Thornsett Group begins development of an exciting site in Stratford, London. Overlooking the Olympic Park, The Edge comprises 64 apartments.
2008
Thornsett Group begins work on Caius House — a landmark development of 73 apartments in Battersea, Central London.