A major redevelopment of Camden Lock Village is to be spearheaded by the firm behind The Shard skyscraper.

Mace has been appointed as main contractor to deliver the first phase of the Camden Lock Village/Hawley Wharf development for client Market Tech Holdings.

The scheme will see the delivery of over 170 new private and affordable homes, a new single entry primary school and nursery, retail and market spaces, and employment space.

Mace, which until 2012 was based in Camden, was appointed by owner of Camden Lock Teddy Sagi. It is not involved in the design of the project but has been given designs to work towards (pictured).

The Israeli billionaire has invested hundreds of millions of pounds over the past year in buying up an 11-acre real estate empire in Camden.

The property tycoon and technology entrepreneur, who has made hundreds of millions from the gambling industry, now owns Stables Market, neighbouring Buck Street Market, Camden Lock Market and canal side site Hawley Wharf.

Mr Sagi’s company, Market Tech Holdings, said it now owned “an almost complete island” in Camden Town, made up of sites on three sides of Regent’s Canal.

Gareth Lewis, chief operating officer for construction at Mace, said of its appointment to the project: “This is a fantastic win for Mace to rejuvenate one of London’s favourite visitor destinations and deliver an iconic project for the capital. We have a strong track record for the delivery of cultural projects in London including the British Museum’s World Conservation and Exhibitions Centre, the Tate Modern and the London Eye.

“Mace was based in Camden for much of the past 25 years and we have great affection for and knowledge of the area. We’re therefore delighted to have this opportunity to bring our residential expertise and focus on innovation and high-class delivery to the benefit of the local communities.”

Simon Underwood, Director for Mace, said: “This is just the kind of project that we relish working on: delivering a high quality mixed-use scheme that will have a profound and positive impact on the people that live and work in the area. This is great opportunity for Mace to bring residential, construction and community engagement expertise together to deliver a world-class development and the team is eager to be able to bring this know-how to Camden Lock Village. Regeneration is not just about building, it’s about building a legacy that responds to, and enhances, the character and future prospects of an area and we are excited to get started on the project.”

Mark Alper, UK Group Property Director for Market Tech said: “We are delighted to have appointed Mace, a very experienced, high quality contractor to deliver Camden Lock Village. It is an exciting time for us to start seeing the delivery of our vision – a new school for the community, much needed homes, new shops and of course some market space, alongside significant improvements to the canalside. Mace recognises the importance of this project to us, to the local communities and to Camden. We will all seek to deliver this project to a high standard.”