Construction work is underway on 75 new council homes at three sites in Merton – the first to be built in the borough in a generation.
This work is part of Merton Council’s ambition to build and manage new council homes for the benefit of the borough’s residents.
London’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley and Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Mete Coban visited two of the sites in Mitcham to see the progress and hear about the new council homes’ green credentials.
The developments are supported by a multimillion-pound investment from the Mayor of London’s Affordable Homes programme 2021-2026 and are being built with residents’ needs at the forefront of design.
The homes will have ‘PassivHaus’ principles meaning they will be energy-efficient and more sustainable, meaning lower bills to help with the cost of living, as well as warmer temperatures inside to keep residents comfortable. Not only this, but the homes will also help the council move towards its net zero carbon targets.
When they homes are complete in 2027, they will sit in the heart of established communities, close to nearby shops and services, providing a boost to local businesses, too.
Elm Nursery in Mitcham will have 21 homes and Raleigh Gardens in Mitcham will have 36 homes made up of one- and two-bedroom flats. Farm Road in Morden will have 18 new council homes made up of one and two-bedroom flats and larger homes for families.
Eye-catching panels featuring real people who live, work, study or volunteer in Merton decorate the hoardings capturing the rich diversity of individuals and families who contribute to the borough. The images aim to encourage passers-by to stop, observe and engage with this public art, and find out more about Merton’s new council homes programme at the same time.
The architect for the project is Weston Williamson + Partners (WW+P) and the council is partnering with leading housing association L&Q for the project management and construction of the homes.
Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development, Councillor Andrew Judge, added:
We’re very pleased to be building the first new council homes in Merton in a generation, and to have the construction underway.
These much-needed homes will help address the local housing crisis – helping to improve the lives of individuals and families with good-quality, secure, affordable and energy efficient housing that people can truly be proud of because everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live that supports a good quality of life.
Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley, said:
Delivering high-quality social and affordable homes is our top priority, ensuring more Londoners benefit from safe and secure housing.
I’m proud we are supporting the delivery of Merton Council’s ambitious and exciting regeneration scheme through the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme as we build a fairer and better capital for all.
Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy Mete Coban MBE, said:
It was fantastic to join Merton Council and partners on a visit to two sites in Mitcham this week where new council homes are being built – the first in a generation in the borough.
These new green homes will be energy-efficient, helping to keep bills low and crucially supporting Londoners with the cost-of-living.
Neil Davis, L&Q Delivery Director, said:
We’re delighted to be commencing work on site in Merton, working with the council to deliver energy-efficient social homes, through our development and in-house build team.
This project reflects the strength of our partnership approach, working together to provide much-needed social homes, while supporting the borough’s ambition to become a greener place to live.
