A ‘spade in the ground’ event has marked the start of a Corporation project to build 110 new social homes in the London Borough of Lewisham.
The project also includes a community room, an estate office, an amenity and play space for families, and a range of landscaping and ecological enhancements for the benefit of residents.
The scheme will help people on the housing waiting lists of Lewisham Council and the City Corporation.
The construction work is taking place at the Mais House, and Otto Close Garages sites, on the City Corporation’s Sydenham Hill Estate.
Upon completion, a diverse selection of one, two, three, and four bedroom homes will be offered, addressing local housing needs, and helping dozens of families.
The City Corporation is a social landlord managing 12 housing estates across London. This includes two in the , and ten others in Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, and Tower Hamlets, looking after more than 3,100 social housing residents.
Chairman of the Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:
“Today marks the start of a very exciting project, one that will deliver more than 100 affordable homes for Londoners.
“High housing costs are a threat to the capital’s competitiveness and the ability of London’s businesses to attract and retain the workforce it needs.
“Working closely with London’s boroughs we can build exciting new social homes that benefit residents for years to come.”
Councillor Brenda Dacres, Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning at Lewisham Council, said:
“Building more social homes for families on our housing waiting list is vital for tackling the housing crisis and helping reduce the number of people living in temporary or unsuitable accommodation.
“Today is an important milestone in the delivery of this 100% social housing development, which will have a life-changing impact for the Lewisham families who move into these homes once complete.”
There is high local demand for social housing in the London Borough of Lewisham, with over 10,000 people on the housing register. The Corporation also has 910 people on its waiting list.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK.
For over 60 years, Higgins has built an enviable reputation for creating high quality residential mixed-use developments across the South-East and Home Counties, which promote community, connectivity and sustainability whilst working collaboratively with local partners to generate a lasting legacy for our communities.
';
