Southwark Council and developer Bouygues UK will deliver 152 affordable homes for key workers, alongside a new community centre, on a site at the junction of Abbey Street and Druid Street in SE1.
The scheme is the first to be delivered under the council’s emerging Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Guidance and the first in the country under the Greater London Authority’s Key Worker Living Rent policy.
Homes will be offered at Key Worker Living Rent to households with a combined annual salary of between £26,000 and £75,000, and will be available to social workers, teachers, fire-fighters, police officers and NHS staff.
The site, close to London Bridge and Bermondsey stations, will also include a flexible double-height community space and a number of smaller support rooms. Southwark Council said it would work with the local community to appoint an independent operator to run the centre ahead of opening.
The development will be car-free and powered by solar energy, and will include new landscaping, improved public spaces and a restored Neckinger Street.
Bouygues UK expects to start construction next year, with completion targeted for 2030.
Alexandra Austin, executive member for public works and new homes at Southwark Council, said: “Keyworkers are the backbone of any community and often go under the radar. Ensuring that their work is recognised and their lives made easier is the least we can do to repay the efforts they make.
“We are excited to be working with Bouygues UK to bring these homes to fruition as well as new council homes at Tustin Estate. I’ve no doubt this project will be important for the local community to ensure that people providing vital services have their lives made easier and have good homes to go back to after the efforts they make every day.
“The crisis of affordability often makes it difficult for people to live in the places they work, which is why this scheme is important. Tackling the housing crisis in London and creating accessible affordable housing is a big challenge but we’re dedicated to meeting it head-on, shaping a positive future for the borough and making lives better.”
Oliver Campbell, managing director of Bouygues UK’s development arm, said: “We are delighted to have achieved planning permission for this landmark scheme in SE1. Building on our successful collaboration with Southwark on several major projects, we value our strong partnership with the council.
“Providing affordable housing for key workers is a vital step in supporting those who are indispensable to the wellbeing of the community. This planning approval represents a crucial milestone and demonstrates the viability and importance of this scheme. We are now in a strong position to progress funding and begin construction to deliver these much-needed homes to the highest standards. Construction will progress at pace, ensuring that this vision becomes reality for Southwark’s key workers and making a lasting contribution to the future of the borough.”
Craig Sheach, partner at PRP, architect on the project, said: “We are very proud to have collaborated with Bouygues UK and Southwark Council on this exciting pilot scheme that will provide desperately needed high quality homes for the borough’s keyworkers. The striking tall building will help improve the safety of the area and mark the re-provided community centre at its base.”
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