Build June (2016)

Build Magazine 61 Real Estate The south London borough of Southwark is facing an unprecedented demand for genuinely affordable, housing. With around 13,000 people on its housing waiting list, and estimates that the local population is set to grow by 50,000 by 2030, Southwark Council is taking a proactive measure to increase housing now. The council opened the first of its new homes in Bermondsey last year, providing 21 council homes and a further 54 temporary accommo- dation units. This summer another 113 council homes, built through the council’s Direct De- livery programme, will be ready to take on new tenants. These include several larger family homes and 42 Extra Care homes in Peckham. Apart from the Extra Care homes, at least 50% of new council homes will be offered at local lettings, meaning existing tenants in housing need on neighbouring estates will have a chance to bid for a new home. The council has also bought the 24 affordable homes at a new development at Surrey Docks that will be offered at council rent this summer. Whilst providing new homes is the main focus, Southwark is also determined that quality and space are also a key factor. The council is the first to launch its own Design Guide laying down a series of 15 design values for consultants and contractors working on new council homes to follow. The guide will ensure the most generous standards on space, light, sound-proofing and energy efficiency as well as taking the council’s commitment to tenure blind housing beyond avoiding ‘poor doors’ to cover internal circulation and communal areas and the council hopes it will kick start a new race to the top in housing design amongst other house-builders. Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration and new homes at Southwark Council, said: “This building programme is one of the most ambitious in the UK and we are determined to lead the way in London, through building more homes of every kind and using every tool we have to increase the supply of homes in the borough. “In Southwark we have some specific housing challenges, primarily linked to the fact that demand outstrips supply. It’s fantastic that people want to live in Southwark, and it’s not surprising given its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and the exciting regeneration going on all over the borough. But with thousands of families on the waiting list for a council property, it was clear that we needed to do something innovative to help meet demand.” Southwark took the decision to increase its housing stock after consulting resi- dents about proposals for the future of council housing and carefully analysing its finances. Cllr Williams added: “I can’t overstate the significance of this decision. As the country struggles with a huge housing shortage, Southwark is leading the way in finding a solution. As a council we are passionately committed to helping the most vulnerable in society, and that is why we need council housing above all else.” Of course, a range of different types of homes are needed in Southwark and the council is working with private developers and housing associations to ensure that new housing springs up across the bor- ough, particularly in major regeneration and opportunity areas like Elephant and Castle, Peckham, Old Kent road and Canada Wa- ter. For its new council housing Southwark is taking a number of approaches to build the new council homes its residents said they need. As well as its own Direct Delivery programme that is building the first wave of homes using in-fill developments on existing estates, the council is also actively seeking two developers to work with as part of its Southwark Regeneration in Partner- ship Programme to develop land owned by the council. Further council homes will be either created by buying up the affordable homes element of other sites such as the Surrey Docks development and a further 56 homes in Blackfriars that will be completed next year, or through a Hidden Homes programme to convert disused spaces on estates like old laundry rooms, roof spaces and community spaces, into new homes. “Our vision for housing in Southwark in 30 years time is of a place where you will not know whether you are looking at privately owned or council housing where the quality of our council homes rivals or exceeds those produced for private sale,” Cllr Williams concluded, “and where those properties are managed and maintained either by their residents, or the council, or by a combination of both – but always with the agreement and support of their residents. “I hope other councils will look at our plans and consider joining Southwark in reversing the trend to move away from council housing, and start building now for a fairer future for all.” Southwark Council completes over 100 new council homes this summer as part of 11,000 new homes pledge A London council is tackling the housing crisis head on by pledging to build 11,000 new council homes over the next 30 years, with the first 1,500 completed by 2018.