Southwark: New developments to breathe life into the area

Some 2,500 homes are set to be built in Southwark, it has been announced. Last month, buildings within the Heygate Estate were demolished in order to make way for the new development.

Of the thousands of houses that will be built in Heygate, a quarter (25 per cent) will be affordable. In the 1970s, over 3,000 people used to live on the estate, although in recent years it has been associated with poorly designed municipal buildings and heating failures.

There were also a number of high-rise blocks, which have been deconstructed by the council.

As a result, the site is now empty after residents moved to new homes in 2008. The local authority says the work on Heygate has already helped to boost jobs in the area and create construction and demolition work opportunities for ex-Heygate residents.

In addition, 235 new homes will be constructed at Trafalgar Place and developed by the council's regeneration partner Lend Lease.

Commenting on the developments, councillor Fiona Colley, cabinet member for regeneration, said the plans will help to breathe new life into the area.

She said: "I am hugely positive about what the last stages of demolition means to the regeneration programme, and to local people, who have waited for a long time to see this happen.

"What was the Heygate Estate will become home for thousands of people, to bring more life and vibrancy to Walworth as well as employment, a new park, safer streets and not least high quality, modern and affordable homes."

Ms Colley also thanked Lend Lease for its role in helping to push forward the plans. 

Lend Lease had put forward proposals to develop the region which were approved by Southwark Council in 2012. The plans included a building programme which would see a new town centre and urban centre in the heart of London.

Published 13th March, 2014

© 2014 Estates IT Limited