Local schoolchildren, councillors, a farmer and property developer all gathered on Friday 7th November to lead the ground breaking for St Oswald's Place under the watchful gaze of a herd of alpacas. The ceremony marks a significant step in the regeneration of Vauxhall and will deliver family-sized affordable council homes as well as exceptional new facilities for the local community, through a partnership between the developer St James, Lambeth Council and Vauxhall City Farm.
St James has provided funding for the mixed-use project from the regeneration of Albert Embankment which will see the property on St Oswald's Place redeveloped into eight family sized council homes for social rent as well as a new classroom, café and office space on the ground floor for Vauxhall City Farm.
The new affordable homes at St Oswald's Place demonstrate Lambeth Council's commitment to social housing which is backed by record investment and a pledge to build over 1,000 additional homes at council rents over the next four years. The new scheme will provide a mix of two, three and four bedroom apartments.
Vauxhall City Farm plays a fundamental role in supporting the local community through educational, recreational and therapeutic activities. The new amenities will greatly enhance the facility and are a welcome and much needed addition to the farm. Established in 1977, the farm is home to a variety of animals including woolly alpacas, spotted pigs, a new aviary and riding ponies. As a registered charity, it provides visitors with an opportunity to escape city life and learn about food, farming and the environment.
St James is proud to be supporting one of the capital's most treasured outdoor community spaces. Our partnership with Lambeth Council and Vauxhall City Farm demonstrates the positive impact regeneration is having on the local area." "This scheme will provide much needed affordable family homes and is the result of the successful and imaginative partnership between Lambeth Council, Vauxhall City Farm and St James. Partnerships like this are the key to unlocking Vauxhall's potential and making sure that local people benefit from the exciting regeneration."
Sean Ellis, Chairman of St James, comments: "St James is proud to be supporting one of the capital's most treasured outdoor community spaces. Our partnership with Lambeth Council and Vauxhall City Farm demonstrates the positive impact regeneration is having on the local area." "This scheme will provide much needed affordable family homes and is the result of the successful and imaginative partnership between Lambeth Council, Vauxhall City Farm and St James. Partnerships like this are the key to unlocking Vauxhall's potential and making sure that local people benefit from the exciting regeneration."
Councillor Jack Hopkins, Cabinet member for Growth and Jobs, comments: "This scheme will provide much needed affordable family homes and is the result of the successful and imaginative partnership between Lambeth Council, Vauxhall City Farm and St James. Partnerships like this are the key to unlocking Vauxhall's potential and making sure that local people benefit from the exciting regeneration."
Matthew Lock, Chief Executive at Vauxhall City Farm, adds: "The new facilities that this partnership will bring will enable the farm to expand our services to the community. Vauxhall City Farm's future is an exciting one and we look forward to working alongside St James and Lambeth to make it a reality."
St Oswald's Place forms part of St James' Section 106 contributions for their mixed-use scheme, Merano Residences on the Albert Embankment. Designed by Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners, the development is currently underway and will be delivering 40 residential apartments, commercial and retail space.