The Leader of Wandsworth Council, Councillor Ravi Govindia, has celebrated the start of construction on two new buildings at Battersea Reach which will deliver 84 high quality affordable homes. The homes will be managed by Wandle housing association.
The next phase of the riverside development will deliver 124 homes at Meridian House and Nautical House, 34 of which will be for affordable rent and 50 for shared ownership. The first residents of these buildings will move into their homes in spring 2018.
849 homes have been delivered at Battersea Reach so far, of which 126 are affordable (88 shared ownership and 38 social rent), as well as 85,000 sq ft of commercial space for small and medium sized businesses and 300m of improved river walk. So far, the construction site has supported 35 apprentices and regularly hosts visits from local schools.
At the groundbreaking ceremony Councillor Ravi Govindia said: "I am delighted to mark a new chapter in the development of Battersea Reach which will deliver 124 fantastic new homes for Wandsworth, including 84 new affordable homes to rent and for shared ownership."
Michael Bryn-Jones, Managing Director, St George South London, said: "Since St George acquired the site in 2002, Battersea Reach has been transformed from a derelict industrial site into a thriving new community and attractive riverside destination.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Wandle housing association to deliver 84 homes, creating new affordable housing and opportunities for local people to get onto the property ladder."
Tracey Lees, Wandle Chief Executive, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for Wandle to provide much needed affordable housing in South London, as part of our plan to provide 900 new homes over the next five years. By working with St George and Wandsworth Council, we're giving people the opportunity to live in a sought-after area that would otherwise be out of reach."
Meridian House and Nautical House will also include 10,500 sq ft of new office space, shops and restaurants.
Councillor Govindia was joined at the groundbreaking ceremony on 17 March 2015 by Wandworth's Cabinet Member of Housing, Cllr Paul Ellis; St Mary's Ward councillors; representatives from developer St George and housing association Wandle; and local businesses based on the development.
In 2008, the London Borough of Wandsworth granted planning permission for a comprehensive regeneration of the 13 acre Battersea Reach site. When complete, the development will comprise 1,341 homes, 194,000 sq ft of commercial space and seven acres of public open space including a new park with meadow planting to support native species of birds and insects.
For further information about Battersea Reach or the Meridian House and Nautical House developments, please contact the Battersea Reach Sales and Marketing Suite on 020 7978 4141 or visit http://www.batterseareach.com