Berkeley Homes has recently acquired three industrial sites close to the Old Kent Road, Southwark. The former Hygrade Meat factory at Bianca Road, Acorn Wharf and Surrey Wharf will be redeveloped to create a mix of new homes, commercial space and public realm, opening up approximately five acres of underutilised land.
Many of these new homes will be affordable and will help Southwark Council achieve its target of building 11,000 new council homes by 2043. The proposals will also significantly increase the number of jobs employed on site, both during construction and when the development is complete. During construction, Berkeley will recruit locally and use this opportunity to expand its thriving apprenticeship scheme.
The combined site falls within the Opportunity Area proposed by the Mayor of London as part of recent amendments to the London Plan. The Opportunity Area will be brought forward by Southwark Council through the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan.
Councillor Mark Williams, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and New Homes at Southwark Council, comments:
"In Southwark we are tackling the housing crisis head on by building new homes for our residents, including new council homes. We have big plans for the Old Kent Road and we are currently consulting with local residents about how we can deliver new homes, new jobs and more green spaces in the area.
"The Old Kent Road is probably the only place in central London with the space to build homes and infrastructure on the scale that Londoners need. However, we also recognise its unique character and history that we want to preserve, and that's why it's so important that developers and the council work closely with local people on these plans.
"We're really excited about this step forward with Berkeley Homes, and the affordable homes, jobs and community benefits their investment will bring."
Harry Lewis, Managing Director of Berkeley Homes (South East London) Ltd, adds:
"This is a fantastic opportunity to bring underutilised, industrial land back into use and deliver homes for Londoners from all walks of life. Berkeley is committed to creating a place which benefits everyone and puts a spring in the steps of the Old Kent Road."
Plans are still on the drawing board and Berkeley will work closely with local residents and Southwark Council to create a mixed and balanced community.
-ENDS-
debbie.standen@luchfordapm.com
For additional press information, please contact Debbie Standen at LUCHFORD APM +44 (0)20 7631 1000 or email debbie.standen@luchfordapm.com
Notes to Editors -
Proposals are subject to planning approval.
Berkeley intends to start consulting with the local community shortly with a view to: submitting a planning application in 2016; starting on site in 2017; and delivering the first homes in 2018.
Berkeley Group
1. The Berkeley Group builds homes and neighbourhoods. It is a publicly-owned company listed on the London Stock Exchange as a FTSE 100 company.
2. Berkeley Group is the only housebuilder to have won the Queen's Award for Sustainable Development twice in 2008 and 2014. In 2015, Berkeley was voted Britain's fifth most admired company across all sectors and also named British Housebuilder of the Year by the Sunday Times.
3. Visit www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/about-berkeley-group for more information