Major agreement signed for new homes in Lewisham » Housing » 24dash.com

A major agreement for the development of new homes in Lewisham has been signed and signals a step nearer 1,200 new homes in the borough.

Three years ago, Family Mosaic were chosen by residents on the Heathside and Lethbridge estates in Lewisham as their preferred developer, to take forward plans to rebuild both estates.

Since then, Lewisham Council, Family Mosaic, PRP Architects and residents from both estates and local community groups have been working together to fine tune proposals on designs to regenerate the area. As well as new housing, the master plan incorporates a new central park, community centre, several different play areas and a viewing platform with views overlooking the city.

Lewisham’s Mayor, Sir Steve Bullock, and Family Mosaic Chief Executive, Brendan Sarsfield signed the legal agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) on Tuesday 13 October, to take the project forward to the next stage.

Speaking at the signing, Sir Steve said: “The signing of this agreement is a momentous step forward in the development of new homes in the borough.

“In Lewisham, we strongly believe in a resident-led approach to meeting the needs of residents and providing them with decent homes that they want to live in. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to get the proposals to this stage and I look forward to seeing the scheme move on to the build stage in due course!”

Brendan Sarsfield, Chief Executive at Family Mosaic: “We aim to deliver homes that people are proud of.”

The Heathside and Lethbridge estates are two adjoining Council owned estates located between Lewisham Road and Blackheath Hill, consisting of 565 homes. Once completed, the project aims to provide around 1,200 new homes including 450 affordable rented and shared ownership along with a mix of homes for intermediate rent, and private sale.

Grant funding for the project of £14.4 million has been met by working closely with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Richard Blakeway, Mayor of London’s Housing Adviser at the Greater London Authority said: "Investing in estate regeneration projects, which could otherwise be delayed because of the market, is vital. The regeneration of London is one of the Mayor's top priorities, and the £14 million the Mayor is investing in private sector renewal programmes, will deliver hundreds of desperately needed affordable homes. Lewisham have shown great vision by working closely with the Family Mosaic, residents and the Mayor's Office, to deliver this project in spite of the difficult economic conditions.

Visakha Sri Chandrasekera, Head of Area for West London, Homes and Communities Agency, said: “As a result of the market downturn, the feasibility of regeneration schemes such as Heathside and Lethbridge have become a major issue. It is through the close partnerships between the London Borough of Lewisham, Family Mosaic and the HCA that a funding framework has been made possible. This agreement is testament to both public sector leadership and real partnership working.”

Kim Hitch, Group Director, PRP, said: “We have been working with the residents and partners to create desirable places and attractive homes. Our proposals stitches the existing estate back into the surrounding fabric, reconnecting the community with the wider neighbourhood. Our vision is to deliver a special place by maximising and enhancing the sites natural landscape character.”

Representatives from the Heathside and Lethbridge Residents Steering Group, Hilda and Bernie Kelly and Caroline O’Neil attended the event and said that Family Mosaic and PRP Architects had had taken on board and listened to everything that residents had said in the design consultation. “Thank god it’s happening!” said Bernie.

Next steps: A planning application has been submitted and is due to be considered by the Council’s Strategic Planning Committee at a later date.

With the legal agreement between Family Mosaic and Lewisham Council now signed, it signifies a key milestone in moving the project forward and confirms funding from the HCA for funding for Phase 1. Following submission of the planning application, it is anticipated that demolition will start towards the end of October continuing through until March 2010, with builders on site from summer 2010.

It is anticipated that the first phase of new homes will be completed in summer 2012.