Lewisham’s Mayor, Sir Steve Bullock, and Brendan Sarsfield, Family Mosaic, view the designs for Heathside and Lethbridge
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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.
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