16 March 2010
The first new homes at one of the largest residential regeneration schemes in Europe were officially topped-out at a ceremony held on Friday 12 March. All partners involved in the regeneration of the former Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, South East London, were present to celebrate the structural completion of the first four homes in Phase One, which are on track to be occupied by the first residents in spring this year.
Dale Meredith of Southern Housing Group, Councillor Peter Brooks of Greenwich Council, Simon Powell of the Homes and Communities Agency, John Anderson of Berkeley Homes, and resident Rosa Goncalves took part in the ceremony to mark this significant milestone in the delivery of the homes.
Phase One of the scheme will deliver 449 houses and apartments, comprising 220 for private sale and 229 affordable homes, made up of a mix of homes for social and intermediate rental and shared ownership.
The regeneration of Kidbrooke will create a new mixed-use community, with 4,000 new mixed-tenure homes, approximately 300,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a new school, new community facilities, integrated healthcare facilities, sports pitches and leisure facilities, a new transport interchange and eight hectares of new public open space, in a Masterplan designed by architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.
Dale Meredith, Development Director of Southern Housing Group, said: “Southern Housing Group is pleased to mark the topping out of the first four houses in the Kidbrooke Regeneration project. We will own and manage these three and four bedroom homes, which will be let to local people at affordable rents. Their structural completion is very much a sign that regeneration of the area is underway.”
Councillor Peter Brooks, Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council, said: “The Council’s vision for Kidbrooke, shared by local residents, has been to create new homes that are designed to be fit for the 21st century. It’s great to see the progress that’s being made with building the new homes, and I look forward to welcoming the first residents soon.”
Simon Powell, South East London Team Leader at the Homes and Communities Agency said: “The regeneration of Kidbrooke is on track and progressing well. It’s a good sign that these properties are being completed swiftly and to a high standard, and it’s testament to the hard work of all the partners involved. With £12.6m also allocated to the next phase of Kidbrooke through our Affordable Housing Programme, we have taken yet another step closer to improving the quality of homes for the people who live here.”
John Anderson, Chairman of Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) said: “Delivery of the first new homes at Kidbrooke represents significant progress for everyone involved. Most importantly, in conjunction with partners, local residents and businesses, Berkeley Homes is proud to be able to create a positive impact on an area that is in much need of regeneration.”
The total number of new homes to be built in the Kidbrooke area will be approximately 4,800, of which 4,000 are being developed through the Kidbrooke Vision scheme. Berkeley Homes and Greenwich Council are currently consulting with local residents on the detailed plans for the second phase of the scheme.