The council is seeking a development partner to ensure the new homes in Somerleyton Road are built as quickly as possible and that the amount of affordable and social housing delivered is maximised. This follows the first phase of the Somerleyton Road project being completed already, with Brixton House Theatre built and the locally listed Carlton Mansions refurbished.
Councillor Danny Adilypour, Lambeth’s Deputy Leader for Sustainable Growth and New Homes, said: “We’re determined to waste no time at Somerleyton Road because the next phase of this project will create hundreds of new homes, including much needed new council rent homes for local families, bringing down Lambeth’s housing waiting list.
“The plans also deliver vital new extra care beds and a new community space built with the climate emergency in mind, meeting the council’s net zero ambitions; reducing emissions, cleaning up toxic air and lowering household bills.
“It would be easy to sit on our hands and say the market conditions are too tough, but we are determined to find a way through the mess that the Government have created for us.
“The decision to find a partner now was not taken lightly, and we are working to ensure any partnership we enter delivers the best possible value, despite the construction market currently being very challenging, with schemes stalling across the capital and fewer affordable homes being delivered.
“This is the best and quickest way for us to get on with the job – we are determined to make progress and get the new homes built that our residents need.”
A report adopted by Lambeth’s Cabinet on July 24 sets out the objectives that the council will seek from any development partners, including a net-zero carbon development and employment opportunities for local people. The project will also see improvements to the local area and bring wider social value benefits to local communities.
Sessions for development partners to meet and hear from local residents will be set up as part of the procurement process. Once a preferred development partner is appointed, the council will expect them to run a design and planning process which will be supported by a programme of engagement, activities and co-design with residents throughout.
