The planning proposal was endorsed by Lambeth Council’s planning applications committee on Tuesday and work on the project can now soon begin.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes said: “In Lambeth the housing crisis is hitting hard and we are focused on fully playing our role in building the new social housing we need, and working in partnership with others to find solutions to the issues.
“So, I am really pleased Lambeth Council has supported the planning application for this project brought forward by The Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme.
“It will make a real difference in the lives of young people experiencing both housing insecurity and an insecure future, plotting a supported route for them into housing and employment at a time in their lives when they need it the most.”
Prince William and Centrepoint
Homewards Coalition member, Lambeth Council, has supported the project. It will be delivered in partnership with Homewards Activator, the Duchy of Cornwall, and key sector partner, Centrepoint, of which Prince William is Patron.
Homewards, which is spearheaded by Prince William, has committed to delivering Innovative Housing Projects to tests new ways to make more homes available at scale for those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.
In Lambeth the project, which will convert an existing building into flats, will provide affordable homes that act as a bridge between supported accommodation and the private rented sector.
Centrepoint will manage the homes, expanding their Independent Living Programme, which aims to break the cycle of homelessness. Homewards will support residents here, identifying employment opportunities to sustain tenancies.
Homelessness issue
Geeta Nanda OBE, Homewards National Expert Panellist said: “With such high levels of youth homelessness in Lambeth, this project offers those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, the chance they need to thrive.
“A home provides stability to work, and receiving support is so vital in ensuring people can continue on a secure journey. The partnership between Homewards, Centrepoint and the Duchy of Cornwall, with support from Lambeth Council, shows the power of collaboration from across the public, private and voluntary sectors in action. By working together, we can demonstrate it’s possible to end homelessness in our communities.”
Homewards was founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation in June 2023, as a locally led programme, that aims to demonstrate that it’s possible to end homelessness, making it rare, brief and unrepeated.
Free helpline for under-25s
A freephone Centrepoint Helpline is available for anyone aged 16-25 worried about homelessness. It is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The Centrepoint Helpline number is 0808 800 0661 and there is a live chat on www.centrepoint.org.uk.
