The 102 new homes have been built as part of a regeneration partnership involving developer Berkeley, housing association Peabody, Lambeth Council and the Greater London Authority which is transforming the old gasworks into a welcoming neighbourhood.
Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council said: “In Lambeth, the housing crisis is the worst it has ever been. We have more than 29,000 families on our housing waiting list and more than 4,500 families in temporary accommodation.
“So, I’m delighted that these 102 desperately needed new affordable homes here in Oval are now available to house residents in need. In fact, people have already started to move in, which is brilliant news.
Having a secure and stable home is so crucial for our residents, transforming their lives for the better.
To tackle this housing crisis, which follows 15-years of national failure to build the affordable homes our residents so desperately need, Lambeth Council is committed to doing all we can.
“We are working in partnership with developers such as Berkeley Homes as we see here and working with other public sector organisations like TfL and housing associations on new housing schemes across Lambeth.”
A launch event held on Tuesday, November 18 on-site saw Cllr Holland join Tom Copley, the GLA’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Berkeley representatives and other local stakeholders for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
These newly completed homes are in a central, well positioned Zone 1 location, just behind the iconic Kia Oval Cricket Ground. They include 20 homes for London Affordable Rent which are now occupied by local people, and 82 for shared ownership.
Shared owners will be able to buy a minimum 25 per cent share and step onto the property ladder with a lower deposit. All homes benefit from access to a communal podium garden, and are part of the wider Oval Village community, which includes a children’s playspace, new supermarket and 2.5 acres of landscaped public space that will be created as the development progresses.
The development also features the restoration of the Grade II Listed Oval gasholder, a much-loved local landmark overlooking the famous cricket ground next-door.
Paul Vallone, Chairman, Berkeley Central London, said: “We are really pleased with the quality we have delivered with these affordable homes. They combine a Zone 1 location, excellent design and specification and access to a garden courtyard, rivalling some of the best properties in the area.
“This is another fantastic milestone for Oval Village as we continue to transform this long derelict gasworks into a sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood. None of this would be possible without the support and commitment of our partners, including the Lambeth Council and the GLA.”
Simon Barry, Regional Managing Director for London South at Peabody, said: “Finding an affordable home in London isn’t easy for many people, but these homes in Oval Village are helping to make it possible.
“Working closely with our partners at Berkeley from the start has helped create a development that really works for residents and the wider community. There’s a lot to enjoy here, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new residents and seeing the community grow.”
Oval Village is a six-acre regeneration project that will deliver nearly 1,360 private and affordable homes, alongside new retail, leisure and green spaces.
