Wandle colleagues and residents celebrated the newly built Rowan and Alan House in Lewisham with a ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Featherstone Homes.
The scheme provides 61 homes in total, as well as a commercial space and transforms a vacant site next to the historic railway arches, kickstarting a wider regeneration of the new Bermondsey neighbourhood.
Wandle have purchased 29 affordable homes from Featherstone Homes, working closely together over the development phases.
Alan House provides 16 shared ownership homes, and Rowan House provides 13 social rented homes. The 29 affordable homes, funded by Wandle with grant support from the Greater London Authority (GLA) are located only a 10-minute walk from South Bermondsey and Surrey Quays station, with direct links to the city.
Anne Waterhouse, Chief Executive of Wandle, said: “Our roots are firmly and proudly south London, and it’s an exciting time for us to be involved in the regeneration of South Bermondsey.
“Wandle now has 336 homes in Lewisham, and where the opportunities arise, we are committed to delivering more new homes that are safe, secure and sustainable in the borough.
“At this scheme we were able to fund a further eight affordable homes over and above what was originally required by the planning consent. This means that we can now provide homes for eight more local families, setting them up for success in this developing community.”
Valerie Vaughan-Dick, Chair of Wandle’s Board, said: “We are building new homes that meet the needs of our communities, by working with housebuilders, developers and other partners to bring our vision to deliver 500 homes by March 2028 – including these 29 affordable homes – to life.
“It was a pleasure to see first-hand the positive impact these homes have had for our new residents, many who have been in temporary housing for far too long.”
Wandle resident, Helen Ademiluyi said, “My home is peaceful and safe. I have recently moved to Rowan House with my children after we previously lived in a hostel for seven years. It was cramped and not ideal, so it is wonderful to now have the space to relax and make a home.”
