The regeneration of a key stretch of Garratt Lane in Earlsfield has taken another step forward with the appointment of a developer tasked with providing new housing on council owned ‘brownfield’ sites along with a new, modern community health centre.
Wandsworth Council has selected Higgins Construction to deliver a fully updated, larger GP-led NHS community health centre and new homes on land at the corner of Swaffield Road and Garratt Lane, which is currently occupied by the existing 1960s Brocklebank building, some existing shops and a car park.
A planning application for the project is due to be submitted shortly after further public consultation on the proposals.
The appointment of a contractor to construct these new facilities completes another piece of the jigsaw in a wider investment scheme in this part of the borough.
It has already seen the replacement of vacant and obsolete council-owned buildings with a new 420 pupil primary school — Floreat Academy — plus a nursery for 50 local children and new homes fronting Oakshaw Road.
This next phase will also add new homes on council-owned ‘brownfield’ sites fronting Atheldene Road, Wilna Road and Waverton Road.
Part of this land is currently occupied by a number of unattractive 1950s and 60s council-owned buildings and their replacement with smart, high quality homes will not only help revitalise the area, but also improve the visual amenity of these streets by restoring parts of the historic street pattern.
Wandsworth Council Leader Ravi Govindia said: “This represents another key element in our plans to revitalise and improve this part of Garratt Lane.
“I am particularly pleased that the existing medical centre will continue to operate until the new one is completed — guaranteeing uninterrupted service to residents during the construction period.
“There has already been substantial investment here with the addition of a new primary school and nursery. We are now ready to move onto the next stage of this neighbourhood regeneration scheme by providing a new and better state-of-the-art health centre alongside new homes — including some affordable homes.”
Paul Cooke, New Business Director for Higgins Construction, commented: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract for Garratt Lane and look forward to working with Wandsworth Council.
“We are extremely committed to building schemes that benefit the whole community by delivering mixed-tenure housing from starter homes, homes for rent, shared ownership and private sales. Our aim is to create communities that are enhanced both physically and economically.”
Other parts of Garratt Lane, further north towards Wandsworth High Street, are also undergoing major transformation, with work already underway on replacing the former housing department and other council office blocks on the High Street as part of a major new regeneration scheme in partnership with South Thames College and developer the London and Quadrant Group. This will provide 200 new homes, a better library, new shops and improved teaching facilities for the college.
The new library will open out onto a new public square with seating, while new pedestrian routes will provide better links between the Old Burial Ground, Garratt Lane and the high street.
Further investment will see the installation of public art, landscaping and seating in the burial ground.
Other landmark regeneration schemes in the town centre include the Wandsworth Business Village, Ram Brewery site, Lyon House and The Filaments in Buckhold Road.
Transport for London is also drawing up proposals to redesign the Wandsworth one way system which will remove through traffic from the high street and create better space for pedestrians.
Cllr Govindia added: “Our joint project with the college will see the replacement of some under used office blocks with attractive and modern new buildings providing new homes, including many affordable units, plus retail space, improved educational facilities, a new public square and a brand new library.
“These town centre schemes represent one of the biggest regeneration projects in London with well over £1bn of new investment flowing through the area. Hundreds of new jobs and homes are being created here alongside major improvements to the local environment.”
