Lewisham Council is set to launch its first shared ownership development through Lewisham Homes, the arms-length management organisation set up to manage and build homes on behalf of the Council.
Close to Deptford Bridge, No.1 Creekside is a collection of 34 warehouse style apartments that will be launched for sale in late March, aimed at people already living and working in the borough. Its launch comes as part of the Council’s strategy to help boost the borough’s supply of affordable housing by increasing its role as a house builder.
Deptford Creek is one of the key regeneration zones in Lewisham so the new homes at No.1 Creekside offer the opportunity for buyers to live in a vibrant and popular neighbourhood. The development is a short walk away from Deptford Bridge DLR and Deptford train station, as well as the thriving Deptford Market Yard, with its varied selection of cafés, bars and restaurants.
Lewisham Council acquired the site with planning permission in 2020, the first time it had made a freehold purchase of a consented site with the intention of developing it out. As the Council’s housing company, Lewisham Homes will act both as principal developer and agent for the sale of the properties, as well as continuing to provide property management services on an on-going basis. The development also consists of 22 social homes for families on the Council’s waiting list, making it 100% affordable, alongside 1,200 sq m of commercial space that is set to include flexible workspaces.
Margaret Dodwell, Chief Executive Officer of Lewisham Homes said: “The launch of No.1 Creekside, our first collection of shared ownership homes, is an exciting step for Lewisham Homes and we are proud to unveil this collection of high-quality apartments that will offer outstanding modern living in a vibrant neighbourhood. It is our priority to build genuinely affordable, high-quality housing for local people, while helping to create and support diverse communities throughout Lewisham.”
Cllr Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at Lewisham Council, said: “Our first shared ownership scheme will give local residents the opportunity to get on the housing ladder and is set to play an important role in tackling the housing crisis facing Lewisham. I am proud that our shared ownership policy gives priority to Lewisham residents, making sure this development will genuinely benefit our local community.”
No.1 Creekside will offer a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments each with private outdoor space. Set within two imaginatively designed buildings which are six and eight storeys in height and linked via landscaped communal gardens, the development also includes commercial space at street level. Designed by Metropolitan Workshop, the architecture responds to the historic character of Deptford, incorporating light and dark brickwork and bronze-coloured metalwork to the windows and recessed balconies. Interiors are designed around open-plan living space and finished with a high-quality specification that includes contemporary fixtures and fittings. The first completions of the new homes are expected this autumn.
Set within the Deptford Creekside Conservation Area, this is a thriving neighbourhood with a lot to offer. Deptford Creekside has already been the focus of ongoing regeneration in recent years, with new homes attracting investment and businesses to the area. For shopping and leisure, Deptford Market Yard in the heart of the High Street has become a popular hub during the day and in the evening, with a selection of cafés, bars and restaurants. There is a thriving cultural scene with art galleries, studios and music venues. As the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2022, Lewisham’s status as a cultural destination will only continue to grow, with Deptford at the heart of this offer.
