Peabody has appointed contractor Durkan to build the next phase in the regeneration of South Thamesmead, which will create more than 400 homes around a new public square overlooking a rejuvenated Southmere Lake.
The development will include 404 homes for rent, shared ownership and private sale (more than 50% of which will be affordable) with priority being given to existing local residents.
This follows the first phase of Peabody’s Southmere Village regeneration which is currently being built by Durkan, consisting of 130 new homes around a lakeside square with shops, cafes, leisure facilities, library and civic building, due to be completed by the end of autumn 2021. Work on this next phase has already begun and is scheduled to be finished in summer 2022.
Peabody and Durkan will also be using this new development to generate work and training opportunities for local people. These will include: trade and technical apprenticeships; paid placements for residents with disabilities or barriers to employment (in partnership with Voluntary Sector organisation Groundwork London) and a Sustainable Employment opportunity for a resident with a learning disability (in partnership with Bexley Council’s Twofold initiative).
Work placements and job opportunities will also be identified for graduates of the recently launched YouthBuild Ventures UK programme.
Peabody work already underway at Southmere Lake includes improving the water quality of the lake, boosting biodiversity and creating new wildlife habitats. Peabody also has planning permission for a new Boating and Sailing Club, next to the newly refurbished Lakeside Centre, which will open later this year.
John Lewis, Executive Director Thamesmead, Peabody, said: “This is another significant step in the regeneration of Thamesmead that will create hundreds of warm, comfortable and affordable new homes for local residents to move into. Along with the library, places to eat, shops, and leisure facilities that are going to be on the doorstep we’re creating somewhere that will form the foundations for a thriving community.
Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director for Development, Peabody, commented: “Durkan has a track record of delivering high quality, imaginative developments and are great partners. Their commitment to this major project has been commendable and we are pleased we are able to continue working with them on this new phase.”
Jim Briggs, Managing Director Construction, Durkan, added: “Southmere Village is a superb project at the heart of the wider regeneration of South Thamesmead and we’re delighted to be at the forefront of delivering it.
“It’s an ambitious project — one of the largest of its kind in Europe — but we know our vast experience, expertise and resource in the sector will deliver a project that brings much-needed top quality homes to the area whilst helping unlock the huge benefits the wider regeneration of Thamesmead will bring to the community.”
