Soho Housing, a cornerstone of the West End’s affordable housing market since the 1970s, has announced the launch of its Development Strategy, which sets out its vision for Soho for the coming five years.
The strategy outlines how Soho Housing intends to grow its asset base and continue providing quality, affordable homes for local people in central London. With the organisation’s 50th anniversary approaching, the plan also charts how Soho Housing plans to sustain diversity in the heart of the capital post-pandemic.
Included within the strategy are specific development objectives that will help Soho Housing realise its ambitions over the next five years:
- Deliver at least 30 new affordable homes within central London by undertaking new acquisitions and Section 106 opportunities, along with improving how existing space is used to maximise full commercial value
- Work with innovative architects, developers, asset owners and investors to deliver a mix of affordable homes and commercial spaces in the West End and Camden
- Grow the commercial portfolio to optimise financial returns that support the improvement of residential stock
- Proactively manage the entire portfolio to improve quality, energy ratings and overall sustainability through regeneration, development and targeted disposals
Soho Housing is already on a path towards achieving these objectives with the launch of 12-13 Greek Street — eight new affordable homes in the heart of Soho that have been built as part of the new Ilona Rose House development.
Later this year, the organisation is also planning a range of social projects at its largest building, Sandringham Flats, where the sustainability standards of the property are looking to be enhanced.
Commenting on the launch of the strategy, Barbara Brownlee, CEO of Soho Housing, said: “We are delighted to officially launch our Development Strategy, outlining our plans and aspirations for the future of Soho. Ultimately, our aim is to become the West End and Camden’s landlord of choice and, through delivering on our objectives, we hope they will go some way towards achieving that goal in the years ahead.
“Post-pandemic, the regeneration of urban centres is absolutely vital to ensure that living in city centres is an affordable prospect for local workers and young families.
“With that mission in mind, we’re looking forward to working with new local partners, along with building on our existing relationships right across central London, as we continue to create a sense of ‘place’ in Soho — something that has been vital to our success to date but is also central to the future of the area.”
