Southwark Charities has got planning permission for a major redevelopment of its site on Nicholson Street, SE1, which will involve building 62 new homes and 220,000 sq ft of office space.
The residential portion of the scheme will comprise entirely of almshouses – charitable, low-cost community housing – and will replace the existing homes built in 1973 on the site.
Meanwhile, 10% of the offices will be at affordable rent for other Southwark-based charities and local initiatives to use. The office scheme will fund the charitable housing.
The project will also include a so-called charitable hub, with accessible community facilities for residents, as well as a new pub.
Reworked gardens, roof terraces and public footpaths will also be included, along with a new east-west pedestrian link called Edwards’ Walk, named after philanthropist Edward Edwards who established the original almshouses.
Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said: “I am excited to witness another key milestone in creating much-needed, high-quality and truly affordable housing for older people in our community.
“Increasing the green space in the borough is also a top priority, and this scheme delivers that with new gardens and public realm, creating a safe and healthier environment for residents and the local community to enjoy.”
Savills advised Southwark Charities on the scheme, which is set for completion in 2025. It was designed by Justin Nicholls, a partner at Fathom Architects.
Caroline Croft, chair of Southwark Charities’ Trustees, said: “This is the culmination of a huge amount of dedication by all of our project partners, which means that our elderly residents can continue to live independently. We’re attracting new business to the area with the commercial element, and contributing to the regeneration of the borough.”
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