Green light for 500 student and affordable homes in Southwark

A quarter of these homes will be three-bedroom for local families. Fifth State said this equated to 40% affordable housing by number of habitable rooms.

Blue-badge parking will be provided and more than 10% of the affordable homes have been designed for wheelchair accessibility, the developer added.

At street level, there will be a new community café, industrial spaces with affordable workspace, a retail unit and double-height entrance lobbies.

Completing the scheme is 18,800 sqft of refurbished industrial space, including 12.6% affordable workspace for local businesses.

The scheme is located on a former builders’ merchant site and will be situated between Rollins Street, Ilderton Road and Surrey Canal Road, which is part of the Old Kent Road opportunity area. It will be close to South Bermondsey Station. 

The development was designed by HTA Design.

Simon Toplis, a partner at HTA Design, said: “The design demonstrates how strategically located, under-utilised brownfield sites in central London can deliver diverse housing while preserving existing uses and enliven the neighbourhood – all enhanced by thoughtful public realm improvements.”

Alex Springer, founder of Fifth State, said: “We’re especially pleased to have supported Ilderton Primary School by initiating and committing funds for playground improvements, because every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to play, learn and thrive.”