Across London there are numerous plans to regenerate and redevelop various estates. In Lambeth there are proposals for Central Hill, Cressingham Gardens and the Fenwick Estate. However, the council has just announced a pause in these projects. They want to take time to re-evaluate how to proceed. As one of the top names for guaranteed rent in Lambeth, we want to take a closer look at what is happening here.
What was the plan?
Lambeth Council began looking at plans to renovate Central Hill in the 2010s. There were big concerns about problems with the homes on the estate, including mould and damp. Accessibility was also an issue.
A proposal by PRP was done in 2014. However, three years later the authority had a change of heart due to the cost. Instead they chose to look at redevelopment.
The story took another strange twist in 21/22 when there was a contest to redesign the estate. PRP’s proposal was chosen, effectively rehiring them.
The proposal here was to demolish the whole 450 home estate. There would then be redevelopment to create 1,200 new properties. Some of these would have been for social rent, replacing the current ones. Then there would have been properties to suit different tenancies.
There were rough ideas to work on Cressingham Gardens and the Fenwick Estate. However, both were not as advanced as Central Hill. They were still awaiting masterplan designs.
A change in approach
However, Lambeth Council has now put a pause on the plans. The decision follows a review by Bob Kerslake. It found issues with the council’s house building arm and concerns about how to fund projects. The recommendation was to reset how they approach redevelopments.
The decision will be one Central Hill residents should be happy with. They have been against demolition for years, citing the fact that the current buildings are actually sound. Instead they would prefer regeneration and proper upkeep to maintain them for the future.
Now the council will have to go back to the drawing board and consider all options. The review urges them to undertake ballots of current residents and engage with them to explore the different avenues for the estates.
For their part, the council has said they acknowledge the need to take the views of residents onboard. They also understand they need to be transparent, improve the estates, and deliver more affordable housing. At the same time, they need to achieve their sustainability and net zero carbon ambitions.
Talk to us about guaranteed rent in Lambeth
This is a great part of London if you are looking to invest in residential property. Lambeth has some fantastic locations, good transport links, and plenty of amenities. It also has a really good mix of housing options, meaning there are assets for all kinds of investment strategies.
If you do invest, we recommend guaranteed rent in Lambeth. The service offers excellent protection for your income and can take away any worries about tenancies. You can contact us to learn more about how the services work. We have a huge amount of experience.