A Croydon Council-backed drive building around 2,000 homes for local people has been praised by a deputy Mayor of London during his visit to the borough.
In 2016 the council established the development company Brick by Brick (BxB), which has begun to deliver more than 2,000 new homes throughout Croydon, with around half being affordable housing.
To date, 43 sites have planning consent and main construction has begun on more than 10. On Friday, James Murray, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing & Residential Development, visited two BxB sites where work is underway; Ravensdale Gardens in Upper Norwood where 15 two- and three-storey houses and 16 new flats are being developed, and Cheriton House, the site of a former care home on Chipstead Avenue in Thornton Heath for 24 new one- and two-bed shared ownership homes and three new affordable rent properties.
James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development, said:
“Councils have a vital role to play in tackling London’s housing crisis, and through their company Brick by Brick, Croydon Council are leading the way in helping to deliver the high-quality, affordable housing the capital desperately needs. It was great to visit Croydon and see how the borough is benefitting from this development and helping to build new affordable homes for those living in the area.”
Once completed, the affordable rented properties will be let by Croydon Affordable Homes at a maximum of 65% of the market rate, while the remaining affordable units will be available through shared ownership. Croydon residents have exclusive access to BxB homes for a set period of time, and to date around 1,000 borough residents have already indicated their interest. The first properties become available early next year.
Other consented BxB schemes in the pipeline include for 157 homes in Lion Green Road in Coulsdon and a further 126 on the site of the Wandle Road car park in Croydon town centre.
Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services, said:
“No other London borough is leading the development of genuinely affordable homes on the scale that we are in Croydon, so it was very encouraging to see the Deputy Mayor’s enthusiasm for what we’re achieving for local residents through Brick by Brick.
“Croydon is growing in both population and popularity with huge regeneration, which is why we are ensuring that our residents can access good-quality new local homes without being priced out of the market.”
Colm Lacey, CEO of Brick by Brick, said:
“Brick by Brick is transforming multiple sites across the borough with thoughtfully-designed properties that meet the ever growing demand for both market-rate and affordable housing. We were delighted to welcome the Deputy Mayor and show him the progress we are making on these sites and we very much look forward to working with his team to deliver many more.”
As part of its commitment to use local suppliers first, BxB is also working with local contractors and sub-contractors to find construction jobs for local people through job brokerage service Croydon Works, a partnership between Croydon Council, Croydon College and Job Centre Plus.