New Bermondsey 'airspace apartments' given go-ahead

Planning permission has been granted for the development of nine new ‘airspace apartments’ above a light industrial unit in Bermondsey.

Developer Fruition Properties has achieved permissions for the scheme on the rooftop of 20 Crimscott Street, which is currently home to longstanding commercial occupier, printing company F.E Burman.

Fruition Properties has worked on previous airspace development projects above buildings including pubs, restaurants and residential blocks.

Construction is due to start in Spring 2020, with estimated completion due by the end of the year. F.E Burman will stay fully operational during the development process without disruption.

Fruition Properties and Southward Council have collaborated on the project, in a bid to highlight the possibilities of combining residential and industrial land uses to solve inner city land shortages, while preserving existing building and employment uses.

Parul Scampion, chief operating officer of Fruition Properties, explained: “Through careful consideration of all parties and a collaborative approach, this innovative scheme will deliver much needed new homes without compromising the industrial landscape and heritage that this area of Bermondsey is known for.

“Rooftop development projects like this provide a win-win solution to solving the capital’s housing shortage, in a measured way that doesn’t compromise key employment space.”

Doug Smith, principal director at architect TP Bennett, hired to work on the project, said: “With land values still rocketing and established businesses having to migrate outside Central London we see a great opportunity in this type of inner-city densification.

“Such a development will help maintain Bermondsey as one of London’s most diverse and vibrant quarters, where manufacturing, creative energy and high quality living co-exist with all benefitting from the relationship.”

Michael Burman, founder of occupier F.E Burman, added: “I am delighted to be able to facilitate a development that enables both the maintenance of longstanding traditional skills and employment in Southwark and the provision of much valued accommodation.”

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