Work begins on next phase of Ledbury rebuild

A housing regeneration scheme in London is progressing as work begins on the next phase of a council-led redevelopment.

Southwark Council, alongside Higgins Partnerships, has started construction on phase two of the Ledbury Estate renewal in Old Kent Road.

The phase will deliver 215 new council homes, alongside private sale properties, commercial units and upgraded public and community spaces.

Part of a wider plan to replace ageing tower blocks with modern, safe housing, the full scheme will provide 340 new homes, including a significant proportion of council housing.

The development has been shaped in partnership with residents to ensure it meets local needs, while improvements to green spaces and infrastructure aim to create a more sustainable neighbourhood.

Artist's impression of how the redevelopment will look upon completion

Tom Copley, deputy mayor of London for housing and residential development, who joined Ledbury residents, Southwark councillors and contractors on site for a ground-breaking event to celebrate the start of construction on phase two, said: “The mayor and I are proud to be supporting the Ledbury Estate renewal with £5.7 million in grant funding from City Hall and welcome the start of construction on phase two. 

“This is an important and bold redevelopment which will deliver 340 new, mixed-tenure homes, helping Londoners and families into secure and high-quality housing in the borough. 

“I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Southwark Council to boost the delivery of affordable homes as we build a fairer and better London for everyone.”  

Dominic Higgins, chief operating officer for Higgins Group, added: “We are delighted to commence work on phase two of this major estate renewal with our partners at Southwark Council. 

“As well as delivering 340 high-quality mixed-tenure homes, the scheme will provide the neighbourhood with new green spaces, a community courtyard, play areas and improved connections for both pedestrians and cyclists. 

“We are also proud to continue our engagement with the local community and create local employment opportunities.”

The project forms part of Southwark’s broader housebuilding programme, which has already delivered thousands of new council homes across the borough.

Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development at Southwark Council, added: “Today’s ground-breaking is a significant moment for the Ledbury Estate community. 

“This phase of construction brings us closer to delivering the safe, warm and genuinely affordable homes that residents deserve. 

“We are grateful to everyone who has worked with us so far, and we remain committed to involving residents as the project progresses.

“It’s fantastic to see work beginning on these new council homes, to add to the thousands already built or under construction in our borough.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.