102 new affordable homes have been officially unveiled today at Oval Village, helping to meet the growing need for high-quality, affordable housing in the London borough of Lambeth.
The new homes are the result of regeneration partnership including Berkeley, Peabody, the London Borough of Lambeth and the GLA, which is working together to transform the old Oval gas holders into a welcoming mixed-use neighbourhood.
These newly completed homes offer buyers and renters the chance to live in a Zone 1 location, just behind the iconic Kia Oval Cricket Ground.
They include 20 homes for London Affordable Rent which are now occupied by local people, and 82 for Shared Ownership. Shared owners will be able to buy a minimum 25% share and step onto the property ladder with a lower deposit. All homes benefit from access to a communal podium garden, and are part of the wider Oval Village community, which includes a children’s play space, a brand-new Tesco store and 2.5 acres of landscape public space that will be created as the development progresses.
The development also features the restoration of the Grade II Listed Oval gasholder, a much-loved local landmark overlooking the famous cricket ground next-door.
Cllr Claire Holland, the Leader of Lambeth Council said: “In Lambeth the housing crisis is the worst it has ever been. We have more than 29,000 families on our housing waiting list and more than 4,500 families in temporary accommodation.
“So I’m delighted that these 100 desperately needed new affordable homes here in Oval are now available to house residents in need. In fact, people have already started to move in, which is brilliant news.
“Having a secure and stable home is so crucial for our residents, transforming their lives for the better.
“To tackle this housing crisis, which follows 15-years of national failure to build the affordable homes our residents so desperately need, Lambeth Council is committed to doing all we can.
“We are working in partnership with developers such as Berkeley Group as we see here and working with other public sector organisations like TfL and housing associations on new housing schemes across Lambeth.”
Paul Vallone, Divisional Chairman at Berkeley, said: “We are really pleased with the quality we have delivered with these affordable homes. They combine a Zone 1 location, excellent design and specification and access to a garden courtyard, rivalling some of the best properties in the area.
“This is another fantastic milestone for Oval Village as we continue to transform this long derelict gasworks into a sustainable mixed-use neighbourhood. None of this would be possible without the support and commitment of our partners, including the London Borough of Lambeth and the GLA.”
Simon Barry, Regional Managing Director for London South at Peabody, added: “Finding an affordable home in London isn’t easy for many people, but these homes in Oval Village are helping to make it possible. Working closely with our partners at Berkeley from the start has helped create a development that really works for residents and the wider community. There’s a lot to enjoy here, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new residents and seeing the community grow.”
Oval Village is a six-acre regeneration project that will deliver nearly 1,360 private and affordable homes, alongside retail, leisure, and green spaces.
