A Sydenham Hill resident has enjoyed a happy return after ‘coming home’ to a newly opened social housing scheme.
John Finn is the first new tenant to move into Bean Tree Court, a new 110-home complex built on the site of the 1970s Mais House, demolished three years ago.
The City of London Corporation, which has developed the site in partnership with Lewisham Council, offered former Mais House tenants the chance to move into the new build.
And so it was that the 77-year-old, a keen writer and songwriter, took possession of the keys to his brand new one-bedroom flat, featuring all mod cons and an energy efficient design.
Mr Finn said: “My reaction when I saw the new flat was ‘wow!’ It was absolutely beautiful and I felt like I’d won the lottery. I’m very grateful to the City of London Corporation for giving me the opportunity.
“I really like the balcony and will be spending a lot of time out there writing. It’s also really close to Dulwich Park where I go jogging. The first thing I’ll do when I move in is to get on my knees and thank God.”
The Bean Tree Court development features a mix of properties ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom town houses, including 11 flats adapted for wheelchair users.
Its opening comes weeks after the first tenants moved into Black Raven Court, another City Corporation social housing development built in conjunction with Islington Council.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee Helen Fentimen said:
“The official opening of Bean Tree Court is a sign of our commitment to working with our partners to deliver the one thing London really needs – truly affordable housing.
“We were really pleased to welcome Mr Finn back to his old patch, transformed from an outdated 1970s block to a modern, state-of-the art development residents can feel proud to call home.”
All 110 homes for social rent are finished to a high specification, featuring contemporary kitchens, generous living space and energy-efficient design to ensure comfortable, affordable homes for individuals and families.
Cllr James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, said:
“In Lewisham, we are committed to unlocking new homes for Lewisham residents. As part of this, we contributed £1.65 million in funding to support the delivery of 110 new genuinely affordable homes at Sydenham Hill.
“It’s been great to see the project grow from the first dig on site to completed homes that will soon be lived in by local families on our housing waiting list.”
The official opening comes as the City Corporation invests over £300 million to improve the quality, safety and sustainability of its 12 housing estates in the City and six London boroughs.
Works include upgrades to kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, lifts, roofs, fire safety and electrical systems, as well as improvements to communal areas.
