A major milestone in the construction of 44 new affordable homes in Croydon has
been celebrated with a topping out ceremony.
Housing provider, Southern Housing and contractor, Oakwood welcomed ward
councillors, Cllr Eunice O’Dame and Cllr Humayun Kabir, the former Mayor of
Croydon, to 324 Bensham Lane on Tuesday (2 September).
They gathered to celebrate the final steel beam of the building being bolted into
place.
Using a golden spanner, Southern Housing’s Executive Director of Development,
Richard White, tightened the final bolt near the top of the building, symbolising the
progress made on the site. Guests also signed the steel frame and heard about the
development’s positive impact on the local community.
The project is already delivering benefits for Croydon residents. Local residents are
working on site, including a crane driver, while five apprenticeships have been
created across different trades, giving young people valuable skills and job
opportunities. Pupils from Bensham Manor School, in nearby Ecclesbourne Road
have also visited the site, gaining insight into the construction industry and even
testing out the diggers.
Richard White said: “Reaching this milestone at Bensham Lane is a proud moment,
and I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in getting us here. The past few
years have posed real challenges for housing development, so it’s incredibly
rewarding to see our commitment to delivering much-needed affordable homes for
local residents come to life.
“Our partnership with Oakwood has gone beyond bricks and mortar – we’ve actively
engaged local young people, created employment opportunities, and ensured the
development continues to give back through local businesses and its social impact
fund. We’re now looking ahead to the next exciting chapter: welcoming the first
residents into their new homes.”
Due for completion in late summer 2026, the development will provide 44 affordable
homes for rent, including a mix of flats and houses. Six of the homes will be
wheelchair accessible. The homes are designed to exceed energy efficiency
standards and are net-zero ready, supporting Croydon’s sustainability goals.
