Southwark Charities to create housing for the over-65s through mixed-use scheme

The proposal, to be submitted to Southwark Council this autumn, will provide 62 affordable units for Southwark residents. The scheme will also comprise around 220,000 sq ft of office space, 10% of which will be affordable workspace for Southwark-based charities.

The Nicholson Street site currently houses 28 residents, who will be moved to another almshouse on Southwark Park Road in south London, if the scheme is greenlit. Speaking to Property Week, Chris Wilson, clerk to the trustees of Southwark Charities, said its next project will be the redevelopment of the Surrey Square block, near Old Kent Road in south London once this scheme is complete.

Mr Wilson added that the scheme may be a “drop in the ocean” compared with the amount of senior housing needed in the borough but that affordable inner-city retirement living was much-needed.

He told Property Week: “Southwark Council shared their own research with us about six months ago and they are predicting that the number of people over 65, who would potentially be eligible for our accommodation, is going to grow over the next five to 10 years by 13,000.

“We’re almost in a unique position that we’re able to use this very-high-value land right here in the centre of town to put 100% affordable homes on it. There’s an office element that needs to generate money because we haven’t got the money to do it otherwise.”

Justin Nicholls, founding partner at Fathom Architects, added: “We are excited to propose 62 generous homes, which are grouped into ‘family’ clusters of 10, with shared facilities to encourage social interaction between residents. Circulation spaces, windows, views and terraces have been carefully articulated to counter feelings of isolation and to foster a strong sense of community.”

Subject to approval by Southwark Council, the scheme is scheduled to be completed in 2025.