‘Life-changing’ new building for young rough sleepers opens in Peckham

A new housing development for homeless people aged between 18 and 24 has opened in Peckham.

The first group of residents at Centrepoint’s Reuben House development in Lugard Road moved into their new homes this week, with some describing the experience as ‘life-changing’.

The project, which is part of Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme aimed at combatting youth homelessness, allows young people to live in affordable housing, with rent capped at one third of their take-home pay.

The development consists of 33 brand new flats, which will be filled over the next few weeks by young people in a variety of jobs, including working in hospitality, the building trade and social services. 

Nathan, who did not want to provide his full name, is one of the first intake of residents at Reuben House.

He said: “I am excited and grateful, but most of all I feel like I can take a deep breath. The last six or seven months, when I’ve been living in temporary accommodation, have been so up and down and slightly surreal.

“It’s just amazing to have my own space now and not feel like I am in somebody else’s. I just feel like I can finally relax and focus on building my foundations.

“If I had had to go down the private renting route, I would have been just surviving, not living. Moving into Reuben House will really change my life.”

The scheme has been welcomed by residents as a way to help combat youth homelessness and bring new skills into the area.

“My first thought was that the development was student accommodation until I did more research,” said Joe Ramsay, a photographer from Peckham.

“Having lived in the area for more than 20 years, this project is an amazing opportunity for any young person selected to live there. It will enable them to take charge of their life, live safely, independently, and make Peckham their home.”

Each resident of Reuben House has to have a job or be in a full-time apprenticeship. The scheme gives young people who might otherwise be at risk of homelessness or living in unsafe accommodation the chance to build a better future for themselves.

Local areas will also benefit by helping combat the problem of homelessness.

Sally Orlopp, director of Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme, said: “I’ve been working with disadvantaged people for more than 25 years, and this is the most exciting and innovative programme that has tangible results in transforming young people’s lives.”

Each 21m sq home has a kitchen, dining area and bathroom, as well as a space in which to sleep and relax, making the homes comfortable for young people to live in independently.

The housing modules were built off-site in a factory by Hull-based company M-AR and transported by lorry to London, with electrics and plumbing already installed and the flats fully-decorated throughout.

All 33 units were installed in less than a week, meaning the homes could welcome residents much more quickly than with a traditional build, as well as costing much less and reducing construction times by more than 50 per cent.

Pictured top: Centrepoint’s new Reuben House development in Lugard Road (Picture: Centrepoint)