Council to build 100 ‘affordable’ new homes for key workers

A council is promising 100 “affordable” new homes for key workers in the borough.

The homes will be built in Bermondsey and offered as short-let tenancies with rents capped at London Living Rent levels – pegged at one-third of local average incomes.

A site at 177 Abbey Street has been identified by the council. A spokeswoman said its central location means keyworkers, such as health and social care staff, and teachers, will be “close to good public transport links”, and “within walking distance to primary service sectors”.

The scheme, which is expected to start in 2026, will include a replacement space for the Beormund Community Centre in Abbey Street, Bermondsey.

The Beormund, in Abbey Street, closed in December 2020 after the council pulled its funding and refused to renew the lease.

Council officials said the centre was poor value for money after visitor numbers dropped during lockdown. But the decision sparked a bitter row between the centre and local authority.

Since the closure, Southwark council said it has worked with residents who managed to salvage elements from the former centre – including light fittings and handrails – before it was demolished.

A council spokeswoman said: “It is hoped these can be reused in the new building from which community events and activities will run once again.”

Councillor Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said: “We know how much of a social anchor the former Beormund Community Centre was and it’s exciting the new venue builds upon this legacy to the benefit of current and future residents who move into the key worker homes.”

A development partner will be procured to deliver the scheme in line with the council’s objectives. They will be responsible for managing the building and tenancies over a 40-year lease.

The developer will draw from the council’s list of eligible tenants on a first-refusal basis.

Cllr Dennis said: “Key workers are the backbone of our city, but now it’s harder than ever to find affordable housing within easy reach of work for many teachers, social care staff and healthcare workers, to name a few.

“In Southwark, we promised we would look after the key workers who look after us by building them dedicated housing that was genuinely affordable. But councils have long been at the mercy of a broken financing system after the policy choices of our last Government.

“We are excited to work on the first 100 of many more affordable key worker homes for Southwark. “

The report will go to the council’s cabinet for approval on Monday.

Pictured top: Abbey Street in Bermondsey has been identified by the council as the development site (Picture: Google Street View)