Old gasworks site set for mammoth project with four new tower blocks for 600 homes
By Philip James Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
A former industrial site in Wandsworth is set to be transformed into a new residential community.
The development will see more than 600 new homes built within four tower blocks, reaching a maximum of 29 storeys.
Planning approval was given on Thursday to redevelop the old Wandsworth Gasworks site in Swandon Way.
There will be 620 new homes built, alongside a range of workspaces, hospitality venues and outdoor space.
Of the 620 new homes, 40 per cent will be designated as affordable housing, 182 homes will be available for social rent and 77 will be available for intermediate rent. The remaining 361 homes will be sold privately.
There will be 149 one-bedroom flats, 359 two-bedroom flats, and 112 three-bedroom flats. The development will also provide a play space for children, 4,250 sqm of workspace aimed at ‘promoting Wandsworth’s music industry’ and 9,000 sqm of parks.
These new homes will be spread across four new buildings. The tallest building will reach 29 storeys with a 10-storey shoulder building.
The second building will provide 204 homes, a new cinema and retail space across 13, 14, and 15-storey towers. The third building will reach 12 storeys with 88 new homes, and the fourth building will also reach 12 storeys providing 150 new homes.
When the plans were submitted in 2023 they drew a number of objections. Resident Charlotte Dickins said: “Our house shakes every single day from the loud and heavy lorries that drive past and we have cracks in our walls from constant local building and drilling. Our house is a small old cottage and cannot keep taking this level of nearby construction work.
“Not only that, I do not understand how our local area can support a development of this size. Wandsworth Town is a small train station that is very busy as it is, I am not sure how you expect a huge influx of people to use that service.”
The regeneration of the Gasworks is part of a joint venture by Mitheridge and SGN Place. They will work alongside regeneration specialists Common Projects.
Tim Simpson, a partner at Mitheridge, said: “There is a pressing need for quality homes in Wandsworth and across London. This development will deliver for both the community’s existing and new residents, as well as the area’s natural environment.”
Steve Sanham, founding director at Common Projects, said: “This site has long sat empty and unused in the centre of one of the most well-connected and desirable parts of London. We are proud to have been able to secure a future for the site that will benefit both existing and new residents, and provide space for the hugely important local music industry.”
In January, residents hit back against separate plans to build on former industrial land nearby. Plans were submitted to Wandsworth council by Down Living South, proposing two 10-storey blocks of student accommodation nearby on Armoury Way in Wandsworth Town.
Residents raised concerns about the heights of the blocks ‘reducing light significantly’ to existing homes. This application is yet to be decided.
Pictured top: CGI of plans for Wandsworth Gasworks (Picture: Carmody Groarke/MAX Architects)
