Representatives from Lambeth Council joined Countryside Partnerships, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), one of the UK’s largest housing associations, and Sigma Capital on behalf of London BTR Investments (a joint venture between EQT Exeter and Sigma Capital), to mark the official start of construction on the £1.2bn regeneration of Clapham Park in south London with a groundbreaking ceremony in May 2023.
Delivery partners Countryside Partnerships and MTVH have now begun construction on the first phase of the regeneration programme which will deliver 520 high-quality new homes. This will comprise 282 affordable homes, 123 private homes and 115 homes for rent, managed by Simple Life London, with the first completions expected in late 2024.
In total, the regeneration will deliver at least 2,482 high-quality homes across 17 sites, of which 53% will be for affordable tenures. These will comprise family homes, apartments, build-to-rent apartments and retirement living. There will also be a community centre, a market square, two parks, commercial and retail space, and a district heating system. The homes will be built to high sustainability standards, and residents will benefit from extensive cycle parking, electric vehicle charging points and public realm enhancements.
Guy Burnett, Executive Director of Development, MTVH, said: “Today’s event marks a significant step forward in the exciting large-scale regeneration of Clapham Park. MTVH is delighted to be working alongside our partners towards the creation of new, modern, well-designed homes for thousands of residents, and also the development of high-quality amenities and services.
We believe this will make a very real difference to the community and reflects our commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of local people, which lies at the heart of the wider regeneration of Clapham Park. This is not only a regeneration project, but an opportunity to strengthen the community and achieve our goal to improve the lives of local residents.”
Daniel King, Managing Director, London West, Countryside Partnerships, commented: “The breaking of ground on such a significant project is a proud moment for Countryside. As a partnerships business, we are committed to building long-term effective partnerships with our housing association and local authority partners to bring forward regeneration schemes that transform local communities. Creating social value lies at the heart of the Clapham Park regeneration, and we are supporting the local community through a range of funded initiatives and employment opportunities, helping to create a sustainable future for all at Clapham Park.”
Steven Brewster, Investment and Acquisition Director, Sigma Capital, added: “On behalf of London BTR Investments, we’re delighted to see our housebuilding partner, Countryside Partnerships, break ground at this site. We’re excited to be taking 115 build to rent homes at Clapham Park, which will be taken to market through our Simple Life London rental brand. This is a highly anticipated new location for Simple Life London and we’re looking forward to providing local renters with the opportunity to rent these high-quality new apartments.”
Keeping the community at the heart of redevelopment, the JV partnership has allocated an initial sum of £1m towards placemaking and community building activities at Clapham Park.
To be deployed throughout the construction of the project, this funding will be used to sponsor a variety of resident activities, including community bonding events and improvement works, which will bring immediate benefits to the community, demonstrating the JV’s long-term commitment to Clapham Park.
Initiatives so far include the establishment of the ‘Destiny and Young Researcher in Residence’ with Make Space for Girls and London School of Economics, which will provide work experience opportunities for young people in the local area, working alongside Sigma Capital.
Countryside and MTVH have also funded the ‘Be Enriched’ community kitchen and foodbank programme for 2023, which has bought people together with free, hot and healthy food from the Clapham Park Canteen.
A Young People’s Fund has also been established, enabling young residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their community, with annual funding allocated to youth activities, and a dedicated youth board to direct the Fund.
As part of this ambitious project, Countryside and MTVH aim to create a number of new jobs as well as training and development opportunities for local people. Over the course of the works, the site will benefit from a variety of meanwhile uses as well as commercial and retail spaces, sensitively curated and designed to become the cornerstone of neighbourhood life.
Since the transfer of Clapham Park from the London Borough of Lambeth, MTVH has completed over 1,500 new homes and refurbishments. In 2019, planning permission was granted for the new masterplan to deliver over 2,500 further homes, extensive green space, infrastructure, community and commercial space. Upon completion, Clapham Park, which spans 36 hectares and is nestled between three local centres – Clapham, Brixton and Streatham Hill – will comprise over 4,000 homes.
