Affordable housing provider Square Roots has marked the start of construction of 338 new homes for social rent in Bermondsey, the largest new social housing site in Southwark.
The new homes are being built for Square Roots by delivery partner, London Square, supported by grant funding from the Mayor of London, and in collaboration with the London Borough of Southwark. When completed in early 2029, the homes will be allocated to residents on the London Borough of Southwark’s housing waiting list.
Located in four buildings that form an important anchor for Pearl Yard, the wider masterplan for the area being delivered by Greystar on the former site of the Peek Freans Biscuit Factory. This neighbourhood includes 1,600 homes for rent, a new secondary school, workspaces, play areas and cultural and retail spaces.
To mark the start of construction, Square Roots managing director, Barbara Richardson, and London Square’s managing director, South, Sean Gavin, were joined by the MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, Neil Coyle, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, Tom Copley, and Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development for the London Borough of Southwark.
Also in attendance were a number of recent and current apprentices from London Square, highlighting the circa 150 apprenticeships and training opportunities that will be delivered for Southwark through the construction of the affordable homes.
Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said: “It is fantastic to see construction now underway to deliver 338 social rent homes, as part of the wider Biscuit Factory development in Bermondsey. London Square with Square Roots are bringing forward the biggest new social housing site in the borough – the equivalent of a new council estate – homes which will be transformative for residents on Southwark’s housing waiting list.”
Barbara Richardson, managing director of Square Roots, said: “At a time when the construction of new homes in London is at historic lows, our collaboration with the Mayor of London, the London Borough of Southwark and London Square highlights the importance of partnership working. We look forward to welcoming new residents from Southwark’s housing lists in early 2029.”
Sean Gavin, managing director, South of London Square, added: “This project is a fantastic example of successful regeneration and placemaking, made possible through sustained partnership working. We are committed to inclusive high-quality neighbourhoods and this project forms a key part of our circa 800-home portfolio of schemes we are delivering in Southwark and ensuring new neighbourhoods support a broad range of local housing needs.”
