The scheme for Lewisham Council is set to demolish the existing 1950s Achilles Street housing estate – including Azalea House, Fenton House and Austin House – and replace it with five new building between four and 16 storeys tall. 

The new homes will be 60 per cent affordable, including 122 council-owned for social rent – an increase from the 87 currently on site – as well as 44 offered for low-cost home ownership. 

A third of the total units will be family homes and all but 2 per cent will be double or triple-aspect. The scheme includes 23 maisonettes. 

The scheme will also deliver 4,332m2 of public open space and 671m2 of play space, plus improved links to Fordham Park. 

It will also provide 1,411m2 of commercial space, with shops creating a new parade along New Cross Road and workshops on Pagnell Street and in a new ‘makers’ yard’ providing flexible space for local businesses. 

ZCD Architects worked on the project as a youth engagement specialist, with consultation work ongoing since 2016 — including a youth panel, resident steering group and local school input. 

The phased redevelopment is expected to complete by 2033. 

James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s cabinet member for inclusive regeneration and planning said: ‘This is regeneration done right: inclusive, creative and genuinely community-led. These plans put residents, young people and the wider New Cross community at the heart of decision-making and design.

‘At a time when the housing crisis continues to price people out of our city, Achilles shows what is possible when we lead with our values. We are delivering 60 per cent affordable homes, new public spaces and better links across our community while creating jobs and opportunities for local people.’

Levitt Bernstein director Jo McCafferty added: ‘The proposals not only create exemplary new housing, play space, shops and workspace but also will improve wider issues of community safety, connectivity with the park, slow car movement along Achilles Street and prioritise the independent movement of children and young people. 

‘It has been the project of a lifetime and an extraordinary privilege to work so closely with our client and Achilles residents. We look forward to the delivery of the project and handing over new homes to the Achilles residents who have waited so long.’

Levitt Bernstein and WR-AP’s designs for the new Achilles Estate in New Cross

Project data

Architects Levitt Bernstein with WR-AP Architects
Landscape architect Levitt Bernstein
Youth engagement specialist ZCD Architects
Project manager and employers agent Silver DCC
Cost consultant Silver DCC
Principal designer Silver DCC
Planning consultant DP9
Structural engineer Price and Myers
Civil engineer Price & Myers
MEP consultant Max Fordham
Acoustic consultant Max Fordham
Sustainability consultant Max Fordham
BREEAM consultant Max Fordham
Lighting consultant Max Fordham
Fire consultant Affinity
Daylight/sunlight consultant eb7
Transport consultant SLR Consulting
Air quality consultant PEC
Commercial consultant Forty Group
Ecological consultant Greengage Environmental
TVIA Landscape Visual
Wind and micro climate consultant RWDI
CGI rendering Blackpoint Design