Lewisham Council’s Strategic Planning Committee gave unanimous consent to the council-backed residential scheme at a meeting on Tuesday (2 December), with all eight councillors voting in support of the regeneration of the Achilles Street estate.
Levitt Bernstein worked with WR-AP and ZCD Architects on the approved plans, which feature 278 homes, 60 per cent of which are designated ‘affordable’. That portion comprises 44 per cent (122 units) of units as council homes and 14 per cent (44 units) under shared ownership.
The practice says the plans represent an increase from the 87 social homes on the existing site, which will be demolished to make way for five new buildings ranging in height from four to 16 storeys.
Delivery of the scheme requires demolition of the existing Azalea House, Fenton House, Austin House and 355–383 New Cross Road.
Almost all the homes will benefit from dual or triple-aspect fenestration for better light and ventilation.
Levitt Bernstein said the redeveloped Achilles Street estate would provide 1,411m² of commercial space, flexible workspaces earmarked for local entrepreneurs and 15 per cent more public space, with improved play and social areas.
The practice added that the scheme’s design ‘responds to the character of New Cross Road and the wider area, prioritising a strong neighbourhood feel, with family homes, secure bicycle parking and accessible public spaces’.
Levitt Bernstein director Jo McCafferty said: ‘We are so delighted that our proposals for new homes, shops and workspace at the Achilles Estate have been granted planning approval. This is a key milestone for the Achilles community, Lewisham Council and our project team after four years of intensive engagement and design work.
‘It’s testament to an incredible working collaboration between the community, our client, ourselves, WR-AP Architects and ZCD Architects and the wider design team, including Max Fordham and Price & Myers.
‘The Achilles Estate steering group has been at the forefront of all decision-making and has shown such personal commitment to the project over this period, from the original ballot in 2019. We send a personal thank you to the members of the steering group and the project team at Lewisham Council whose ambition and humanity have made this process so deeply fulfilling for us as architects. We are looking forward to our future involvement in delivering these proposals for the community at Achilles.’
WR-AP director Max Rengifo said: ‘Securing planning approval for the Achilles Estate Regeneration marks a significant milestone for the fantastic residents of the estate and for Lewisham Council. We are proud to be part of this transformational project alongside our valued collaborators Levitt Bernstein, ZCD Architects and the exceptional wider design team.
‘Our heartfelt thanks go to the residents’ steering group and the council project team for their passion, perseverance and unwavering commitment to positive change. Their dedication has made this journey both inspiring and rewarding.’