The Artisan Tops Out at Ram Brewery Site Wandsworth 2026

Key Points

• The 36-storey Artisan tower, located on the historic former Ram Brewery site at Wandsworth Mills, has officially reached its maximum height following a traditional topping-out ceremony.
• Wandsworth Council Leader Cllr Robert Morritt joined key development partners on the top floor of the building to commemorate the construction landmark.
• The overall 3.4-acre Wandsworth Mills masterplan will deliver 389 new residences, incorporating Shared Ownership housing managed in partnership with Wandle Housing Association alongside restored Grade II listed townhouses.
• The Artisan structure itself will contain 172 low-carbon residential units, with the initial phase of occupants scheduled to move into their properties next year.
• The regeneration plan unlocks a historically inaccessible urban plot, introducing 210 metres of upgraded River Wandle frontage and creating 2,000 square metres of public space.
• Construction activities on-site are generating local employment, work experience, and upskilling opportunities coordinated through Wandsworth Council’s Work Match initiative.

Wandsworth (South London News) November 10, 2026 — A prominent Wandsworth Town regeneration enterprise has achieved a critical structural benchmark following the official topping-out of The Artisan building at Wandsworth Mills.

The 36-storey residential high-rise, situated within the historic boundary of the former Ram Brewery, has attained its full structural height. The completed tower will supply 172 low-carbon homes, with initial occupier move-ins projected to commence next year.

Extending across a 3.4-acre parcel alongside the River Wandle, the wider Wandsworth Mills development plan encompasses 389 properties. The scheme combines contemporary residential blocks with restored Grade II listed townhouses, transforming a long-closed industrial location while opening 210 metres of enhanced river frontage and 2,000 square metres of newly designed public realm.

Who attended the Wandsworth Mills topping-out ceremony?

The topping-out event was hosted on the uppermost tier of The Artisan tower. Councillor Robert Morritt, Leader of Wandsworth Council, attended the gathering alongside Councillor Ravi Govindia, Chair of the Planning Committee.

They joined representatives from Wandle Housing Association, developer Berkeley, main contractor Statom Group, and members of the broader project delivery team, comprising primary design and construction consultants.

What did local council leadership say regarding the construction milestone?

In an official address at the event, Councillor Robert Morritt expressed satisfaction with the project’s steady execution:

“I was delighted to join the team at Wandsworth Mills and see the incredible progress made on constructing the latest addition to our town centre, which can be seen for miles. We want to work with ambitious, long-term partners who share our determination to get high-quality projects moving and deliver benefits for the local area. Here on the historic former Ram Brewery site this development is bringing new jobs and homes, as well as opening up new routes along the River Wandle.”

How do developers view the progress of the Wandsworth regeneration scheme?

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Marcus Blake, Managing Director at Berkeley, highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation during complex building projects:

“This is a fantastic moment for Wandsworth Mills. Topping out The Artisan is a major milestone and we’re delighted to celebrate it alongside the Council Leader and so many of our valued partners. Delivering complex urban regeneration projects is never easy, and I want to thank all of our partners for their support and for working with us to overcome the challenges along the way. Working alongside a collaborative and pro-growth council gives us real confidence to push forward and deliver our vision for a sustainable new part of Wandsworth Town centre.”

How is the project generating employment and public benefits for the local community?

The topping-out ceremony took place shortly after Wandsworth Council launched a series of dedicated Developer Forums. These forums were established to deepen partnerships with private-sector stakeholders, attract long-term commercial investment, and ensure the delivery of essential housing, employment opportunities, and public infrastructure across the borough.

At Wandsworth Mills, construction operations are providing training placements, apprenticeships, work experience, and upskilling pathways for area residents. Developer Berkeley has partnered with Wandsworth Council’s Work Match team to facilitate direct access to these job openings for local inhabitants.

In addition to economic outputs, the development provides environmental and accessibility improvements along the River Wandle. The scheme establishes new pedestrian pathways along the riverbank, introduces ecological habitat enhancements, and creates public routes through land that was previously cordoned off from the surrounding neighborhood.

Background of the Ram Brewery site development

The site occupied by Wandsworth Mills carries centuries of industrial heritage. The Ram Brewery location holds a continuous history of brewing operations dating back to at least the 16th century, making it one of the oldest recorded brewing locations in Britain. For generations, the site was operated by Young & Co.’s Brewery, functioning as a major industrial hub and employer within the heart of Wandsworth Town.

Commercial brewing activities at the central facility ceased in the mid-2000s, leaving a substantial industrial enclosure in the center of the town centre. Because the site was dedicated to brewing operations for centuries, the surrounding community was physically disconnected from this portion of the River Wandle, as high boundary walls blocked public entry.

Subsequent urban planning initiatives sought to integrate the historic brewing assets—including listed industrial structures and traditional townhouses—into a wider masterplan. The current scheme combines historic preservation with modern density, aiming to retain architectural heritage while delivering multi-tenure housing, commercial retail units, and restored public riverways.

Prediction: How will this development affect local residents and the broader community?

The completion of The Artisan tower and the progression of the Wandsworth Mills scheme will have a multifaceted impact on several local demographic groups:

• Prospective Homebuyers and Tenants: The addition of 389 housing units—including 172 low-carbon apartments inside The Artisan and dedicated Shared Ownership options delivered via Wandle Housing Association—will increase local housing supply. This injection of multi-tenure accommodation provides opportunities for first-time buyers and residents seeking energy-efficient housing near transport hubs.
• Local Jobseekers and Workers: Through the active involvement of Wandsworth Council’s Work Match service, local residents gain direct access to construction trades, technical apprenticeships, and administrative positions generated during the building and operational phases of the development.
• The Surrounding Wandsworth Community: The opening of 210 metres of previously inaccessible riverbank alongside 2,000 square metres of public realm will enhance urban connectivity. Neighborhood residents gain new walking corridors, public plazas, and green space along the River Wandle, improving pedestrian movement across Wandsworth Town centre.
• Local Businesses and High Street Retailers: The introduction of hundreds of new residents within walking distance of existing retail corridors will increase footfall and local consumer spending, benefiting town centre businesses and service providers.