Key Points
- 102 new affordable homes completed at Oval Village in Lambeth, including 20 for London Affordable Rent and 82 for shared ownership.
- The project is a regeneration scheme transforming the old Grade II listed Oval gasworks.
- Partners include Berkeley Homes, Peabody housing association, Lambeth Council, and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
- Lambeth Council faces a severe housing crisis with 29,000 families on the waiting list and over 4,500 in temporary accommodation.
- Newly completed homes offer communal gardens, children’s playspace, new supermarket, and planned landscaped public areas.
- The restored Grade II Listed Oval gasholder is a prominent local landmark incorporated into the development.
- Oval Village will eventually provide nearly 1,360 homes with retail and leisure spaces over six acres.
- Housing leaders stress the importance of secure, affordable housing to improve residents’ lives.
- Launch event on 18 November attended by Cllr Claire Holland (Lambeth Council), Tom Copley (GLA Deputy Mayor), Berkeley Homes, and local partners.
What is the Oval Village development?
Oval Village is a large-scale regeneration project on the site of the old Oval gasworks in Lambeth. It aims to transform a disused, Grade II listed industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood comprising new homes, retail, leisure, and green spaces. The development covers six acres and is set to deliver nearly 1,360 private and affordable homes in total.
As reported by Paul Winn of southlondonnews.co.uk, the development integrates restoration of the iconic Oval gasholder, preserving a historical landmark that overlooks the nearby Kia Oval Cricket Ground, while introducing modern housing and amenities.
Who are the key partners behind this project?
The redevelopment is a partnership involving multiple stakeholders. Berkeley Homes is the primary developer, responsible for the design and construction of the new housing. Peabody, a notable housing association, manages the affordable homes aspect. Lambeth Council, representing local government, supports the initiative alongside the Greater London Authority (GLA), which offers strategic oversight and funding.
According to the statement from Paul Vallone, Chairman of Berkeley Central London, shared in an official Berkeley press release,
“None of this would be possible without the support and commitment of our partners, including the Lambeth Council and the GLA.”
This highlights the collaborative effort behind the project.
How many new affordable homes are completed and who can access them?
A total of 102 high-quality affordable homes have now been completed and made available to families in need. These homes include 20 London Affordable Rent units currently occupied by local residents, and 82 shared ownership flats. The shared ownership option allows buyers to purchase a minimum 25% stake, making it easier to enter the property market with lower deposits.
Simon Barry, Regional Managing Director for London South at Peabody, told Inside Housing,
“These homes in Oval Village are helping to make it possible for people to find affordable accommodation in London, which isn’t easy.”
He emphasised the importance of partnership working to create a development that suits both residents and the broader community.
What is the housing crisis situation in Lambeth?
Lambeth Council leader Cllr Claire Holland provided a candid assessment of the local housing challenges during the launch event on 18 November.
“In Lambeth, the housing crisis is the worst it has ever been,”
she said, reporting that there are more than 29,000 families on the housing waiting list and over 4,500 in temporary accommodation.
She stressed the critical need for secure and stable homes, stating,
“Having a secure and stable home is so crucial for our residents, transforming their lives for the better.”
Holland also highlighted the 15 years of national failure to build affordable homes, which has worsened the local situation. She said Lambeth Council is committed to tackling this through partnerships with developers like Berkeley Homes and other public sector bodies such as Transport for London (TfL).
What facilities and features do these new homes offer?
The affordable homes are situated in a central, well-connected Zone 1 location just behind the Kia Oval Cricket Ground. All properties benefit from access to a communal podium garden, providing green space for residents. The wider Oval Village area includes a children’s playspace and a new supermarket. Over 2.5 acres of landscaped public space will be developed as the project progresses, enhancing community amenities.
Berkeley’s Paul Vallone remarked,
“These homes combine a Zone 1 location, excellent design and specification, and access to a garden courtyard, rivalling some of the best properties in the area.”
This underscores both the quality and desirability of the development.
What was the significance of the launch event?
The launch event on Tuesday, 18 November, marked an important milestone in making these affordable homes available to the community. Cllr Claire Holland joined Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development at the GLA, as well as representatives from Berkeley Homes and other local stakeholders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event not only celebrated the completion of this phase but reiterated the ongoing commitment to regenerating the Oval gasworks site into a sustainable neighbourhood. It highlighted the success of cooperative efforts between local government, developers, housing associations, and regional authorities.
What is the future outlook for Oval Village?
The 102 affordable homes just completed represent the first phase of a larger project. Oval Village will eventually deliver nearly 1,360 homes, blending private and affordable housing, along with retail and leisure options. This phased approach ensures continued regeneration and community growth over time.
As reported by Simon Barry of Peabody, the development is
“helping to create a development that really works for residents and the wider community,”
signalling optimism for the project’s success in addressing housing needs in Lambeth.
