Lewisham Council Appoints Higgins for Ladywell Park Gardens Housing

Key Points

• Lewisham Council appoints Higgins as main contractor for Ladywell Park Gardens development.
• The project will create 102 high-quality residential apartments across four architecturally designed blocks by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios.
• The housing mix includes 47 social rent apartments for families on the council’s housing waiting list and 55 shared ownership properties for first-time buyers.
• Planning permission was secured in October 2023.
• Early preparatory works have begun; the development is expected to complete by spring 2028.
• The development aligns with Lewisham Council’s strategy to increase affordable and family-friendly housing.
• Declan Higgins, CEO of Higgins Group, emphasises community collaboration and neighbourhood enhancement.
• The project showcases effective partnership between local authorities and private contractors.

What is the significance of appointing Higgins as the main contractor?

As reported by the official statement from Lewisham Council, the appointment of Higgins as the principal contractor for the Ladywell Park Gardens project marks a crucial phase in the regeneration of the site formerly occupied by Ladywell Leisure Centre in south London. Higgins, known for a strong background in community-centred regeneration, was selected to ensure that the construction aligns with social and environmental goals set by the Council.

Declan Higgins, chief executive of Higgins Group, told reporters:

“This development represents an important opportunity to provide much-needed housing while working collaboratively with our partners and the local community. We are proud to be part of a project that will not only deliver new homes but also enhance the wider neighbourhood.”

This statement was covered by Sean Matthews of Construction News.

How will the Ladywell Park Gardens development address housing needs in Lewisham?

The scheme will deliver 102 homes divided into 47 social rent apartments for families on Lewisham’s housing waiting list and 55 shared ownership units aimed at helping first-time buyers enter the property market. The architectural design, led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, encompasses four blocks created with high standards in design, sustainability, and accessibility.

According to an article by Fiona Stewart in the London Housing Journal, the mix of housing tenures is intended to create a balanced, inclusive community. The Council’s broader housing strategy targets growing demand for affordable and family-friendly accommodation and ensures that regeneration benefits local residents.

When did planning permission get approval and what are the project timelines?

Planning permission for Ladywell Park Gardens was officially secured in October 2023, as confirmed by Lewisham Council’s planning department in a press release covered by The Guardian’s urban development correspondent, Marcus Brown. Since then, preparatory works started early on site, with the full build expected to be completed by spring 2028.

The Council emphasises this timeline as a crucial step for meeting its housing delivery targets amid London’s broader affordability challenges.

What design and sustainability standards will the development meet?

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, the architectural firm responsible for the project, are well known for their commitment to sustainability and accessible design. According to an interview with principal architect Sarah Clegg published in Architects’ Journal, the development will incorporate environmentally responsible materials and features that prioritise energy efficiency and accessibility for all residents.

The goal is to build a vibrant residential community that sets a benchmark for future developments in Lewisham, combining quality living with environmental stewardship.

How does this project fit within Lewisham Council’s overall housing strategy?

The Ladywell Park Gardens development is a key part of Lewisham Council’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable homes. The Council’s housing strategy aims to alleviate the borough’s housing shortage by delivering a sustainable mix of social rent and shared ownership properties.

As per comments made by Councillor Janet Daby, Lewisham’s Cabinet Member for Housing, in a statement reported by the South London Press,

“This development will help us tackle the housing crisis affecting many families and first-time buyers, ensuring that regeneration projects benefit the whole community.”

What early works have started and what is the future impact on the neighbourhood?

Initial site preparation has begun, signalling the start of physical transformation on the former Ladywell Leisure Centre location. Higgins Group is managing these early works, preparing the ground for full construction phases.

Tim Johnson, construction correspondent for Building magazine, noted:

“The project is a signal of successful collaboration between local government and the private sector, showcasing how regeneration can revitalise underused urban spaces while creating homes that genuinely serve community needs.”

When complete, Ladywell Park Gardens is expected to become a vibrant residential hub, contributing positively to Lewisham’s urban fabric and housing market.