Thamesmead Waterfront: Peabody and Lendlease partner to deliver thousands of new homes

Thamesmead Waterfront: Peabody and Lendlease partner to deliver thousands of new homes

G15 housing association Peabody and property group Lendlease have formed a 50:50 joint venture for the c.£8bn development at Thamesmead Waterfront in south-east London.

The two organisations will work together on the planning and delivery of the scheme, which will deliver a minimum of 11,500 homes. The project will contribute to the continuing economic regeneration of east London and the Thames Estuary and aims to revitalise the existing Thamesmead town centre along with creating many new homes.

Currently much of the site is undeveloped and underpopulated. It includes 2.5km of river frontage, as well as an abundance of green space and two lakes.

Key to the project is the plan for a new cross-river extension of the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead. Improving transport links in the area is said to be critical in unlocking the full ambition of the scheme and to enable the 250-acre development to achieve its full potential.

Peabody CEO Brendan Sarsfield said: “Thamesmead Waterfront represents a historic opportunity to transform an isolated and under-utilised riverside location in London.

“A new DLR crossing from east London would allow this long-term partnership to create a new waterfront district with thousands of new affordable homes and a new leisure, cultural and commercial offer for the town, for London, and for the wider Thames Estuary.

“This would unlock huge benefits for existing and new communities, boosting the economy and providing huge opportunities for London and the UK.”

Neil Martin, chief executive at Lendlease, Europe, added: “Improving transport links is a vital part of the long-term regeneration of the area, as it will bring those new homes within reach of the heart of London and help us deliver one of the most exciting new places to live in the capital.”

This is the single largest development in Peabody’s 150-year history. The Waterfront joint venture is part of Peabody’s long-term regeneration of Thamesmead, a town in south-east London which is the same size as central London. The area measures around 760 hectares, with Peabody owning around 65% of the land.

Town and Country Housing joins Peabody Group, boosting its housing output

Town and Country Housing joins Peabody Group, boosting its housing output

Town and Country Housing (TCHG) has joined the Peabody Group, becoming a subsidiary of the G15 housing provider.

The housing association currently provides more than 9,500 affordable homes in 15 local authority areas in Kent and Sussex.

The move to become part of the Peabody Group was originally announced in November 2018. It’s now been agreed following a period of consultations with residents and stakeholders and gaining the relevant consents.

Although it’s joining the Peabody family, Town and Country Housing will retain its name and operate as a subsidiary.

The link-up will enable the two organisations to combine their strength and build 800 new homes across the South East every year – 500 more than Kent-based TCHG would be able to deliver on its own.

It takes Peabody’s new homes target to 3,300 per year from 2021.

The move sees TCHG CEO Bob Heapy joining Peabody’s executive team, and the company’s chair, Francis Salway, joining the Peabody board.

A joint statement from Lord Kerslake, chair of Peabody, and Francis Salway said: “This combines the strength of two organisations to deliver more much-needed affordable homes in the South East.

“Becoming part of the Peabody family, while remaining as a separate subsidiary, will help strengthen Town and Country’s offer in the South East, ensuring Peabody remains focused on its heartland in London.”

The Peabody Group now owns and manages more than 66,000 homes across London and the South East.

Peabody through the years

In 2017 Peabody completed a merger with Family Mosaic. As a result, the housing association has homes spread across 29 London boroughs along with homes in Essex, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent.

Read more about Peabody’s growth and development here.

For more information about Town and Country Housing, click here.