Representatives from Lambeth Council joined Countryside Partnerships, the UK’s leading mixed-tenure developer and Simple Life London on behalf of London BTR Investments (a joint venture between EQT Exeter and Simple Life London), to mark the official start of construction on the £1.2bn regeneration of Clapham Park in South London with a ground-breaking ceremony in May 2023.
Delivery partners Countryside Partnerships have now begun construction on the first phase of the regeneration programme which will deliver 520 high-quality new homes. This will comprise 282 affordable homes, 123 private homes and 115 homes for rent, managed by Simple Life London, with the first completions expected in late 2024.
In total, the regeneration will deliver at least 2,482 high-quality homes across 17 sites, of which 53% will be for affordable tenures. These will comprise family homes, apartments, build-to-rent apartments and retirement living. There will also be a community centre, a market square, two parks, commercial and retail space, and a district heating system. The homes will be built to high sustainability standards, and residents will benefit from extensive cycle parking, electric vehicle charging points and public realm enhancements.
Steven Brewster, Investment and Acquisition Director, Simple Life London, added: “On behalf of London BTR Investments, we’re delighted to see our housebuilding partner, Countryside Partnerships, break ground at this site. We’re excited to be taking 115 build to rent homes at Clapham Park, which will be taken to market through our Simple Life London rental brand. This is a highly anticipated new location for Simple Life London and we’re looking forward to providing local renters with the opportunity to rent these high-quality new apartments.”
Keeping the community at the heart of redevelopment, the JV partnership has allocated an initial sum of £1m towards placemaking and community building activities at Clapham Park.
To be deployed throughout the construction of the project, this funding will be used to sponsor a variety of resident activities, including community bonding events and improvement works, which will bring immediate benefits to the community, demonstrating the JV’s long-term commitment to Clapham Park.
Initiatives so far include the establishment of the ‘Destiny and Young Researcher in Residence’ with Make Space for Girls and London School of Economics, which will provide work experience opportunities for young people in the local area, working alongside Simple Life London.
A Young People’s Fund has also been established, enabling young residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their community, with annual funding allocated to youth activities, and a dedicated youth board to direct the Fund.