London to get 1,500 new build-to-rent homes

Here’s who’s making them

Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (‘Grosvenor’) has today responded to the generational shift to renting in London by publishing a draft masterplan (‘plan’) for one of the capital’s largest build to rent developments.

Grosvenor’s plan, in the heart of Bermondsey, would host around 1,500 new rental homes, its latest public consultation reveals. It would also provide a number of homes on a range of discounted market rents, reaching a wider spectrum of people.

Grosvenor proposes a £500 million investment plan for the 12-acre former biscuit factory site, backed by the company’s 340 year history and track record of creating and managing some of London’s most successful places. It wants to manage all these homes for the long term and is gathering the views of locals and other stakeholders.

The plan, designed by award-winning, international architects Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, outlines ambitions for a physically integrated neighbourhood with a brand new 600-place secondary school at its heart, over 110,000 square feet of new public spaces and almost 20,000 square feet of new playspace.

Approximately 85,000 square feet of ground floor retail, food, leisure and culture would be added with shops, services and facilities open to the community. 

Development plans would also create conditions for over 900 new jobs, opportunities for new and existing businesses, and an annual boost to local spending of £30 million. Grosvenor is testing its latest proposals after two years of local interaction and discussion.

Craig McWilliam, Chief Executive of Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said: “London’s housing shortage is too often creating polarised outcomes, with homes for the few who can afford to buy them, and those allocated social rented accommodation. We are sharing our ambitions in Bermondsey to meet the needs of many on low and middle incomes who are locked out of London’s housing market.

“We want to help create one of London’s greatest neighbourhoods for people of mixed incomes, backgrounds and life stages. We want to manage these rental homes for the long term, responding to changing needs and extending Bermondsey’s rich history at the heart of a growing, global city.”