Seal of approval for 1bn regeneration of Kidbrooke

One of the largest housing-focused regeneration schemes in Europe got the go-ahead this week when Greenwich Council resolved to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, London. Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) Ltd and Greenwich Council will now work with their development partners the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Southern Housing Group to deliver the project, with the first residents expected to move in next year.

Following years of preparation and consultation with local residents, Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) Ltd submitted a planning application to Greenwich Council outlining the Masterplan for the redevelopment, designed by landscape architect Gillespies and architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands. The Masterplan incorporates 4,000 new mixed-tenure homes, approximately 300,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a new school, new community facilities, integrated healthcare facilities, sports pitches and leisure facilities, a new transport interchange and eight hectares of new public open space.

The Council’s Planning Board also gave the go-ahead to detailed proposals for Phase One of the regeneration, to include 449 houses and apartments comprising 220 for private sale and 229 affordable homes (a mix of social and intermediate rental, shared equity and discount market sale.).

After extensive work involving all the regeneration partners, demolition started on-site in early March 2009, with a view to starting on site at the earliest opportunity. The demolition is also the first outward sign that the site is now under way and will be one of the biggest regeneration projects in the UK, outside of the Olympic Park.