Lewisham Council has named Higgins as the preferred contractor to lead the delivery of 102 new affordable homes at the Ladywell Park Gardens development.

Planning permission for the scheme was granted in October 2023, paving the way for the construction of high-quality, 100% affordable homes for Lewisham residents on the housing register.

The development will comprise four blocks, including 47 social rent homes for families on the housing waiting list and 55 shared ownership properties for residents seeking their first step onto the property ladder. Eleven homes will be wheelchair-accessible, complemented by a new public garden and a dedicated children’s play area.

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The project will feature secure cycle storage, green living roofs to support biodiversity, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) to reduce flood risk.

The development is located on the site of the former Ladywell Leisure Centre and aims to address Lewisham’s urgent need for affordable housing. Ladywell Park Gardens forms a key part of the Council’s Building for Lewisham programme, which has delivered or is delivering 652 homes on site and is progressing 182 homes through design or planning stages.

The front portion of the site is currently occupied by PLACE/Ladywell. To ensure continued operations, Higgins and the Council have coordinated construction at the rear of the site. Additionally, the Council’s Mayoral Charity, Lewisham Donation Hub, has been granted an extended lease until July 2026, with support in finding a suitable future home. Plans are also underway to introduce a construction skills hub at the site in 2026.

Preliminary works have already started, with the development expected to be completed by Spring 2028, delivering a major boost to affordable housing in Lewisham.