Bromley (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Bromley’s West Wickham project delivers 26 new affordable homes, boosting local housing options and supporting the borough’s affordable housing goals.
The program is part of the Bromley People Initiative, which is run by the Bromley Council.
Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, Yvonne Bear, said:
“This is a fantastic example of what we are able to achieve by using underused land.
We look forward to bringing forward news of more new homes in the coming months.”
Richmal Court and Crompton Court are the new residences near to the recently refurbished Chislehurst Library.
The renowned author Richmal Crompton, who had close ties to the borough, is honored by the building’s name.
Cllr. Bear stated that the initiative “will generate financial savings as it reduces the need to use temporary accommodation, which is expensive, in addition to bringing forward much needed homes.”
The two apartment buildings were built by Buxton Building Contractors Ltd. and are intended to accommodate a variety of family needs.
The accommodation’s principal designers, Brimelow McSweeney Architects, made sure the structure complied with the Council’s mandate to preserve West Wickham’s architectural identity.
The completion of the West Wickham project comes after 60 new houses were delivered by the Bromley houses for Bromley People Schemes in Anerly, Bromley, and Chislehurst.
Additional home construction projects in Orpington, Bromley, Beckenham, and St. Paul’s Cray has been announced by Bromley Council.
How does the new housing project impact Bromley’s long-term affordable housing goals?
The addition of 26 new affordable homes directly contributes to Bromley’s target of delivering over 1,000 new affordable units, helping to alleviate housing shortages.
By including larger three-bedroom homes, the project addresses the need for family-sized affordable accommodation, which is crucial for fostering stable, long-term living arrangements.
The new homes help lower the council’s costs by reducing dependence on expensive temporary housing, which costs nearly £10,000 annually per household. This allows more sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions. The integration of the housing with community assets like the refurbished West Wickham library promotes cohesion and accessibility, creating a more supportive and attractive environment for residents.