Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Fifth State has received planning approval for its Ilderton Wharf mixed-use development in South Bermondsey, advancing new residential-let opportunities.
There will be 477 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) rooms in the 27-story tower development, along with 79 affordable homes, 18,800 square feet of industrial floorspace, 12.6% of which will be affordable workspace for nearby businesses, and co-working spaces and a community café on the ground floor in Southwark.
The plan, which was created by HTA Design, maintains existing trees that were originally planned to be removed while also enhancing biodiversity significantly.
Alex Springer, founder of Fifth State, said:
“This is a great example of how thoughtful urban design and mixed-use development can bring people together. From the start, our goal was to help create a mixed, inclusive, and balanced neighbourhood – and we’re proud of what’s been achieved alongside LB Southwark and our neighbours.
We’re especially pleased to have supported Ilderton Primary School by initiating and committing funds for playground improvements, because every child deserves a safe and inspiring place to play, learn and thrive.”
Simon Toplis, partner at HTA Design, added:
“Our proposal for Ilderton Wharf emerges from our response to a complex brief, evolving urban setting, and close collaboration with both Fifth State and Southwark planning officers.
The design demonstrates how strategically located, underutilised brownfield sites in Central London can deliver diverse housing while preserving existing uses and enliven the neighbourhood – all enhanced by thoughtful public realm improvements.”
He added that their architectural approach celebrates the site’s heritage while creating a cohesive family of buildings united in crafted brick detailing and a shared material palette. The result is a truly integrated development that advances Southwark’s vision for sustainable growth, housing affordability, and design excellence.
How will the Southwark scheme impact local housing and job opportunities?
Affordable dwellings are part of the plan, which supports Southwark’s continuous attempts to alleviate a severe housing crisis. New affordable housing helps ease the strain on the housing register and supports families in need, as there are more than 17,000 households on the waiting list and homelessness rates are on the rise.
In order to encourage citizens to remain in their local communities, Southwark places a high priority on homes that are truly cheap and appropriate for families, including those with disabilities.
In order to address overcrowding and substandard housing conditions, Southwark has set a goal to increase the supply of affordable housing, including council homes and housing association apartments. This development helps achieve this goal.
By ensuring that new homes assist homeless households and local tenants, the council’s housing allocation policies seek to preserve stability and community cohesion.