A new social housing scheme in Sydenham is set to deliver 32 new social homes for homeless families and young adults with special needs by the end of the year.
The project, which is replacing an unused warehouse building with 26 self-contained apartments on Mayow Road, will provide temporary accommodation for those struggling with homelessness.
It will also include six supported living apartments for young residents with learning disabilities and autism.
The scheme is aiming to help homeless families move out of costly nightly-paid accommodations and move into homes featuring private spaces and facilities of their own, as well as helping residents with special needs to live more independently in a safe and inclusive environment.
With the help of the NHS, the six supported living accommodations will include 24/7 on-site care and support, as well as communal garden spaces.
Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, led the topping-out ceremony of the project last Thursday. He said: “I look forward to seeing the completed scheme later this year and meeting some of the new residents once they have moved in.”
This new housing scheme is part of the Council’s “Building for Lewisham programme” which has been delivering social homes across the borough for local residents in partnership with Lewisham Council’s housing company – Lewisham Homes.
The aim of the programme, the council says, is to build homes that cater to the needs of older residents who want to be independent in a house of their own, provide special housing for people with learning disabilities and build accommodation for homeless families.
Ainsley Forbes, Chair of Lewisham Homes, said: “We are proud to be delivering such a high-quality development as part of Lewisham Council’s continuing efforts to address acute housing needs in the borough. We are clearly setting a benchmark with an exemplary and inclusive building which truly enhances its setting.”