Redevelopment includes 122 council homes for social rent and 44 homes for low-cost ownership
Lewisham Council has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of the Achilles Street estate in New Cross, a major regeneration scheme set to deliver 278 new homes, 60% of them affordable.
The scheme, designed by Levitt Bernstein and WR-AP, includes 122 council homes for social rent – up from the 87 existing units on the site – and 44 homes for low-cost ownership. A third of all homes will be family-sized, while 98% are dual or triple aspect. ZCD Architects acted as youth engagement specialist on the project.
The mixed-use development will also provide 1,411sq m of commercial space for shops and workspaces, alongside new maker spaces on Pagnell Street and in a proposed Makers’ Yard. Public and green areas will increase by 15% over the current estate layout, with improved connections to Fordham Park, new play areas and accessible public spaces. Completion is expected by 2033.
Jo McCafferty, director at Levitt Bernstein, said: “Our architectural and landscape teams have been working with the community of Achilles residents, local young people and our client at Lewisham Council since 2021 to develop new homes and shared landscape and public realm in this incredible neighbourhood. The existing estate has both a frontage along New Cross Road and overlooks Fordham Park to the north, and it is a real achievement of collective work across the full client, design and resident team that we have achieved this key milestone.
“The proposals not only create exemplary new housing, play space, shops and workspace but also will improve wider issues of community safety, connectivity with the park, slow car movement along Achilles Street and prioritise the independent movement of children and young people. It has been the project of a lifetime and an extraordinary privilege to work so closely with our client and Achilles residents. We look forward to the delivery of the project and handing over new homes to the Achilles residents who have waited so long.”
The project follows extensive consultation since 2016, including an estate ballot in 2019 in which 73% of voting residents backed regeneration. A Youth Panel, Resident Steering Group and local schools have also contributed to the design, which aims to retain the character of New Cross Road while strengthening the neighbourhood feel.
Cllr James-J Walsh, Lewisham’s cabinet member for inclusive regeneration and planning, described the scheme as “regeneration done right: inclusive, creative and genuinely community led,” adding that Achilles demonstrates “what is possible when we lead with our values.”
WR-AP director Max Rengifo praised the “true participatory process,” calling the scheme “well-grounded and fully supported by the residents.”
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