City of London Corporation seeks GLA funding for 681 new homes in Southwark

The City of London Corporation has submitted bids to the Greater London Authority (GLA) for funding to support significant housing developments in Southwark. The proposals, filed in April under the London Strategic Affordable Housing Programme (LSAHP) 2026-2036, aim to create 681 new homes across two estates, Avondale Square Estate on Old Kent Road and Longland Court. The total estimated cost for these schemes is £94.86 million.

Details of the Proposed Developments

Indicative plans for Avondale Square Estate include the construction of 89 homes for social rent, to be built on the site of existing garages. At Longland Court, a redevelopment is planned to deliver 319 mixed-tenure properties, of which 111 are designated as affordable housing. The Corporation also plans to purchase some existing Right to Buy units as part of the overall strategy to increase housing stock.

Further proposals submitted to the GLA include 40 new social rent homes at Sumner Buildings on a site currently used as a ball court and air raid shelter. Additionally, 40 new social rent homes are planned for the community centre site at Windsor House. A small sites programme also seeks grant funding for 40 social rent homes across Brixton Almshouses, Holloway Estate, and Pakeman House.

Corporation's Housing Ambitions

A spokesperson for the City of London Corporation stated that these proposed schemes align with its "long-term ambition to increase affordable housing on our estates, and continually improve the quality of our homes." The Corporation currently manages approximately 1,900 social homes across London. The spokesperson added that the projects would also support the Mayor of London and the Government's objectives for increasing social and affordable housing in the capital.

The Corporation has committed more than £300 million to upgrading its housing estates, which it states is already resulting in improvements. These latest GLA bids are part of a longer-term strategy, with delivery of the proposed homes likely to occur over the next five to 10 years, contingent on securing the necessary funding approval. Officers are anticipating a response to the funding requests this month.

Background on City of London Corporation Housing

The City of London Corporation's responsibilities extend beyond governing the Square Mile. It manages various public spaces and housing estates. Avondale Square Estate in Southwark, built in the late 1950s or early 1960s, is its largest estate, containing 680 homes. Other estates managed by the Corporation include York Way Estate in Islington, William Blake Estate in Lambeth, and the Southbank Estates. The Corporation has faced scrutiny regarding its management of social homes, receiving a C3 rating from an industry watchdog in February.