During the celebrations for the schemes which will deliver a total of 445 new homes, guests marked the breaking of the first ground at the 275-home Calverley Close estate redevelopment in Beckenham, signifying the start of construction, as well as the ‘topping out’ of the first building in the 170-home redevelopment of the Pike Close estate in Bromley.
Attended by local Bromley Councillors, namely Councillor Alisa Igoe, Councillor Will Connolly and Councillor Adam Jude Grant, and residents who live on the existing estates, alongside colleagues from Riverside and Vistry the events demonstrate the considerable progress being made across both schemes, following the residents' ballot supporting Riverside’s plans and the full planning permission granted by Bromley Council for the redevelopment of Calverley Close in January 2023 and Pike Close in March 2022.
Calverley Close and Pike Close estates are being rebuilt by Vistry Group to provide every existing Riverside customer with a new and improved home that better meets their needs, with all existing social tenants offered a home on the newly built estate and their rent and tenancy terms protected.
The developments will work to address overcrowding and poor access for some residents through the provision of modern, more spacious, and energy-efficient housing. Local resident, Colin from Calverley Close, said: “We are very lucky to be given new homes and we are looking forward to moving in 2029”.
At Calverley Close, a total of 275 new homes are being delivered, comprising 255 apartments within six blocks, ranging from 6 to 7-storeys, and 20 three-storey townhouses. Of these new homes, set to be completed by spring 2034, 179 will be for social and affordable rent, with 96 for private sale.
At the Pike Close estate regeneration, a total of 170 new homes will be delivered, comprising 92 homes for social and affordable rent and 78 for private sale. The new development is expected to be completed by winter 2031 and will comprise 159 apartments, eight three-storey town houses and three maisonettes.
Mike Woolliscroft, London divisional chair for Vistry Group, said: “Having worked tirelessly with residents, the council and wider community on the redevelopment plans for Calverley Close and Pike Close, we are excited to celebrate the significant progress we are making in bringing these visions to life. In partnership with Riverside, we are providing every existing tenant with a high-quality, energy-efficient new home as well as delivering additional homes for private sale to meet the considerable need for housing in the area.”
Jehan Weerasinghe, managing director of One Housing, part of The Riverside Group, said: “Calverley Close and Pike Close are part of our wider ambitions to redevelop several neighbourhoods in London over the coming years, by building new estates that will improve quality of life for our existing customers and future generations.
“It has therefore been important to us, and Countryside have involved residents in shaping our plans for these schemes over the past few years and to have received their support.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our joint efforts with Vistry to bring over 400 improved homes to those living in Bromley.”
Cris McGuinness, Riverside’s chief financial officer, added: “Being involved in the redevelopment project these past few years myself and seeing the progress made to date at these schemes is incredibly exciting.
“Redevelopment has been necessary in allowing us to meet the housing needs of our existing and future customers, as our works will help to address issues residents themselves have raised such as overcrowding.
“It’s been great to work in partnership with Countryside Partnerships, once again, to deliver our vision to transform these estates through offering new, high quality, energy efficient and affordable homes fit for the future.”