Sixty-two new homes have been completed at St Olave’s in Rotherhithe – a development made up entirely of affordable housing for local people.
The 100 percent affordable scheme marks the completion of a complex redevelopment project, bringing a long-empty site back into use after more than a decade and delivering new social rent and Shared Ownership homes in an established south London neighbourhood.
Fourteen homes are for social rent and have been allocated to residents through Southwark Council. The remaining 48 homes are available for Shared Ownership, offering a more affordable way for people to buy their own home locally.
The fully affordable tenure mix reflects ongoing demand for both rented and lower-cost home ownership options in inner London.
Most of the homes are now occupied, with families continuing to move in and settle into the neighbourhood, as St Olave’s once again becomes part of everyday life in the area.
The site has been part of Rotherhithe’s story since 1746. Over the years it has served as a workhouse, infirmary, and hospital, and later as a nursing home and ambulance station. It has stood empty since 2013. Its redevelopment means the land is once again being used for homes and shared community spaces.
The homes range from one to three bedrooms and sit within two modern buildings set around a landscaped courtyard designed to give residents space to meet and children room to play safely.
Generous private balconies and terraces give residents meaningful outdoor space of their own, alongside shared planting and greenery throughout the development. Secure cycle storage is also provided.
Residents also benefit from the site’s strong location. Canada Water and Rotherhithe stations are nearby, offering quick connections to Canary Wharf, the city and central London.
Southwark Park and the Thames riverside are within walking distance, along with local shops, cafés, and community spaces.
The homes have been delivered by not-for-profit housing association Peabody, working with construction partner Thomas Sinden. Sustainability has been built into the design, with solar panels, a biodiverse roof and new planting helping to reduce energy use and bring more greenery into the area.
The project demonstrates the delivery of a 100 percent affordable scheme in a high-value inner London location at a time when development viability remains challenging across the sector.
Peabody and partners came together on Wednesday 11 February to mark the completion of the homes.
Simon Barry, Regional Managing Director for Development at Peabody, said:
“New homes like these are much needed in Rotherhithe, and local people have been waiting to see this site brought back into use. It’s great to see families now settling in and making it their own.
“Providing fully affordable homes in an area with strong transport links, green space and a real sense of community means people can stay connected to the places and people that matter to them.”
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said:
“The Mayor and I will always prioritise getting as many social and affordable homes built as possible – and we have a record to be proud of in London.
“We are really pleased to be supporting Peabody’s 100 percent affordable housing scheme at St Olave’s in Southwark, which is providing 62 new high-quality homes right in the heart of the local community. I look forward to continuing to work closely with partners, councils, and local authorities to boost the delivery of affordable housing across the capital as we build a better and fairer city for all.”
Matt Ayers, Construction Director for Thomas Sinden, said:
“This project reinforces what we value most…. strong partnerships, honest communication and delivering work we can all be proud of. It reflects a shared commitment to quality, safety, collaboration, and long-term value.”
Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Council Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said:
“It is wonderful to be celebrating the completion of these 100 percent affordable new Peabody homes at St Olave’s in Rotherhithe, which include 14 new social rent homes for Southwark residents on our housing waiting list.
“This is a fantastic development right next to Southwark Park and a stone’s throw from Canada Water station, and a very welcome contribution to our wider efforts to tackle the housing crisis and deliver the affordable homes that we need.”