Such is the need for more housing in London that a new scheme utilizing ‘hidden spaces’ in the capital is being introduced in a bid to provide family homes for those on council waiting lists and for private first time buyers – if you don’t mind living in an old laundry room or garage, that is…
The ‘Hidden Homes’ scheme, which was pioneered by Wandsworth Council, targets empty or abandoned spaces on council estates, subways and industrial areas and creates new homes in the gap.
The scheme is already spreading to other London boroughs and there is the potential that it could create as many as 10,000 much-needed new houses.
The scheme also has another benefit as it removes the derelict or unused spaces, which are often a mecca for drug dealings and crime.
Amongst the spaces being utilized are old laundry rooms, store sheds, garages and concrete subways. Architects are being urged to come up with innovative designs for re-using ‘dead’ spaces and first time buyers willing to take on a project can apply to buy one of the spaces.
Most of the new developments will be rented out to families on the council’s waiting list. Wandsworth has already created 168 new homes this way and a further 24 are currently under construction.
Wandsworth Councillor Martin Johnson said, “Creating high-quality homes from derelict or under-used premises is surprisingly quick and cost-effective.
“It also helps get rid of dark, unused areas that were previously magnets for crime and anti-social behaviour,” added Mr Johnson.
Some of the new homes that have so far been created by the Hidden Homes scheme include extra-large three-bedroom homes that measure at least 120 square metres and were created from the £4 million redevelopment of neglected areas, including a 90-space basement car parked demolished in 2003.
Wandsworth is on target to develop 200 new homes via the scheme. Creating hidden homes involves sending officers out to estates to identify sites that could be used for new housing such as disused garages, laundry rooms, walkways and store sheds.
Feasibility studies are conducted and costs worked out. Once suitable sites are chosen a planning application is submitted and, if approved, the work is put out to tender.
Now Southwark Council wants in on the action. Their first project will be two four-bedroom family houses created from a former rent office and garages on the Astley Estate in Peckham.
Wandsworth’s housing department has helped Southwark to get the scheme off the ground – providing an information pack on how to operate the programme and holding workshops with their residents and officers.
Harrow Council is also keen to join the scheme.
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