Achilles Street regeneration approved – delivering new affordable homes, safer streets and a better New Cross
The scheme strengthens the neighbourhood for the long term, providing more affordable homes, safer streets, better public spaces, which have been shaped directly by local people. The approved plans will deliver 278 high-quality new homes, with 60% affordable housing, comprised of 122 homes for Council-owned homes for social rent – an increase from 87– and 44 for shared ownership. A third of all homes designed for families and almost all homes (98%) will benefit from dual or triple aspect for better light and ventilation. Additionally, the plan sets out:
- 1,411 sqm of commercial space, creating maker, retail and flexible workspaces
- 15% more public space, with improved play and social areas
- better connections to Fordham Park
- remaining 40% of homes for market sale
Since 2016, residents have played a central role in shaping the future of the Achilles Estate. Engagement has included a youth panel, a Resident Steering Group, workshops with local schools and regular neighbourhood events. In 2019, an estate ballot saw 92% of eligible residents vote, with 73% in favour of the plans. The Council will continue to work with residents as the project progresses, helping them shape their new homes.
The scheme design responds to the character of New Cross Road and the wider area, prioritising a strong neighbourhood feel with family homes, secure bicycle parking and accessible public spaces. It will strengthen key connections across New Cross, Deptford and Lewisham, improving links to stations, green corridors, and local high streets.
The project is designed to breathe new life into the local high street. New maker spaces along Pagnell Street and the Makers’ Yard behind the estate will offer affordable, flexible space for local artists, designers and young entrepreneurs – helping New Cross strengthen its role as one of Lewisham’s most creative neighbourhoods.
Expected to complete by 2033, Achilles Street is a major milestone in Building for Lewisham, the Council’s programme backed by the Mayor of London to provide more affordable homes, improve public spaces and support local jobs.
Councillor James-J Walsh, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration and Planning, said:
“Achilles shows what regeneration should be: rooted in the community, improving everyday life and helping local people stay in the neighbourhood they love. With 60% affordable homes, safer public spaces, better connections and new opportunities for local businesses, we’re delivering the Good Growth vision in our Local Plan – creating a thriving New Cross shaped by its residents, for the future of Lewisham.”
Councillor Will Cooper, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Better Homes, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, said:
“With the Achilles Street Estate regeneration, we’re putting social rent homes first. We know some of our estates and homes are not up to standard and need regeneration, and we are doing that regeneration with social housing tenants at the heart of our plans. The increase in social homes on this site means that families stuck in temporary accommodation or overcrowded in their properties will get the opportunity to move in to secure, safe and well-designed homes, giving them the chance to thrive at the heart of our community.”
Jo McCafferty, Director, Levitt Bernstein said:
“We are so delighted that our proposals for new homes, shops and workspace at the Achilles Estate have been granted planning approval. This is a key milestone for the Achilles community, Lewisham Council and our project team after four years of intensive engagement and design work.
It’s testament to an incredible working collaboration between the community, our client, ourselves, WR-AP Architects and ZCD Architects and the wider design team including Max Fordham and Price & Myers.
The Achilles Estate steering group have been at the forefront of all decision-making and have shown such personal commitment to the project over this period, from the original ballot in 2019. We send a personal thank you to the members of the steering group and the project team at Lewisham Council whose ambition and humanity have made this process so deeply fulfilling for us as architects. We are looking forward to our future involvement in delivering these proposals for the community at Achilles.”
Max Rengifo, Director WR-AP said:
“Securing planning approval for the Achilles Estate Regeneration marks a significant milestone for the fantastic residents of the estate and for Lewisham Council. We are proud to be part of this transformational project alongside our valued collaborators Levitt Bernstein, ZCD Architects, and the exceptional wider design team including Max Fordham, Price & Myers, Silver, and DP9.
Our heartfelt thanks go to the residents’ steering group and the council project team for their passion, perseverance and unwavering commitment to positive change. Their dedication has made this journey both inspiring and rewarding.
At WR-AP, it has been a genuine privilege to work shoulder-to-shoulder with all involved. This collaborative approach reflects the very essence of who we are as a practice. We look forward to continuing our contribution through the next stages and seeing the Achilles Estate Regeneration come to life as a welcoming neighbourhood of high-quality homes, workspaces and shops.”