Lambeth estate

Construction at Geoffrey Close is progressing well. The first block, providing 25 new social rented homes, is due for handover in June 2026.

Residents have viewed their new homes and attended an event covering bills, rent, service charges and moving arrangements. A second viewing will take place in May once the homes are complete.

We’ll continue to support residents as they prepare to move this summer.

Work on Block A is progressing well, with the new homes due to be handed over to Riverside in the summer.

Residents moving into the first homes will be invited to view them from early March, with a second viewing once kitchens and flooring are installed.

We’re also working with residents to choose a name for the new block, which will be submitted to Lambeth Council for approval.

Work on Block A is progressing well. The building is now watertight, windows are being installed and work has started on the lifts and internal services.

Residents are choosing their kitchen and flooring options, and we’re starting to allocate the first new homes.

The first homes are expected to be ready in early 2026, with viewings planned for early autumn.

Download the April 2025 newsletter

The first block at Geoffrey Close has reached a major construction milestone.

It will provide 25 new rented homes, due for completion in early 2026. Existing residents will then begin moving in as part of the phased redevelopment.

The wider regeneration will deliver 441 new, energy-efficient homes.

Bellway has completed the concrete frame for the first block. The first new homes are due in early 2026, with residents moving in soon after.

The footpath between Kenbury Street and Canterbury Close will close temporarily while work continues. Access will be via Lilford Road until early 2026.

What will the new estate be like?

The redevelopment will provide around 260 new homes, including approximately 135 social rented homes for existing tenants and around 125 homes for sale.

The new estate will include:

• landscaped communal spaces
• more trees and planting
• play areas for children
• secure cycle storage
• improved lighting and security
• a new community centre.

The new homes and outdoor spaces will be designed for both existing and new residents to use.

How will the estate be made safer?

The new estate will meet Secured by Design standards.

This includes improved lighting, secure entrances and controlled access to buildings. Communal spaces will be designed so they can be overlooked by nearby homes, helping create a safer environment.

What will happen to the community centre?

The community centre will be rebuilt in a new location close to its current position.

It will be designed to modern standards and will continue to be available to residents across the estate.

Will there be a gym?

Yes. A 70 square metre gym is planned for residents.

We’re still working through how it will operate and whether there will be a small charge. We’ll talk to residents about this before it opens.

How will the outdoor spaces be managed?

The new development will have secure entrances to help make sure communal spaces are primarily for residents.

Riverside and Bellway will agree how the new estate will be cleaned, maintained and landscaped before the redevelopment is complete.

How will you minimise noise, dust and disruption?

Some disruption is unavoidable during construction, but Bellway will work to keep it to a minimum.

This includes:

• monitoring noise and vibration
• controlling dust
• keeping the site secure
• giving residents advance notice of disruptive work
• providing regular construction updates.

If construction work causes an exceptional problem with your home, speak to your Housing Officer.

Who is responsible for the construction site?

Bellway is the main contractor and is responsible for managing construction.

Specialist subcontractors may also carry out some work, but they will be managed by Bellway.

How will the construction site be kept secure?

Bellway is responsible for site security.

The site will have CCTV, lighting and secure hoardings. Emergency contact details will also be displayed around the site.

How will Riverside look after the estate during construction?

Riverside will continue to maintain the occupied estate throughout the redevelopment.

We’ll work with Bellway to manage issues caused by construction, including additional cleaning where necessary.

You can continue to report housing and maintenance issues to Riverside as normal.

How will you keep residents and neighbours informed?

We’ll provide regular updates and advance notice of work that may cause disruption.

Bellway will also communicate with residents living close to the construction site.

When will I need to move?

You will not need to leave your existing home until your new home is ready.

The redevelopment is planned so tenants can move once, directly into their new permanent home. We’ll give you plenty of notice before your moving date.

What help will I get with moving?

Riverside will appoint a removals company to help with your move, including packing and wrapping.

Eligible tenants will also receive:

• a Home Loss payment
• a Disturbance Allowance towards reasonable moving costs
• support with redirecting post and other agreed moving expenses.

We’ll explain what you're entitled to before you move.

Can I use my own removals company?

Riverside will appoint a removals company for residents.

We’ll provide more information about the moving arrangements closer to your move.

What happens to my post?

We’ll register new addresses with Royal Mail once the new building is complete.

You’ll need to arrange for your post to be redirected to your new address. Reasonable redirection costs can be included as part of your Disturbance Allowance.

Can I move away from the estate instead?

Yes. Speak to your Housing Officer if you want to explore moving elsewhere.

We’ll discuss your circumstances and the options available. These will depend on your housing need and the availability of suitable homes.

If you permanently move away instead of taking a new home on the estate, you may lose your right to return.

What will my new home be like?

The new homes will meet the latest Greater London Authority housing standards and will be designed to be modern, comfortable and energy efficient.

Features will include:

• larger kitchens and bathrooms in many homes
• private balconies or gardens
• underfloor heating
• triple glazing
• improved insulation and soundproofing
• high-speed broadband connections
• lifts serving all affordable homes.

All new homes will be electric rather than gas.

How will my new home be allocated?

Homes will be allocated based primarily on housing need, using Riverside's allocations policy.

We’ll speak to you before each phase to check that the information we hold about your household and housing needs is up to date.

We’ll try to take preferences such as floor and location into account, but we cannot guarantee a particular home.

What if my housing needs have changed?

Tell your Housing Officer as soon as possible.

We’ll review your circumstances before homes are allocated. You may need to provide evidence if your household or housing needs have changed.

The number and sizes of homes being built are fixed, so we may not always be able to accommodate changes in household size.

Will my new home meet my accessibility needs?

Yes. We’ll work with you to understand your individual needs.

An independent Occupational Therapist will assess residents who need adaptations. Their recommendations will help inform the design of your new home.

All affordable homes will also have step-free access.

How will heating work?

New homes will have underfloor heating, which you’ll be able to control in your home.

There will be no radiators and the new homes will be all-electric. We’ll provide more information about the energy system before you move.

Will the new homes be warm and well insulated?

Yes. The new homes will meet current energy-efficiency standards and include triple glazing, insulation and ventilation systems.

The ventilation will help manage moisture and reduce the risk of condensation and mould.

Will I have a balcony or garden?

Most new homes will have a private balcony or garden.

We’ll provide details about your individual home before you move.

Will there be a bath or shower?

New homes will have a shower over the bath.

Some larger homes will have an additional bathroom or separate toilet.

Will I have a parking space?

Parking permits will be provided to residents who previously had one through the tenants’ association.

Additional parking permits will not automatically be provided for new vehicles. Speak to Riverside if your circumstances change.

What accessible parking will be available?

We’ll work with residents who have accessibility needs to make sure these are considered as part of the parking arrangements.

Speak to your Housing Officer if you have a specific requirement.

Will there be somewhere for deliveries to stop?

Yes. Drop-off bays have been created at 1–49 Geoffrey Close so delivery vehicles can stop without blocking the road.

Will there be cycle storage?

Yes. The development will provide secure cycle storage in line with planning requirements.

Will my rent or tenancy change?

You’ll move to your new home on the same tenancy type and with the same security you have now.

If you move to a home with the same number of bedrooms, your rent level will remain the same, apart from normal rent increases.

If you move to a larger or smaller home, you'll pay the rent for that size of home.

Will my service charge change?

Service charges may change because the new development will have different facilities and services.

We’ll work to keep charges affordable and provide value for money. We’ll explain the charges before you move.

How will my energy bills work?

We’re finalising the energy arrangements and will provide more information before residents move.

You may not be able to choose the heating provider for the development, but you'll be able to choose providers for services such as broadband and electricity where applicable.

Will I have to pay to use the gym?

This has not yet been decided.

We’re considering different options, including a small charge paid by people who use the gym or a charge through the service charge. We’ll discuss this with residents before the gym opens.

What happens if I currently have a gas cooker?

The new homes will be all-electric.

If you currently have a gas cooker, Riverside will provide and install an electric cooker in your new home. We won't cover the cost of replacing other appliances.