Pike Close

In our last update, we said that work to create the new road into Pike Close was due to begin in December. Countryside has now informed us the necessary approvals to begin this work have been delayed. This means works will now begin in mid-March. We apologies for the delay. We will continue working closely with Countryside and will keep you updated on this.

What’s next?
To meet the new Gateway 2 building safety requirements, Countryside has submitted all the necessary information to the Building Safety Regulator for approval. Once approval comes through, they plan to begin construction of Blocks A & B in the spring.

The overall project timeline hasn’t changed, and the second phase of construction (Blocks A & B) is still set for completion in autumn 2028.

The demolition of Mede House and Wells House is now finished, and all machinery has been removed from the site. Materials from the demolition will be reused in the next phase of construction.

What’s next
The next activities on site, involving the work on realigning Pike Close Road, will begin in December. This will start with building a temporary road, followed by moving the current Pike Close entrance to the new route in the new year. This change will help reduce heavy vehicle traffic on site. More details will be issued to residents on the estate and surrounding neighbours over the coming weeks.

Gateway 2 approval
The next two blocks (Phase 2, Blocks A and B) are subject to more rigorous checks because they are over 18 metres tall or seven storeys high. Before construction can begin, they must receive Gateway 2 approval from the government, which will review fire safety, structural integrity, and safe access for residents.

Approval usually takes up to 12 weeks, but because these regulations are relatively new, applications often take around 24 weeks. As a result, construction is now expected to start in Spring 2026. We will provide updates once approval is granted and a start date is confirmed.

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We’re excited to take handover of Samara House, the first new block at Pike Close, delivering 29 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for existing residents.

Last month, we invited residents to visit their future homes and start planning for their move. Seeing their new homes was a special moment for everyone involved.

A huge thank you to our joint venture partners, Countryside, as well as our consultants, architects, local stakeholders, and most importantly the Pike Close residents for making this possible.

Construction progress remains positive. In February, Thames Water are due to complete the water connection into the first new block, Samara House. Also, final inspections and building compliance checks will take place also before Riverside takes over the building from Countryside.

We are continuing to actively engage with residents due to move into Samara House, in preparation for their upcoming move in the spring. This is an exciting time for residents as we approach a key milestone in the redevelopment with the completion of the first new homes.

How will the new development be kept secure?

All blocks will have modern, secure fob entry. Access can be restricted to the floor residents live on, as well as communal areas such as bin and bicycle stores.

The development follows Secured by Design, official police security guidance designed to improve the security of buildings and their surroundings. External areas will also be well lit and overlooked by homes.

Will there be lifts in the new blocks?

Yes. Every block will have two lifts serving all floors, subject to authorised access.

Will every home have private outdoor space?

Yes. Every home will have its own private outdoor space, such as a balcony or garden. Residents will also have access to shared outdoor spaces.

Will there be garages or parking?

There will be no garages in the new development. Our parking commitment is to existing residents who owned a vehicle at the start of the consultation.

How will construction noise and dust be managed?

Construction work is expected to be noisy, so noise will be monitored throughout the build. Dust suppression measures will also be used and contractors will monitor dust levels on site.

Normal working hours are Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm, and Saturday, 8am–1pm.

Will construction affect services to my home?

We will let you know in advance if planned works are expected to affect services such as internet, heating or hot water.

Will my home still be repaired while redevelopment takes place?

Yes. Essential repairs and maintenance will continue to be carried out on existing homes while the redevelopment of Pike Close is underway.

Will I keep the same tenancy rights?

If you are a secure tenant, you will be asked to sign a Riverside Protected Assured Tenancy Agreement when you move.

This carries over the additional rights you currently have under a Secure Tenancy. We will provide more information and advice before you move. Assured tenants will sign a Riverside Assured Tenancy.

Can I keep my pets?

Yes. If you already have a pet, you can keep it and do not need to do anything.

If you would like a new pet in the future, you will need permission from Riverside.

What happens if I moved away but kept my right to return

Residents who have moved away and kept their right to return will be allocated a new home.

To keep your right to return, you must meet the Management Let criteria, including having a clear rent account at allocation and when signing your new tenancy. You must also move into your allocated home when required by Riverside.

What help will I get with moving?

Riverside will hire and pay for a professional removals company.

Residents will usually pack themselves. If you are elderly, vulnerable, have a disability or need additional support for another specific reason, we can arrange help with packing, unpacking and dismantling items.

Can I get help getting rid of unwanted items?

Yes. Skips will be provided before residents move.

If you need help removing large items, please speak to your Housing Officer as soon as possible so we can discuss how best to support you. Your existing home must be returned to Riverside empty.

Who will disconnect and reconnect my appliances?

James Removals is the appointed removal company. They will assess your home before you move and arrange the disconnection and reconnection of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

The new homes have plumbing points for both a washing machine and dishwasher.

What happens if my cooker or window coverings don't work in my new home?

The new estate will not have gas. If you currently have a gas cooker or hob, Riverside will replace it with an electric appliance, which will be gifted to you.

Riverside will also either install blinds or provide a contribution towards new window coverings. This will be agreed before you move.

When will I know my new address?

You will receive your full postal address, including your postcode, at least 12 weeks before your confirmed move date.

How will new homes be allocated?

Homes will be allocated in line with our Local Lettings Plans.

We will work with existing tenants to understand preferences, including being close to existing friends or neighbours, and will try to accommodate these wherever possible. Homes not allocated in an earlier phase will be offered to subsequent phases in line with the allocations policy.

Can I choose an open or closed-plan kitchen?

We will accommodate residents' preferences wherever possible. However, the structural layout of some homes means both options may not always be available.

We will provide more information when your new home is allocated.

What flooring will be provided?

Anti-slip vinyl flooring will be installed in kitchens and bathrooms. There will also be some tiling around the bath or shower and behind the sink.

Anti-slip vinyl will also be used in communal areas for safety and durability, with residents consulted on colours.

How will the heating work?

Your new home will have underfloor heating. You will be able to control the heating in different zones, although a zone may cover more than one room.

We will provide a demonstration of how the system works when you move in.

Will my new home have good internet access?

New homes will have fibre-optic sockets for landline telephone and broadband connections, which we anticipate will provide a stronger service than currently available.

Residents will be responsible for updating their address with their provider.

How will visitors and deliveries get into my block?

Visitors will use the door-entry system, allowing you to see and speak to them before giving them access.

Each resident will also have a secure, lockable post box in the entrance lobby. Larger deliveries will require the delivery driver to contact you using the intercom.

Can my new home be adapted if I have additional needs?

All flats can be adapted with features such as handrails and wet rooms.

Wheelchair-accessible homes are larger and there are a limited number in each phase. These will be allocated based on recommendations from an Occupational Therapist.

What adaptations will wet rooms have?

Wet rooms will have slip-resistant flooring throughout. Where a fold-down shower chair is required, this will be polished aluminium with a padded seat.

Will my rent stay the same?

Rents will remain at existing rent levels for tenants moving to a home with the same number of bedrooms.

If you move to a smaller or larger home, you will be charged the average rent for that size of home. Rent may continue to increase annually in line with inflation, as it does now.

What will happen to my service charges?

We will continue to review service charges throughout the design process and aim to keep them to a minimum.

We will agree improved services with tenants to make sure they provide value for money and charges remain affordable.

How much is the Home Loss payment?

The Home Loss payment is currently £8,100 (January 2026). This amount is set by the Government and reviewed annually.

Will Riverside pay the costs of moving my services and appliances?

Yes. Agreed costs for disconnecting and reconnecting appliances will be covered as part of the disturbance payment.

Riverside will also cover mail redirection and transfer fees for like-for-like landline telephone and internet services where a moving charge applies. This does not cover upgrades or changing provider.

When will I know my Council Tax?

Council Tax bands and rates are set by Bromley Council before the new building is completed. We will share this information once Bromley Council has confirmed it.

Can I choose my energy supplier?

Metropolitan has been appointed to manage the energy centre and provide heating and hot water to the new homes. You will not be able to change the heating and hot water supplier.

You will be able to choose your own electricity supplier.

Will the new homes be cheaper to run?

The new homes will have significantly more efficient and reliable heating systems and will be better insulated.