Construction starts on 100% affordable housing development at Ladywell Park Gardens

Posted 19/06/2026

Work has started on site to deliver 102 new affordable homes as well as new local jobs and opportunities.

Ladywell Park Gardens is being built on the former Ladywell Leisure Centre site on Lewisham High Street, as part of the Council’s homebuilding programme to meet urgent local need for affordable housing.

The lead developer/contractor Higgins Partnerships was appointed earlier this year and started the main works in May, with the homes expected to be built by summer 2028.

Ladywell Park Gardens will deliver 102 new homes across four buildings. Of these, 47 will be social homes for families on the waiting list and 55 will be for shared ownership. Eleven homes will be wheelchair accessible.

The development also creates opportunities for local people. Higgins are offering six apprenticeships, 20 T Level placements and 16 work experience placements, and have donated £13,000 to local charity, Urban Synergy.

The blocks will have new landscaping, a new public garden and children’s play area. There will be living roofs, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) to reduce flood risk, and cycle storage to support greener and healthier transport, helping create a more sustainable and resilient development.

Cllr Daniel Dream, Lewisham Council Cabinet Member for Inclusive Regeneration, Planning and Housing Delivery said:

"It’s excellent to see work underway on these urgently needed affordable homes, which will give 102 families the security of a long-term place to call home.

Delivering affordable homes for local people is my top priority, and while there are challenges, we are using new ideas and different approaches to keep things moving at pace.

Just as importantly, this development will benefit the wider community too, creating opportunities for 40 local people to learn new skills through apprenticeships and placements."

David Martin, Regional Director for Higgins Partnerships said:

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lewisham Council to deliver these much-needed affordable homes for the borough. Alongside creating high-quality new homes, we will work collaboratively with our partners and the local community to deliver lasting social value. We are proud to be supporting Urban Synergy and to welcome our first apprentice onto site.”

The front portion of the site is currently occupied by PLACE/Ladywell. As Ladywell Park Gardens will be constructed to the rear of the site, the Council has worked closely with Higgins to ensure the continued operation of the PLACE/Ladywell building, including an extended lease ending in March 2027, to continue their important work. The Council has and will continue to support Lewisham Donation Hub to find a suitable new home.