Southwark Charities planning more almshouses

Southwark News: Southwark charity to double almshouse capacity offering modern homes to over 150 pensioners by 2030
by Herbie Russell,  3rd October 2024 for Southwark News – The independent voice of the London Borough of Southwark

A Southwark charity will more than double its almshouse stock in the borough providing modern, communal living for over 150 pensioners by 2030.

Southwark Charities, an organisation housing the elderly since 1752, is redeveloping sites in Blackfriars and Walworth currently containing 66 households. 

The “ancient” almshouse model, focusing on communal living and affordability, has been hailed as a modern solution to social isolation and poverty among older people. 

Construction has already begun on the Blackfriars site and will take the number of apartments from 25 to 64.

Chris Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Southwark Charities, explained the previous almshouses, built in the ‘60s and ‘70s, were not “fit for purpose”.

Although it has always housed elderly people, many with mobility issues, it was riddled with “very narrow entrances” and steps difficult for residents to navigate, he said.

The new Blackfriars building, developed in partnership with JTRE London, will feature a rooftop terrace with “million-pound views” across the city skyline, Mr Wilson said.

Every single floor will have a communal area with gardens and terraces placed on various other levels, plus a ground-floor residents’ lounge.

JTRE London, the development partner, has experience in building state-of-the-art almshouses. In 2023, it built Appleby Blue in Bermondsey, a stunning 57-flat complex compared to a Scandinavian spa.

20 Blackfriars residents have been moved to Appleby Blue, run by United St Saviours, while their homes are redeveloped. They will have the option to move back. 

Southwark Charities’ deal with JTRE London will see the developer build 230,000sq ft of offices on the 220 Blackfriars Road site. In return, the charity will benefit from a new almshouse, a capital premium on completion and a new revenue stream from the offices.

Southwark Charities’ said its balance sheet now stands at £100 million thanks to the agreement. To further celebrate this milestone, the organisation is launching an enhanced membership scheme meaning over 250 individuals will now benefit from its annual stipend and social activities.

The Walworth site, which is still under consultation, is set to have its apartments go from 41 to 86.

Whereas Blackfriars is constrained by the need to build upwards – there is limited space in central London – the redeveloped Surrey Square site is envisaged as a more traditional almshouse design. A large courtyard garden, rounded by up to six-floors of apartments on three sides, and a range of amenities, is proposed. 

Prospective residents must be 55 or older, have lived in Southwark for at least five years, and have been in ‘need, hardship or distress’.

The new flats are all set to be highly affordable with residents paying a weekly maintenance contribution well below local housing allowance.

The history of almshouses, originally called hospitals, colleges or bede houses, stretches back to medieval times when religious orders cared for the poor.  The oldest almshouse foundation still running is thought to be the Hospital of St Oswald in Worcester founded circa 990. 

A study done by City University of London, which analysed up to 100 years’ worth of residents’ records from various almshouses in England, found people living in these communities lived longer than is expected for older people living in poverty.

To get a space in the almshouses, people can apply directly or be referred by doctors or local services.

Southwark News paid a visit to Appleby Blue earlier this year where residents heaped praise on their new homes. Rohan Lopez was one of the residents who moved there from Blackfriars in August 2023.

“It’s like living in a hotel,” he commented. “When they showed me my room I couldn’t believe it was just for me. I thought I’d have to share with someone.”

Robert McLeary, 69, was one of the first to move in with his wife Sheree and said they are very happy. 

“Quality of life is excellent,” he said. “It’s like you come back to your apartment and it just feels like you’re on holiday.”

Click here for the Southward News online article

posted 18 November 2024