Real estate platform and co-living provider Fifth State and Wittington Investments have secured planning approval from the Southwark Planning Committee for its proposals to develop a new mixed-use co-living scheme at 79-161 Ilderton Road.
Transforming an underutilised vacant brownfield site, the proposed scheme will deliver four towers across two buildings: one comprising 605 co-living studios and the other comprising 120 residential affordable homes, above community driven commercial spaces on the ground floor.
The proposals from Fifth State focus on wellbeing, with residential amenities including flexible workspaces and recording studios, a wellbeing studio and gym, games rooms, shared kitchen, and dining facilities that foster a sense of togetherness.
The scheme is located next to South Bermondsey station and is within the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area, earmarked by the Borough and the Mayor of London as an area for significant and substantial growth.
“We’re pleased to be bringing forward a sustainable and exemplary mixed-use scheme that will deliver much-needed housing, affordable workspace, and a community hub for South Bermondsey. By providing amenities such as creative spaces, shared kitchen dining, and wellbeing studios, we can bring together a community in a space that speaks to the needs of its residents. The strength of this scheme is a testament to the vision of Southwark Council and the local community, who see the potential in Fifth State’s shared-living typology that gives London’s workforce more choice in where they want to live.”
Alex Springer, Founder, Fifth State
The ground floor has been designed in consultation with the community to meet the specific requirements of residents. The commercial offer includes affordable workspace (35% of total commercial area), a convenience store, studio and workspace, a gym, and a not-for-profit community café, which will be operated alongside Circle Collective to train young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds into employment.
The retail and commercial units will help activate the street frontage of Ilderton Road. Complimenting this will be a publicly accessible pocket park within the centre of the scheme. This space will include extensive greenery and public realm improvements, play areas, and mindful spots which will be enjoyed by future residents and the local community.
Fifth State are also committed to delivering a site-specific Community Investment Programme (CIP) that will deliver tangible benefits to the local community. It will focus on fostering local partnerships – providing employment, training, support for local businesses and delivering inclusive community events.
The purpose of the CIP will be to maximise regeneration benefits and encourage cooperation with the local community. It is intended that as part of the programme residents at the proposed co-living development will integrate with the wider community, thereby reducing the risk of loneliness for residents and enhancing community cohesion.
