The 10-year strategic partnership between Hill and Lewisham Council, with an option to extend for a further five years, will accelerate affordable housing and regeneration projects across the borough.
The partnership is intended to avoid the need to appoint a separate development partner for each individual scheme.
Hill was selected following a year-long procurement process. The process involved detailed discussions with shortlisted bidders, alongside technical, qualitative and financial assessments.
The first two housing schemes are already moving forward in Catford and New Cross.
At Thomas’ Lane Yard in Catford, the plans will deliver 113 affordable homes. This includes 39 homes for social rent and 74 shared ownership properties.
The Achilles Street estate regeneration scheme in New Cross will provide 278 homes, including 122 for social rent.
At least 62% of the Achilles Street development will be affordable housing. All 149 homes planned across the first two phases will be delivered as affordable homes.
Under the wider partnership, Lewisham Council will retain control over which sites are brought forward and when individual schemes proceed.
Each project will still require its own business case, financial assessment and formal council approvals before moving ahead.
The delivery model will vary depending on the site. On some schemes, Lewisham Council will directly develop and own the affordable homes.
On other projects, Hill will invest in the development, while the council will have the first option to acquire the affordable homes.
A joint partnership delivery board will oversee the programme’s governance and performance throughout the 10-year agreement.
Hill founder and chief executive Andy Hill said: “Long-term partnerships such as this create the certainty and alignment needed to unlock technically complex sites, enable more efficient delivery and ensure developments genuinely reflect the needs of local communities.”
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