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Flourish and Thrive: Innovative housing strategies highlighted in new NLA viewpoint and report

In the midst of housing challenges in London, innovation and adaptability are key. The NLA has released its new report ‘Housing Londoners: Innovation in Delivery and Design’, highlighting scalable solutions that can help to address the pressing housing needs in the capital.

Alongside the new 'Housing Londoners: Innovation in Delivery and Design' report, Senior Planner, Alice Hawkins provides an NLA viewpoint ‘Flourish and Thrive’ on London housing challenges. She emphasises the importance of high-quality design and thinking creatively about constrained sites to deliver alternative accommodation types, such as PBSA, to address different needs in the housing market and enabling thriving communities. 

We're proud to have provided expert services for four schemes – Rockingham Street, Blackfriars Road, Uplands Business Park and Former Tooting Police Station – which contribute to the Project Showcase in the new NLA housing report. Rockingham Street and Blackfriars Road also gained recognition in NLA’s recent London Tall Buildings Survey 2023, underscoring their role in reshaping the London skyline sustainably.

In her NLA viewpoint, Alice highlights how Rockingham Street is an example of an innovative design approach regenerating a tight brownfield site, underscoring the potential of these sites in meeting the rising demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).
 

Blackfriars Road includes 100% affordable housing development in Blackfriars, comprising almshouses for local elderly residents in need and flexible workspace, supported by community uses and public landscaped gardens. Its design creates a highly sustainable development inspired by the historic use of Blackfriars as tenter grounds.
 

Within her NLA viewpoint and with reference to these projects, Alice encourages the industry to think creatively, especially when faced with constrained sites, utilising untapped potential – such as from vacant plots between busy streets and railway viaducts. Read Alice’s NLA viewpoint to learn more.

To discuss PBSA or continue the conversation in how London can better meet its diverse housing needs without compromising on quality, contact Catriona Fraser or Alice Hawkins. 

10 October 2023