A housing association has completed the second phase of its St John’s Hill estate regeneration in Wandsworth, creating 198 affordable homes, a new community centre and extra care scheme at social rent in the heart of Battersea.

The second phase is the middle phase of Peabody’s estate regeneration, which will replace the original 353 homes with 658 modern homes. Designed by architects Hawkins/Brown, two of the buildings frame the public square, playing an important part in linking Wandsworth Common and Clapham Junction station.

The new blocks also reconnect the estate to the wider community, with a new wildflower garden, a children’s play area and green space for residents.

 Pat Champion, chair of the St John’s Hill Tenant and Residents Association and the Resident Steering Group said: “Peabody is part of my life; my father and grandfather both worked for Peabody, and I have lived at St John’s for many years, and it is part of me. All my children live in Peabody properties.

“After the pandemic, and all the building during the regeneration it will be wonderful to have a big new community centre to fill with activities. Everyone is very excited to get back to being together and doing their clubs again like bingo, yoga, sewing and line dancing to mention a few.”

 Deputy mayor for housing and residential development, Tom Copley, said: “The progress Peabody is making in Battersea delivering the genuinely affordable homes Londoners so desperately need, including social rent homes for older Londoners with care and support needs, is a fantastic step forward as we continue to build a better and fairer London for everyone.

“The regeneration of this estate has taken place with the co-operation and support of local residents who will now get to enjoy not only these new high-quality homes, but the green spaces and community centre for many years to come.”

 Marsha de Cordova, MP for Battersea said: “One of my priorities as the local MP is ensuring housing in Battersea is safe, decent and affordable, so it’s great to see good quality homes provided for local people here in Battersea. including 109 social rent homes.

“Housing can be a great accelerator for change, reducing inequality and improving wellbeing. These new homes are a great investment in our community.”

 Simon Barry, Peabody’s regional managing director said: “The second phase of St John’s Hill has created much needed affordable homes in South London which are modern, sustainable, and fit for the future.  We are grateful to the long-standing residents of St John’s Hill who have made a positive difference in designing and creating a scheme which continues to hold its history and heritage at its centre. The community centre is an important meeting place for our residents, and the new centre with the brick tree sculpture that they have designed, highlights the community spirit that continues to thrive at St John’s Hill.”

As part of the regeneration, Peabody- also commissioned artists Rodney Harris and Valda Jackson to work with the residents to come up with an idea for a new sculpture which would be embedded into the brickwork of the community centre, keeping in mind the local area, its history and the St John’s Hill community.

Local residents took part in workshops at the community centre focusing on the meaning of home. The artists worked closely with the local community to design a tree with branches and ‘hanging fruits’ symbolising activities that are important to the residents. These included headphones to represent the youth club, bunting to represent community celebration, toys to represent childhood memories and a teapot to represent the countless meetings and clubs which take place at the community centre.