Affordable housing development in Croydon topped out

Alongside contractor, Oakwood, we welcomed ward councillors, Cllr Eunice O'Dame and Cllr Humayun Kabir, the former Mayor of Croydon, to 324 Bensham Lane on Tuesday 2 September.

They gathered to celebrate the final steel beam of the building being bolted into place.

Using a golden spanner, Southern Housing’s Executive Director of Development, Richard White, tightened the final bolt near the top of the building, symbolising the progress made on the site. Guests also signed the steel frame and heard about the development’s positive impact on the local community.

Benefiting Croydon residents

The project is already delivering benefits for Croydon residents. Local residents are working on site, including a crane driver, while five apprenticeships have been created across different trades, giving young people valuable skills and job opportunities. Pupils from Bensham Manor School, in nearby Ecclesbourne Road have also visited the site, gaining insight into the construction industry and even testing out the diggers.

Reaching this milestone at Bensham Lane is a proud moment, and I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in getting us here. The past few years have posed real challenges for housing development, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see our commitment to delivering much-needed affordable homes for local residents come to life.
Our partnership with Oakwood has gone beyond bricks and mortar - we’ve actively engaged local young people, created employment opportunities, and ensured the development continues to give back through local businesses and its social impact fund. We’re now looking ahead to the next exciting chapter: welcoming the first residents into their new homes.

- Richard White, Executive Director of Development

Oakwood Director Sam Duckett, Cllr Humayun, Cllr Eunice And Richard White

Due in summer 2026

Due for completion in late summer 2026, the development will provide 44 affordable homes for rent, including a mix of flats and houses. Six of the homes will be wheelchair accessible. The homes are designed to exceed energy efficiency standards and are net-zero ready, supporting Croydon’s sustainability goals.