Transport for London has partnered with Apartments for London (AfL), a residential developer specialising in using modular construction methods to build homes on “challenging sites” such as over car parks, in a tie-up which could deliver 450 affordable homes across three sites.
AfL describes itself as a “responsive and community driven property developer” and is backed by a board which includes former Labour defence secretary John Hutton and Steve Norris, the former London Transport Minister and two times Conservative candidate for Mayor of London.
The firm is focussed on sites which may not otherwise attract development and by using modular methods is able to build new homes “quickly and efficiently,” with many ready for occupation within 12 months following the granting of planning consent.
The 450 homes announced today would be situated on three sites for which planning permission is expected to be sought later this year.
Graeme Craig, TfL’s Director of Commercial Development, said: “This partnership helps us provide affordable homes that London desperately needs, while generating vital revenue to reinvest in the transport network.
“Apartments for London offers modern, precision-manufactured homes, and working with such innovative partners we can develop sites that would not otherwise have come forward and deliver homes at a considerably quicker pace than is offered through traditional construction.”
Johnny Goldsmith, CEO of Apartments for London, said: “We launched Apartments for London with the belief that we could approach things differently and create a fairer, more responsive housing market for young professionals and key workers who are fundamental to London’s continued presence on the global stage.
“By looking at housing with a more strategic mindset and seeking public sector partnerships, this is the first important step in our journey.”
