Seven new council homes are being squeezed in attics and unused space two Camberwell blocks of flats.
Southwark Council has contracted south-east London based construction company Thomas Sinden to build the new social housing.
Work has already started on six two-bedroom homes being built in what is described as a ‘redundant attic drying area’ in the roof of Camberwell Grove’s Comber House, and a two-bedroom home being constructed in part of the ground floor of Coldharbour Lane’s Pinner House, which was originally built as a laundry.
Housing bosses are getting increasingly creative as they try to find space for more homes across the borough, assessing disused or empty spaces – or ‘hidden homes – which can be turned around quickly into extra housing.
The new homes in Camberwell will cost one million to build with work expected to last for around nine months.
Thomas Sinden director, Graeme Sinden, said: “We are extremely experienced at conversion projects within existing residential schemes, like Comber House and Pinner House, and we will be working to ensure there is as little disruption as possible.
“We have also been working closely with Southwark Council and the existing residents through a ‘meet the contractor’ event and newsletters to ensure they have been consulted on all aspects of the development.”
For more information visit www.thomas-sinden.co.uk