Clapham leisure and housing plans approved

A new leisure centre, library, a GP's surgery and a high proportion of affordable housing have all been promised as part of a new regeneration project in south London.

Lambeth Council has selected the Cathedral Group for a £75 million regeneration programme in the Clapham area, giving the group the green light for its ambitious plans for new community facilities.

Alongside the new leisure and learning facilities will be high quality residential accommodation, of which 40 per cent has been earmarked for affordable housing – an agreement sealed by collaboration between Cathedral Group and housing association London and Quadrant.

Councillor Paul McGlone, Labour cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is great news for the people of Clapham. Local people and community groups have been asking for better facilities for their community and we have listened.

"Best of all it is a self financing project and will therefore cost the tax payer absolutely nothing. We promised in 2006 to deliver quality and keep Clapham swimming, and with this project we have most certainly delivered."

Clapham is one of most booming areas of south London, enjoying rapid rail access to Waterloo, the open space of Clapham Common and a relatively young population – making it a sought-after area for rental property-seekers.

News posted on 29th January, 2008