24 August 2026
Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of phase two of 275-home mixed tenure development in South London
Following the successful completion of phase one, Countryside Partnerships (part of Vistry) and Riverside, have celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of phase two of the 275-home mixed tenure development at Calverley Close in Bromley.
Held on Thursday 13 August at Calverley Close, the ceremony marked the beginning of the next phase of development which will see the construction of 32 social rent homes as part of the wider 275-home mixed tenure scheme. Riverside customers, local officials and project partners attended, including Beckenham Town & Copers Cope ward councillor Gita Bapat.
This latest milestone follows the completion of the first 20 homes in October 2025, all of which were homes for social rent and included adaptations where required to meet residents' mobility needs. The first phase has also seen the creation of newly landscaped communal areas, including a brand-new children’s playground.
In April 2023, Vistry and Riverside received full planning permission from Bromley Council for the redevelopment of Calverley Close after residents voted in favour of redevelopment in a ballot held in July 2021. The scheme is also being supported by grant funding from the Greater London Authority.
The regeneration project will ensure that every existing Riverside customer is provided with a more modern, larger and energy-efficient home. In addition, all existing social tenants will see their current rent and tenancy terms protected. Overall, the new site will deliver 179 homes for social and affordable rent and 96 homes for sale.
The regeneration of Calverley Close comes at a time when housing affordability remains a significant challenge in London. ONS data shows that 46% of adults in the capital admit to finding it difficult to afford their rent or mortgage – the highest proportion of any region in England.
The second phase of the Calverley Close regeneration project is expected to be completed by spring 2028, with existing Riverside customers moving into their new homes shortly afterwards.
Olaide Okunola, a resident attending the ceremony and set to move into one of the new homes once it is completed, said: “I'm excited about the start of the next phase and this is something we have been waiting a long time for. We live in a two-bedroom flat and we are looking forward to moving into a three-bedroom flat, where my son will have his own room. The move is going to make a big difference to me and my family. It will be more comfortable and there will be a lot of space for each and every one of us. There will also be a playground and spaces for children and young people to help them thrive and improve their mental health.”
Beckenham Town & Copers Cope ward councillor, Gita Bapat, said: “As a local ward councillor, I am delighted to mark the start of this next phase in the redevelopment of Calverley Close. While new homes will be built, this is already a valued community, and today's milestone is about investing in the people who live here as much as the homes themselves. I look forward to seeing Calverley Close continue to grow and thrive for both current and future residents.”
Rob Wilkinson, Managing Director for Vistry South London, said: “Breaking ground on phase two at Calverley Close represents an important milestone in the delivery of this transformational regeneration project, which is creating high-quality, sustainable homes that will provide lasting benefits for both existing residents and future generations. With 32 additional social rent homes now moving into construction, we look forward to continuing our work with Riverside, Bromley Council and the wider community to deliver much-needed affordable housing and help create a thriving new neighbourhood."
Ian Gregg, Chief Property Officer at Riverside, said: "It is fantastic to see phase two of the Calverley Close regeneration project underway. We would like to thank our partners at Vistry, Bromley Council and the Greater London Authority for their continued support in bringing this project to life. Once complete, the development will offer residents affordable, spacious and energy-efficient homes that will improve accessibility and help to address overcrowding in the local area."