John Lewis Partnership pushes ahead with plans to build and operate rental homes
The John Lewis Partnership is pressing ahead with plans to build and operate rental homes in areas where it has a local presence through Waitrose shops.
The news follows the partnership’s announcement late last year that it was embarking on a multi-decade £500 million joint venture with investment company ABRDN.
The partnership has now submitted its first planning applications for ‘build-to-rent’ sites at West Ealing and Bromley. If approved, the schemes will offer 428 and 353 new homes respectively in West Ealing and Bromley. The aim is to make 35% of the properties affordable with a focus on provision for key workers.
Meanwhile initial plans for a vacant warehouse site in Reading will be brought forward later this year.
The partnership said the proposed developments demonstrate its long-term commitment to raise standards in rental homes.
Each development will feature a public piazza and landscaping. A new flagship Waitrose shop and cafe will also be included at each location along with improved access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Other features will include a residents lounge and dining areas with a fully equipped kitchen to encourage residents to socialise. There will also be roof gardens, flexible work spaces and a gym.
All homes will be furnished by John Lewis and residents will have options for short and long-term tenure .
Nina Bhatia, John Lewis Partnership executive director for strategy and commercial development, said: “We’ve worked closely with local communities to understand their needs and we’re now ready to submit planning applications. Working with our partner ABRDN, we want to bring much needed new homes with a community feel to Bromley and West Ealing, which will include the full commitments to affordable housing.”
