Durkan appointed for first phase of Thamesmead regen

A London housing association has appointed a contractor to deliver one of the first phases of its work on the giant Thamesmead regeneration project in the south east of the capital.

Peabody has named Durkan as the contractor for the Southmere Village Phase 1A project on the estate. Work includes the design and construction of 130 new homes, an energy network, commercial space and parking. The contract also includes building public spaces and provisions, such as offices, shops and revamped roads, pavements and cycle lanes in the area.

Angela Wood, director of new business, regeneration and partnerships at Peabody, said:

“Durkan has a strong track record of delivering top-quality homes. We are pleased to be moving forward with them on the first phase of Southmere Village as part of the comprehensive regeneration in south Thamesmead. This is the third major scheme we have committed to in Thamesmead and represents our long-term commitment to the area.”

Jim Briggs, managing director of Durkan, said the contractor was “delighted”. He said:

“It’s our priority to deliver sustainable communities. We’re looking forward to helping Peabody deliver on its proposals for Thamesmead, in what will doubtless add long-term value to a growing community.”

The £45m contract is the most recent part of Peabody’s massive regeneration of the Thamesmead housing estate, which includes plans to build more than 20,000 new homes over the next 30 years in a multi-billion pound investment.

By Patrick Mooney, editor