64 almshouses for over-55s are being built in Blackfriars

JTRE London has broken ground on 220 Blackfriars, a scheme that will provide 64 low-cost independent homes for people aged over 55 and is owned by Southwark Charities; the site will include shared spaces, a garden and a community centre.

Work has begun at 220 Blackfriars on a new almshouse development. The scheme will provide 64 independent, low-cost homes for people aged over 55. The project is being developed by JTRE London and is owned by Southwark Charities. The building will be a residential tower and will include shared spaces, a garden and a community centre. Key details: - 64 affordable homes for people aged over 55 at the 220 Blackfriars site. - The project is developed by JTRE London and owned by Southwark Charities. - The scheme will be built as a residential tower and will include shared spaces, a garden and a community centre. - A floor of offices will be let to charities at an affordable rent, and 5% of that rent will be reinvested to Southwark Charities for distribution to older people in the area. - The development will increase the number of affordable homes on the site by 156%. - This is JTRE London's second almshouse in Southwark; the developer's earlier Appleby Blue project won the 2025 Stirling Prize, and a ceremony to mark the start of work at 220 Blackfriars included a time capsule with photography, artwork and written reflections. Summary: The scheme is intended to provide additional affordable housing options for older residents and is described as helping the borough meet broader housing needs, with an estimate that downsizing can free family homes for others. Construction has begun; the timeline for completion is undetermined at this time.