Four existing blocks were identified as ‘having serious structural and fire safety issues’ by the council.

They will be replaced with a new development of 340 mixed tenure homes set within six blocks ranging from five to 22 storeys in height plus a community centre and a multi-use games area plus wider estate improvement works.

Cllr Helen Dennis, Southwark Council’s Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Higgins to the Ledbury Estate project. Their appointment marks the next milestone in our journey to providing high-quality new homes on the estate in line with our residents’ wishes.

“We look forward to seeing these new homes and amenities become reality as the transformation of the Ledbury Estate gets underway.”

Phase one will feature 80 new homes within two blocks.

Phase two will see the demolition of Peterchurch, Sarnsfield and Skenfrith Houses and associated underground garages to create 260 new homes, two commercial units and the new community centre.

Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for Higgins Group said: “On the back of our successful partnership with Southwark Council at our Ecole development we are delighted to be appointed as development partner to redevelop Ledbury Estate.

“This scheme has undergone extensive consultation with the community who have been at the forefront of the design process; we now look forward to starting work to deliver these much needed new homes for the area.

“Throughout the development we will also provide training and employment opportunities and support the up skilling of local people with at least 25% of our labour resources coming from the Southwark area. We will also work with community groups and social enterprises to allow us to design targeted community led social value initiatives which create impact and leave a lasting legacy.”