The 220 Blackfriars Road scheme delivered in partnership with Southwark Charities will see a 21-storey office block and a second smaller tower, at 15 storeys that will encompass 64 almshouses with charity hub and community hall.

Specialist firm Downwell Enabling has started demolition of the current Edward Edwards House building on the site, after existing residents were moved to JTRE London’s recently completed Appleby Blue almshouse nearby.

JTRE London will deliver the project by a construction management route and is close to appointing a principal contractor.

London-based MBP has been appointed as the structural engineer while Hoare Lea has secured the contracts for MEP, energy and sustainability, fire and acoustic engineer.

Eckersley O’Callaghan has been appointed as the façade consultant on the project.

Juraj Marko, joint managing director at JTRE London, said “Despite wider uncertainty and volatility in the development and contractor market, we are pleased to be pushing forward with 220 Blackfriars Road.

“With two architecturally striking and commercially successful schemes already completed in SE1, we remain highly confident in the area and especially with our proven construction management project delivery route.”

(L-R) Juraj Marko (Joint MD, JTRE London), Chris Wilson (CEO, Southwark Charities) and Nigel Fleming (Joint MD, JTRE London)

He added: “The scheme is a shining example of how the private, public and third sectors can work together to unlock development that is beneficial for all stakeholders including longstanding local residents on low incomes. This is particularly important at a time when local authority home building in Southwark has dropped by 96% over the past year.”

Street-level office block entrance

The offices will be net zero carbon in operation and is designed to target WELL Gold Building standards, BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5 to 5.5 rating, as well as Platinum Smart Score and Wired Score.

Almshouse entrance and new London garden square for residents

The almshouses will provide truly affordable residential accommodation with quality amenity space akin to prime London residential developments.

The Charity Hub will offer office space for the voluntary and charity sector at a significantly discounted rent of around 80%.

The acquisition of the long leasehold interest of 220 Blackfriars Road takes JTRE London’s portfolio to nearly £1bn and continues the company’s rapid growth in the capital in less than five years.