Which housing estates in south London have been saved from demolition?

The Cressingham Gardens and Central Hill housing estates in south London have been saved from demolition.

What is the council's new plan for the estates?

Lambeth council now plans to invest in repairing the homes, support the communities, and bring empty properties back into use.

Lambeth Council Halts Demolition of Two South London Housing Estates

Cressingham Gardens and Central Hill estates, celebrated for their 1960s architecture, are to be saved from demolition following a decade-long campaign by residents.

2026-10-15 · Updated 2026-10-15

Lambeth council is set to reverse its plans to demolish the Cressingham Gardens and Central Hill housing estates in south London. The decision follows a decade-long campaign by residents who argued the 1960s developments are architecturally significant and desirable places to live.

The estates, designed by Lambeth architects led by Ted Hollamby, were intended to foster community and move away from tower blocks. Cressingham Gardens was built with features to encourage neighbourliness and play, while Central Hill was designed to maximize light and views on a sloping site.

Previous plans under a Labour-controlled council aimed to replace the estates, citing poor repair and a need for more social and affordable housing. However, a 2022 review of Homes Lambeth, the council's former housing management body, questioned the redevelopment, noting a very small net increase in social rent homes.

The Green party, which now leads the council as a minority administration, has opposed the demolition. The reversal is expected to be confirmed at a cabinet meeting next week. The council now plans to focus on investing in existing homes and bringing empty properties back into use.

Residents and leaseholders had lived in uncertainty for years as demolition plans were pursued. Feedback from residents during the review process was described as uniformly negative, with concerns about inconsistent policy, delays, and poor communication leading to low trust in the council.

FAQ

Which housing estates in south London have been saved from demolition?: The Cressingham Gardens and Central Hill housing estates in south London have been saved from demolition.
What is the council's new plan for the estates?: Lambeth council now plans to invest in repairing the homes, support the communities, and bring empty properties back into use.