New homes in Roehampton are changing lives

Work has now completed at the latest development as part of the Homes for Wandsworth programme.

Video credit: Sandra Munoz-Alvarez, Keepsake Videos

Mr Mahamud and Mrs Farah downsized into Gerard House after their eldest son moved out.

“We felt that someone else could really benefit,” said Mr Mahamud, a taxi driver and volunteer football coach. “We feel so happy we could give a home to someone else who really needed it, and our new home is amazing!”

Laundry worker Mrs Farah, adds: “We feel so relaxed and comfortable here, we love the house so much because of the garden, the safety and the storage.”

Having moved from a one-bedroom property on the sixth floor of a nearby block, April is enjoying space for family life with her three young children. 

“With four of us in such a small space, life was very difficult,” said April. “I feel a lot calmer now because I’ve got my own space.”

The mum-of-three now has her own bedroom, whereas before she shared the living room with her two daughters, while her autistic son slept in the bedroom to allow him space.

“As a parent I was continually refereeing my children but now I can watch them play and it’s lovely,” she adds. “They can have friends over and I can finally host a birthday party, so it’s great for them socially. I’m so happy to be in a place where my children can thrive now.”

Donna moved into Gerard House with her partner and five children after 15 years in a two-bedroom flat on the 11th floor of a nearby block. “It’s been life changing,” she says. “The space has been amazing, especially for my 10-year-old son, as he has ADHD, diabetes and asthma.”

Gerard House, Roehampton provides 14 three and four-bed homes, including two for wheelchair users, with new landscaping and a play area.

These new council homes are the first homes completed here since we launched the Alton Renewal Plan which set out how we're investing in improvements to the estate and opportunities for everyone who lives here.

After listening to local views and feedback on the need for more council homes and more affordable housing, we're putting residents' needs at the centre of our plans and there will be a resident ballot next year on our future housing proposals.

Councillor Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“Every single home we build like this is another family off council waiting lists and into secure tenancies. Families like the Mahamuds, Donna and her son, and others that have moved in.

“That is why our Homes for Wandsworth programme is so ambitious and is delivering high-quality homes that we all can be proud of.”