In the back corner of a council estate in south London once occupied by dingy rows of lock-up garages next to a playground, there now stands a gleaming white brick block of flats. Big balconies jut out from its facade in a staggered grid, while a broad staircase loops up the back, where generous curved landings provide spots to stop and take in the view over the treetops to the skyline beyond.
At first glance, it’s a familiar sight. These must be the luxury apartments, built by a cash-strapped council in the name of “regeneration”, to help pay for improvements elsewhere on the estate. But the truth couldn’t be more different. These new homes were built by the local community, for the local community, and are sold at a price that will remain affordable to people on average local wages – for ever.
