The local authority for the Square Mile, the City of London Corporation, has today opened 43 new social rented homes next to Tower Bridge in Southwark.

Horace Jones House is a seven storey development, built by Berkeley Homes just south of Tower Bridge, with tenants nominated by the City of London Corporation and Southwark Council. The housing block at One Tower Bridge consists of a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes. The development will provide homes for tenants in overcrowded and under-occupied accommodation, as well as new applicants in need of housing.

In addition to estates in the Square Mile and Southwark, the City of London Corporation provides social rented homes in the inner-London boroughs of Islington, Lewisham, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and Hackney.

Billy Dove OBE, Chairman of the Community and Children’s Services Committee at the City of London Corporation, who officially opened the property, said:

“Housing shortage, including lack of affordable housing and long waiting lists, are acute issues in the capital. The City of London Corporation has provided Horace Jones House on land it owned previously which was being used as a car park. Building social homes in this location helps contribute to the vibrant mix of London's housing stock which has always benefitted the city.

“We are working hard to ensure the City continues to support the capital and its communities, by doing what we can to provide safe, secure and high quality housing. Horace Jones House demonstrates this commitment, and we hope our tenants enjoy their new homes.”

Monica Badejo, a new tenant of Horace Jones House (pictured), said: “With the arrival of my baby girl, who is now 11 weeks old, my previous studio flat was too small. The new flat has the space my family needs to grow into. I’m from East London originally, and it’s great that I have the opportunity to stay near my extended family and close to my job.”

Tenant, Daniel Williams, age 34 added: “I’ve been on a social housing waiting list for around five years, so I’m very pleased to be selected to live in Horace Jones House. I’ve lived in central London all my life, but it’s become so difficult to find affordable housing, and my salary certainly wouldn’t stretch to a £40,000 deposit needed to buy a property. Horace Jones House ticks every box for me and my family; we have space, the rent is affordable and it’s in a fantastic location.”

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For more information visit https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/housing-and-council-tax/building-homes-for-you/Pages/horace-jones-house.aspx