A colourful housing project designed to meet rising need across the capital was officially opened in Mitcham today.
Architect Lord Richard Rogers, best known for designing the Lloyd's building in London and the Millennium Dome, joined Ivan Harbour and the minister of state for housing and planning, Brandon Lewis MP at the launch this morning.
The YMCA is pioneering the Y:Cube development, a 36 apartment block, where each unit has been built offsite in Derbyshire, and transported to Clay Avenue, Mitcham.
VIDEO: My night in a Y Cube. Could this small home help ease London's homelessness squeeze?
Units comprise a bedroom, kitchen and living room and bathroom and are designed for a single person in housing need.
Richard James, chief executive of YMCA London South West, said: "It is exciting to be here.
"After four years of development and planning, it's a great day.
"This scheme in Merton has attracted interest across the south east, it has set a precedent."
He said they have had interest from other councils, housing authorities and YMCAs asking for details on the scheme which will partly house single people on Merton Council's housing waiting list and partly house those in need from the YMCA on a temporary basis.
The apartments are being rented out at 65 per cent of the market rate in the area at £148 or £150 a week.
Construction on the brightly coloured two and three-storey site started in March and the last home was completed in August. The housing has been named George Williams Court, after the founder of YMCA.
Andy Redfearn, former director of housing and development at YMCA LSW said it was a relief to have got to this stage.
Mr Redfearn, pictured below, said: "It is a huge relief, I am full of pride if I'm honest.
"It has been a partnership, we have all worked together."
Council leader Stephen Alambritis declared the scheme earth-shatteringly good as the ribbon was cut on one of the apartments.
There was tea, coffee and muffins provided for visitors to the launch event on Tuesday morning, who included Mitcham and Morden MP Siobhain McDonagh and Councillors Linda Kirby and Andrew Judge.
Wendy Omollo, 24, is one of the first Y:Cube tenants to move into the site. Having previously been homeless and slept in Kingston, she came to YMCA London South West in February 2015.
She said: “By having my own space with my own front door I will regain my independence. But it’s not just that.
"As the rent is affordable and I can stay for up to five years, I’ll also be able to save money for a deposit. Basically, when the time comes to move on from Y:Cube, I will be in a far better situation than today.”
The prototype on the corner of The Broadway and Trinity Road, Wimbledon
Along with investment from YMCA London South West, the Y:Cube development was funded with a grant of £337,000 from the Mayor of London’s Building the Pipeline scheme and ‘social investments’ from City Bridge Trust, Tudor Trust, Trust for London and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
What do you think of the Y:Cubes? Email letters@wimbledonguardian.co.uk
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