Hardess Yard Co-Living Scheme, Lambeth: Setting a Benchmark for Co-Living Schemes in London

Client: LGL

Architect: PLP Architects

Description of Development: Demolition of existing industrial units and construction of a phased, mixed-use development including a 320-unit co-living scheme and a light industrial building with public realm improvements.

Location: 1, 3-11 Wellfit Street, 7-9 Hinton Road, and Units 1-4 Hardess Street, Loughborough Junction, Lambeth, London, SE24 0HN

GLA guidance recognises co-living as a valuable component of London's housing strategy

Project Overview: A Leading Co-Living Scheme in London

The Hardess Yard Co-Living Scheme in Lambeth, London transforms a collection of industrial units into a vibrant mixed-use development. Located in Loughborough Junction, the project aligns with Lambeth’s Creative Enterprise Zone strategy and London Plan housing and industrial policies. This scheme introduces innovative co-living arrangements alongside modern light industrial spaces, contributing to housing diversity and economic activity.

Delivering a Co-Living Scheme: Key Issues Addressed

1. Land Use Principles: The proposal aligns with policies supporting mixed-use developments in creative enterprise zones, providing a balance of residential and industrial spaces. It reuses underutilised land to deliver 320 co-living units and 1,421 sqm of high-quality industrial floorspace. The site is referenced in Lambeth’s Draft Site Allocation Development Plan Document (SADPD) as suitable for residential use; however, due to the stage of the plan-making process and the nature of representations received during consultation, only limited weight was afforded to this emerging policy.

   
   

2. Urban Design and Height: The design integrates with the surrounding urban fabric, with stepped massing to reduce visual impact and create a cohesive streetscape. The tallest element stands at 47.85m, complementing nearby developments such as Higgs Yard.

   
   

3. Transport Infrastructure: The scheme enhances connectivity with new pedestrian and vehicle routes linking Wellfit Street and Hardess Street, 240 cycle parking spaces and sustainable transport provisions.

   
   

4. Sustainable Development: Achieving BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ ratings, the project incorporates green roofs, photovoltaic panels and a high Urban Greening Factor (0.423). It achieves a 59% reduction in regulated carbon emissions for the residential component.

   
   

5. Environmental Considerations: Measures include advanced drainage systems, biodiversity net gain of over 2326% and mitigation of flood risks. Public realm upgrades introduce landscaped areas and improved pedestrian connections.

   
   

6. Community Impact: The project secures an affordable housing contribution of £9.21 million. Communal amenities, such as shared lounges, co-working spaces and a gym foster a sense of community, while dedicated spaces support local charities and organisations.

   
   

Development Highlights

• Co-Living Innovation: 320 units designed to provide high-quality private and shared spaces that promote community living.

  
  

• Sustainability Features: Targeting net-zero carbon through efficient design and renewable energy systems.

  
  

• Creative Economy Support: Dedicated light industrial spaces nurture Lambeth’s thriving creative industries.

  
  

• Public Realm Enhancements: New pedestrian routes and landscaped amenity areas activate and improve the streetscape.

  
  

Delivering Next-Generation Co-Living Schemes in London

Maddox Planning's expertise in navigating complex planning policies, engaging stakeholders and delivering innovative solutions ensured the Hardess Yard Co-Living Scheme not only secured approval but also set a benchmark for sustainable, community-focused development in Lambeth.