549 Lordship Lane, Southwark
Making a visit to 549 Lordship Lane on July 2nd, 2009. Ed Vaizey MP stands second from right, with Laura Norris (Director of HOLT Ops) and Diana Beattie (Director of HOLT) seated in front.
This unusual concrete house was built in 1873 by Charles Drake of the Patent Concrete Building Company. The structure has been severely undermined by the owner, who undertook a new build on the site without planning permission. A Compulsory purchase order was then authorised by Southwark, although this has not yet been completed. HOLT Ops have been working with the council and completed an Option Appraisal in November 2008. Two plans to either return in to a single dwelling or convert the building to flats are currently being considered. HOLT Ops have secured funding from the GLA for this residential option, and it is hoped that this project will move forward swiftly. On July 2nd, 2009 members of HOLT and HOLT Ops boards, and members of Southwark Council made a visit to the building with Ed Vaizey MP, Shadow Arts Minister to discuss the future of the project.
