Appleby Blue Almshouse, London Borough Southwark, for United St Saviour’s Charity, Southwark Council and JTRE, with Witherford Watson Mann architects

With a construction value of £25.1m, the Appleby Blue Almshouse brings a new retirement community to Bermondsey. Of the 57 new homes, 51 are one bedroom flats and 6 are two-bedroom. The building includes a community centre, lounge, activities room, communal kitchen, spa and beauty room, as well as a garden.

Who is on the project team? (designer, consultants, etc)

JTRE London - Developer

Witherford Watson Mann - Architect

Structural Engineers: Price & Myers (stage 0-3), Pringer James Consulting engineers (stage 4-5)

Services Engineers: Skelly & Couch (stage 0-3), AWA Consultants (stage 4-5)

Landscape Architects: Grant Associates

Fire Consultants: The Fire Surgery

Planning Consultant: DP9

Acoustic Consultant: Ramboll associates / Hann Tucker

Construction Manager: Sons and Co London Ltd

Describe the context of this project, its neighbourhood and people?

Appleby Blue Almshouse in Bermondsey, managed by United St. Saviour’s Charity, is a beacon of modern social housing, redefining the almshouse concept for the 21st century. Nestled in the heart of Bermondsey, London, this development is a unique blend of contemporary urban living and traditional community values. The project’s location on Southwark Park Road situates the residents within the energetic tapestry of city life, while also providing a serene, communal space that nurtures their well-being. The neighbourhood of Bermondsey, part of the diverse and historic Southwark borough, is characterised by its vibrant community spirit and a mix of urban and residential areas. Historically an area facing social challenges, developments like Appleby Blue playing a crucial role in creating social housing suitable for older adults who want to retain independence and access to the city they know and love. Appleby Blue itself is a testament to innovative urban planning and architecture, with its design by RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architects Witherford Watson Mann. The development includes 57 specially designed homes for residents aged 65 and over with low incomes, providing them with not just a place to live, but a community to thrive in. Central to Appleby Blue’s ethos is its community kitchen, which serves as the heart of the home, fostering intergenerational connection and engagement within Southwark. The project, through its thoughtful design and community focus, has become a thriving place where residents can live, work, connect, learn, and play, making a positive social impact on the wider area.

What makes this place thrive? How does the community come together? What makes this a great place to live, work, play, visit or learn?

Appleby Blue thrives due to its unique blend of innovative design, community-centric initiatives, and a strong sense of inclusivity. The heart of this thriving environment is the Appleby Blue community kitchen, a vibrant hub that fosters intergenerational connections and celebrates the diversity within Southwark. Managed by United St. Saviour’s Charity, the kitchen and adjacent communal areas offer a plethora of activities, from culinary workshops to cultural events, making it an ideal place for residents to live, learn, and socialise. The design of Appleby Blue itself, plays a crucial role in cultivating a sense of community. The building’s interface with the high street, through its large windows and open spaces, invites the local community to interact with residents, thereby breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. These architectural choices create a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging passersby to engage with activities and residents to feel a part of the bustling city life. Community engagement is further enriched through partnerships with local organisations, hosting a range of events like dance classes, music programs, and social clubs. These activities not only offer entertainment and learning opportunities but also serve as platforms for fostering relationships across different age groups and backgrounds. Appleby Blue is more than just a housing development; it’s a lively, connected community. It’s a place where older residents find dignity, companionship, and joy in their later years. Its success in creating a vibrant and inclusive community makes it a great place to live, work, and visit, setting a new standard for urban elder living.

How has this place adapted, and how does it continue to adapt, to changing demographics, behaviors, market context, policy, transport habits and the climate crisis? What makes it resilient?

Appleby Blue demonstrates exceptional adaptability and resilience, catering to the evolving needs of an ageing population in an urban setting. The development’s design and management have responded innovatively to changing demographics, behaviours, and social contexts, ensuring its enduring relevance and impact. The development offers a living space that combines independence with community engagement and demonstrates that good design can and should be available to everyone. Fundamentally, it proves that your last home can be your best home. The communal areas and the community kitchen are designed to foster intergenerational interactions, addressing the potential isolation that often comes with ageing and showcasing to the wider community the value of older people in our societies. In the face of a challenging housing market, Appleby Blue provides high-quality living spaces for those with a low-income. It is a model that United St. Saviour’s charity hopes can act as a blueprint for others across the county to improve the national provision for housing for older people in our inner cities. It is strategically located near local transport links, ensuring easy access for residents and visitors, aligning with changing urban transport habits. The building includes features like rooftop photovoltaics that generate 35% of the energy required to run the building. By fostering a sense of belonging and offering flexible spaces that can evolve with local needs, Appleby Blue ensures its long-term relevance and utility for the entirety of the community.