Prince William unveils plan for affordable housing to end youth homelessness

A new project in partnership with Prince William to provide affordable homes for young people aims to “act as a bridge between supported accommodation and the private rented sector.”

As the Duchy of Cornwall, Prince William owns land at 60 Sancroft Street in Vauxhall, where 16 independent living homes will be created for young people aged 18–25.

The homes will be delivered by Prince William’s philanthropic foundation, Homewards, and managed by the charity Centrepoint.

Transition out of homelessness for good

According to the BBC, rents will be set at one-third of a tenant’s gross earnings, with 12 of the 16 tenants required to be in full-time employment.

The remaining four will be supported to find jobs by youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, who will manage the site, and Lambeth council.

Seyi Obakin OBE, chief executive of Centrepoint, said: “By linking rent to individual income levels, this Innovative Housing Project offers more than shelter, it offers young people the stepping stone they need to pursue their careers, build financial resilience, and transition out of homelessness for good.”

Housing crisis is hitting hard

Councillor Danny Adilypour, deputy leader of Lambeth Council and cabinet member for housing, investment and new homes, says he is pleased to be supporting the project.

He said: “In Lambeth the housing crisis is hitting hard and we are focused on fully playing our role in building the new social housing we need, and working in partnership with others to find solutions to the issues.

“So, I am really pleased Lambeth Council has supported the planning application for this project brought forward by The Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme.

“It will make a real difference in the lives of young people experiencing both housing insecurity and an insecure future, plotting a supported route for them into housing and employment at a time in their lives when they need it the most.”

Act as a bridge between supported accommodation and PRS

The Homewards press release also claims the redevelopment will provide support for the PRS.

It says: “This redevelopment will convert an existing building to create 16 independent living homes for young people aged 18-25 in the borough, looking to provide affordable homes that will act as a bridge between supported accommodation and the private rented sector.”

Alongside the redevelopment, the BBC also reveals the Duchy of Cornwall plans to redevelop a former health centre at 65 Sancroft Street.

The building will be demolished and replaced by a new building of 23 flats. The majority of these will be privately rented, with two allocated as affordable housing at a discounted market rent.