RUSS, the volunteer-led community land trust that promotes sustainable communities, recently held an Open Day for prospective residents at its latest project on Church Grove. Ladywell-Live tagged along to take a look at the one and two bedroom flats and the site as a whole. And below Eleanor Margolies of RUSS reports on progress at the site
Two years after the start on site at 12 Church Grove, RUSS’s 36 new flats are nearly ready, and we’re looking forward to residents moving in later this autumn, writes Eleanor Margolies.
The main contractor, ROOFF, is currently completing the hard landscaping: paths, ramps and the ground floor bridge between the two buildings.
At the same time, future residents and RUSS volunteers have been working on a timber bike shed with a living green roof (designed by Green Roof Shelters https://greenroofshelters.co.uk) and making plans for planting trees, shrubs and vegetables, as well as flowerboxes on the balconies.
We always welcome volunteers to learn and share skills – whether that’s practical help to complete the office, guest room and laundry, or support with events, communications and other admin. You can get in touch to find out more via info@theruss.org
Homes available
Two one-bedroom flats have recently become available for sale. In addition, there are two flats designed for three people sharing, with an affordable rent of £120 per week.
The usual allocations criteria for 12 Church Grove apply to the flats for sale and rent (i.e. a Lewisham connection, a commitment to RUSS principles and income within the bands defined by the GLA).
More details here https://www.theruss.org/apply-for-a-home/
The residents of six flats available to rent at London Affordable Rent will be nominated by Lewisham Council. Anyone on the Lewisham housing register or interested in downsizing from a Lewisham Council flat can apply – they should check for the advertisement for the RUSS flats on www.lewishamfindyourhome.org.uk from mid-November.
We will be holding open days for local people once residents have settled in, and look forward to welcoming visitors to the new public garden alongside this stretch of the Ravensbourne. Please watch this space for news of forthcoming events www.theruss.org