The redevelopment of land formerly occupied by St Ann’s Hospital is set to deliver up to 995 homes across multiple phases, with 60% classed ‘affordable‘

Construction on the first phase of Haringey’s biggest housing scheme is said to be “well underway”.

Housing association Peabody and development partner The Hill Group recently came together to see how work is progressing on the redevelopment of land formerly occupied by St Ann’s Hospital in South Tottenham.

The project partners were joined by members of the Greater London Authority, Haringey Council and other guests for a tour of the site, where work is progressing on the foundations of the new homes.

The redevelopment is set to deliver up to 995 homes for local residents across multiple phases, with 60% of the homes affordable.

Opened in 1892 as a fever hospital before becoming a general hospital in the 1940s, St Ann’s Hospital now occupies around a third of the original site and the surplus land was bought by the Greater London Authority in 2018 to increase the delivery of affordable homes. The plans were approved in November 2022.

The homes will be centred around the existing Peace Garden, which will be extended to three times its current size, with new flora and trees to boost biodiversity. The new neighbourhood will also include a children’s play space, inspired by the natural landscape.

Seven former hospital buildings will be kept, including the iconic water tower. These historical buildings will be turned into workspaces and commercial premises.

Peabody was appointed by the Mayor of London to redevelop part of the St Ann’s Hospital site in 2023, with a shared goal of delivering more affordable homes for Londoners. St Ann’s is the first site purchased in 2018 as part of the Mayor’s Land Fund. The not-for-profit housing association has since partnered with housebuilder Hill, and together they have been working closely with Haringey Council and the local community to develop plans for the site.

Philip Jenkins, executive director of development at Peabody, said: “This progress event marks an important step forward in the redevelopment of St Ann’s Hospital, as our shared vision of a high-quality, secure, well-connected, and thriving neighbourhood starts to take shape.

“The new neighbourhood will provide hundreds of much-needed affordable homes alongside wide-ranging outdoor facilities for the community to enjoy. Our bid to buy the site was successful because of the high quality of our vision to create new neighbourhood – just one example being the new and improved Peace Garden, which will grow by a further two acres – a huge boost to wellbeing and biodiversity.

“It’s a challenging time for all housing development, so to see construction of this project underway is very pleasing. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming residents to their new homes.”

Andy Fancy, managing director of The Hill Group, said: “Today marks a significant milestone as we mark progress on the development of this landmark site in South Tottenham. Effective collaboration is essential for success in a project of this magnitude, and together with Peabody, Haringey Council, the GLA, and the invaluable support of the local community, we are poised to deliver high-quality, affordable homes as well as community amenities and enhanced green spaces that will enrich the area.”

The first homes are expected to be complete from 2025, with the final development completion expected in 2031.

St Ann's Hospital plans — The housing plans for the former St Ann’s Hospital site

Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and residential development at City Hall, said: “This is a flagship development for the capital, being delivered in an innovative way and with land bought by the Mayor’s Land Fund. It will deliver nearly 1,000 homes, 60% of which will be genuinely affordable.

“I’m proud that Sadiq is leading the way on delivering new council and genuinely affordable homes across our city, as part of his plan to build a fairer London for everyone.”

Ruth Gordon, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for housebuilding, placemaking and the local economy, said: “I’m really pleased that work is well underway on this important development.

“We are delighted that this project will deliver hundreds of affordable homes for Haringey residents, including 154 that will be owned by the council. These will be high quality, energy efficient homes for local people set in a landscape-led masterplan with hundreds of new trees.

“We are extremely proud of our ambitious programme to deliver 3,000 council rent homes by 2031, and the way it is transforming the lives of Haringey residents.

“A council home offers stability, safety and the chance to put down real roots in the community.”

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