30th July 2025

The Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme, which aims to demonstrate it is possible to end homelessness, has unveiled plans for its Innovative Housing Project [IHP] in Lambeth to support young people.

The project will be delivered in partnership with Homewards Activator, the Duchy of Cornwall, and key sector partner, Centrepoint, of which Prince William is Patron. Homewards Coalition member, Lambeth Council, has also supported the project.

Homewards, which is spearheaded by Prince William, has committed to delivering Innovative Housing Projects across each of the programme’s six flagship locations, with Lambeth being the third to be announced after Aberdeen and Sheffield. Homewards was also involved in the design of the Duchy of Cornwall’s first housing project to address homelessness in Nansledan, for which work is already underway.

The Homewards IHPs are designed to tests new ways to make more homes available at scale for those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. With the planning proposal now endorsed by Lambeth Council’s planning applications committee, work can begin as soon as possible.

Lambeth’s IHP will see the redevelopment of a site owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, 60 Sancroft Street, to create 16 independent living homes for young people aged 18-25 in the borough. The project – which will convert an existing building into flats – will provide affordable homes that act as a bridge between supported accommodation and the private rented sector.

Centrepoint will manage the homes, expanding their Independent Living Programme, which aims to break the cycle of homelessness. As well as being provided to young people already employed, a number of the homes will be allocated to
those moving towards employment, to test a new model to get people into housing and jobs at the same time. Homewards will support residents here, identifying employment opportunities to sustain tenancies.

“We are delighted to be reinvesting in Kennington and working with Homewards and Centrepoint on this innovative housing project, reflecting a shared vision to end homelessness in Lambeth, London and beyond. 60 Sancroft Street has been developed in response to the urgent need for supported housing in the area. With the Duchy’s focus on delivering positive impact for people, places and the planet, we’re delighted to have received planning consent and look forward to working closely with our partners and the local community to deliver this important new community.”

"Centrepoint is committed to ending youth homelessness in the UK and we know that can only be achieved through collaborative effort. We are pleased to work in partnership with Homewards, the Duchy of Cornwall, and Lambeth Council to demonstrate that eradicating youth homelessness is achievable. 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. Through this project, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of this housing model and, hopefully, inspire similar solutions across the country."

In September 2024, the average monthly private rent in Lambeth was £2,229, a 7.8% rise from the year before. High rents and demand for social homes mean that Lambeth has over 4,000 households in temporary accommodation.

Homewards Lambeth recognises the difficulty faced by young people trying to secure employment whilst in supported or temporary accommodation and this Innovative Housing Project is creating a new model to give young people secure housing to then be able to find and sustain employment. The homes are expected to be prepared and residents moving in by the end of next year.

"With such high levels of youth homelessness in Lambeth, this project offers those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness, the chance they need to thrive. A home provides stability to work, and receiving support is so vital in ensuring people can continue on a secure journey. The partnership between Homewards, Centrepoint and the Duchy of Cornwall, with support from Lambeth Council, shows the power of collaboration from across the public, private and voluntary sectors in action. By working together, we can demonstrate it’s possible to end homelessness in our communities.”

"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.”