Councillors give go-ahead for redevelopment of vacant office block (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Councillors give go-ahead for redevelopment of vacant Lyon House in Wandsworth High Street

1:50pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in News By Alexandra Rucki

A vacant office block is being turned into new homes and shops as part of a £1bn regeneration project.

Wandsworth council has given the go-ahead to demolish Lyon House, in Wandsworth High Street, to create 41 new flats, including 15 affordable homes and space for new shops.

The developer has agreed to contribute £125,000 towards town centre road improvements, which will help fund the reconfiguration of the Wandsworth one-way system.

Wandsworth Council hopes switching part of the gyratory back to two-way working would improve access to the high street stimulating trade.

Councillor Nick Cuff, chairman of the planning committee, said: "The redevelopment of Lyon House will be a further boost to the ongoing town centre regeneration.

"Not only will it encourage new businesses to set up shop in Wandsworth, it will also create much-needed new homes - in particular a healthy number of units for affordable rent and intermediate housing."

Council leader, Councillor Ravi Govindia, said: "These schemes bring new retail, leisure, residential, employment and educational opportunities to the area and act as magnets for further investment.

"In addition, as more town centre developments come forward our funding pot for the one-way system redesign project continues to grow and if we can tackle that, the signs point to a very healthy future for Wandsworth High Street."