Work is underway to convert a former government office into a modern apartment building, providing over 84 new homes in Balham.

Irene House was built in the 1940s and was formerly occupied by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Vacated in March 2020, the building will be converted into 77 apartments with an additional seven apartments created in a roof extension.

Property company Telereal Trillium originally secured planning approval for the works in May 2018.

However, the additional seven units were approved by Wandsworth Council this April, in one of the first virtually held planning committee meetings in London.

Located on Balham High Road and within walking distance to Balham Underground Station, the apartments are expected to be popular with city commuters.

The mix of studio, one and two-bedroom apartments, are likely to attract young professionals, who are increasingly putting down roots in Balham.

The homes will come onto the market in October this year and are expected to cost around £400k.

The developers say the new homes will create affordable opportunities for first-time buyers to enter the property market, particularly with the assistance of the government’s Help to Buy scheme.

Duncan Brisbane, Development Director at Telereal Trillium, said:

“We have an opportunity to deliver a range of high-quality homes which together will create a new community to enliven this part of Balham High Road.”

“We anticipate there will be strong demand for this development due to its excellent location next to Balham station and exceptional transport links to central London.”