The Southmere scheme in Thamesmead has been awarded the Regeneration Award at the Better Society Awards. The scheme will deliver over 1,600 affordable, private and shared ownership homes across four sites as well as a new library with community facilities, commercial space for shops and cafes, and a public square.

The Better Society Awards recognise commercial companies which are helping to create better, more equal, ethical and sustainable communities. Organised by the Better Society Network, the win for Durkan and Peabody highlights their commitment to working in partnership with the local community to provide residents with industry-recognised skills training.

The creation of skills and training opportunities locally has been central to the regeneration to date, with the creation of the Peabody Construction Skills Academy. Sixty graduates have already completed the Construction Skills Academy programme, with 90% now in construction employment, and many working in Thamesmead.

Ed Afolabi is an engineering graduate and Bexley resident who was struggling to start his career in construction management. However, after Peabody put him in touch with Durkan he began working as a trainee project manager and was recently promoted to Assistant Site Manager at Southmere.

“Getting my first break in construction management was really difficult without a network of contacts in the industry, despite having a really good construction-related degree,” he said. “When Peabody contacted me about the opportunity to join Durkan as a trainee I was over the moon. Since joining the team my practical skills and knowledge have increased dramatically and it is great to play an active role in regenerating my own local community.”

The award win also recognises the way Durkan and Peabody’s Economic Inclusion Team have worked in partnership with a range of organisations – including Bexley Twofold, YouthBuild Ventures UK and Groundwork London – to improve employment opportunities for local residents and offer a range of apprenticeships.

Ronan Murphy, CEO of Durkan, said: “We’re delighted to receive The Regeneration Award from The Better Society Awards. I’m especially pleased for the whole team working on the site, and for our continued partnership with Peabody, as this reward is a recognition of their hard work, professionalism and expertise. It’s good to be creating positive change through regeneration projects that demonstrate real social value and impact. We’ve enjoyed working alongside local people living in Thamesmead, many of whom are now an integral part of the team on site.”

Christofi Cristou, Peabody’s Economic Inclusion Manager in Thamesmead, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award with Durkan: Peabody takes great pride in helping to provide employment, skills, training and procurement opportunities in Thamesmead. Our residents are integral to the many improvements that are happening in the area, so it’s important that we do all that we can to nurture local talent and provide new opportunities across the entire community. The quality of education, training, mentorship and employment opportunities provided by Durkan and its supply chain are top tier, and it’s heartening to see the positive impact this is having on local people. Thamesmead is a town that’s full of potential, and this type of work with our community and our partners brings us closer to realising it.”

For more information about the awards, visit: https://bettersociety.net/awards/index.php