New day centre and 50 extra care homes to support older people

50 extra care homes and a new day centre and community hub to support older people have been approved for Commercial Way, just off Old Kent Road.

The new, four-storey building will be an extension to the current extra care services at Tayo Situ House on Commercial Way in Peckham, which opened in 2016.

The community housing scheme was named after the late Mayor of Southwark and dedicated Peckham ward member Councillor Tayo Situ. Cllr Situ was a Peckham councillor from 2002 up to his death in May 2011.

The state of the art centre, with technology to enhance the care and support offer to provide excellent care for people with dementia and other complex needs, was originally proposed as part of the development in 2016. But when the building intended to be house the centre was found to be structurally unsound, the project was put on hold and the building demolished. New plans were subsequently drawn-up for a brand new centre with the additional extra care housing – all at council rents.

The plans were given approval by Southwark Council’s Planning Committee at a meeting last night (8 January).

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning, and one of Tayo’s sons, said:

“It was a wonderful tribute to have the homes named after our father in the part of the borough that he loved and worked so hard for during his time as a Southwark councillor. It’s especially fitting that those original flats and the new proposed ones aren’t just affordable, new council homes, but homes that have a special purpose – to help some of our older residents stay happier and healthier in their own home.

“I’m pleased that this legacy is continuing with this fantastic new day centre and community hub that will provide services and help support some of the borough’s older and more vulnerable residents and their families.”

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Cabinet Member for Children and Adult Care, said:

“I’m really pleased that we are now able to move forward with this exciting project to offer the best possible care options for people in the borough who are facing the challenges of dementia and other needs caused by growing older. This centre is part of the council’s plan to meet the wider needs of people needing adult care including those with different stages of dementia.”

An Extra Care home is a self contained flats that allows a tenant to live independently in their own home but with care support on-site around the clock. It means a bit of extra help is available, if needed, to help them live safely and well. With additional community facilities and a garden area, tenants can also choose to relax with neighbours, make friends and hopefully won’t feel isolated or alone.