After an extensive 10-year planning battle, a massive £1.3 billion riverside housing and secondary school development in Mortlake has been approved. This ambitious project, set to transform the historic Stag Brewery site along the banks of the Thames, will bring 1,068 new homes, a secondary school, office spaces, shops, and a large green area for public use. Despite the controversy and over 1,000 objections from locals concerned about increased traffic and the amount of affordable housing, the development is now set to go ahead.

The Stag Brewery site, rich in history, is one of the oldest beer-making locations in London, with brewing activities dating back to 1487. Located near the finish line of the famous Oxford and Cambridge boat race, the site holds both historical and cultural significance. Over the years, it has been owned by several major brewing companies, including Watney’s and AB InBev, who brewed the world-renowned Budweiser there until 2015.

In that year, Singapore-based developer Reselton Properties purchased the 22-acre site, marking the beginning of a long and complicated journey to redevelop the area. Reselton’s first plans, proposed in 2015, included 850 homes, with 17% classified as affordable housing. Although the Richmond council initially approved this plan, London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, called it in due to concerns about the low percentage of affordable housing.

In response to the criticism, Reselton revised its plans in 2017, proposing to increase the number of homes to 1,250, with up to 30% allocated as affordable housing. However, the mayor rejected this proposal in 2021 over concerns regarding the scale and height of the development. The plans faced yet another setback, and the future of the site remained uncertain.

Finally, in 2022, Reselton submitted its latest proposal, which was approved by the Richmond council in January 2024. This proposal includes 1,068 homes, of which only 7.5% are designated as affordable. The developer has stated that this percentage could increase if the project’s financial viability improves during development. While this percentage is lower than earlier plans, it reflects the developer’s efforts to work within the constraints of the local market.

What’s Included in the Development?

The new residential neighbourhood will consist of buildings of up to nine storeys, with a variety of facilities that will transform the area. In addition to the homes, the project includes shops, restaurants, a cinema, and office spaces. There will also be space allocated for a hotel, providing accommodation for both residents and visitors. The centrepiece of the project will be the new secondary school, which will have capacity for 1,200 students, including a sixth form.

As part of the development, the iconic Victorian Maltings building will be preserved and converted into riverside apartments. These apartments will offer scenic views of the Thames, preserving the historical significance of the site while providing modern living spaces.

The developers also plan to include nearly nine acres of green space, which will be open to the public. This green area will offer a space for relaxation, outdoor activities, and community events, providing much-needed recreational space in a largely urban area.

The History of Stag Brewery

The Stag Brewery site has a long and storied history. It was originally part of the Mortlake Brewery, which was established in the late 15th century. Brewing at the site became a significant part of the area’s economy, and it remained a major beer producer in London for centuries. At its peak, the brewery produced a wide range of popular beverages, including pale ales and bitters.

Over time, the site changed ownership, and in the 20th century, it became part of larger brewing conglomerates, including Watney’s and, later, AB InBev. Despite its historical significance, brewing at the site ceased in 2015, leaving the location dormant and awaiting redevelopment.

Challenges Faced by the Developers

The planning process for this development has been far from smooth. From the very beginning, the project has faced a wave of opposition from local residents, particularly the Mortlake Brewery Community Group (MBCG). More than 1,100 objections were submitted on the Richmond council’s website, citing concerns over increased traffic, the environmental impact, and the low level of affordable housing being provided.

One of the major issues raised was the scale of the proposed buildings. Local residents argued that the towering nine-storey buildings would disrupt the local skyline and create an eyesore in the heart of Mortlake. The traffic in the area, already a point of contention before the development, was expected to worsen significantly with the addition of over 1,000 new homes, creating additional strain on local infrastructure and transport systems.

Another major point of opposition was the level of affordable housing. The local community had hoped for a much larger proportion of homes to be designated as affordable, especially considering the history of the site and its potential to provide much-needed housing in an area where housing prices are rapidly rising.

The concerns from the community led to further revisions of the plans. Despite the objections, Reselton Properties pressed forward with the proposal, making adjustments where possible and continuing their lobbying efforts to secure approval. This included negotiating the amount of affordable housing that would be included in the final proposal and adjusting the design of the buildings to address concerns over height and scale.

Final Approval and What’s Next?

After several rounds of revisions and objections, the development was finally approved by the Richmond council in January 2024. However, due to new fire safety regulations introduced after the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, the plans had to be adjusted to include second staircases in buildings taller than 18 metres. This caused further delays, but the plans were eventually resubmitted and approved by the local council.

The Greater London Authority (GLA) also raised objections to the development, citing the level of affordable housing and suggesting that the developer had not done enough to address concerns. However, Reselton Properties appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, arguing that the project was vital for the regeneration of the area and that the affordable housing percentage could be increased if the financial viability of the scheme improved.

In February 2024, following the appeal, the Planning Inspectorate granted final approval, clearing the way for construction to begin. This marks a major victory for Reselton Properties, who have been working on the project for nearly a decade. The development is expected to provide much-needed housing, a new secondary school, and several commercial and recreational facilities that will breathe new life into the area.

The Impact on Mortlake

Once completed, the £1.3 billion development will significantly alter the landscape of Mortlake, bringing new homes, jobs, and amenities to the area. The addition of a secondary school is particularly welcome, as it will provide educational opportunities for local children and help ease the strain on local schools.

The project will also contribute to the wider regeneration of the Thames riverside, which has seen several major developments in recent years. The inclusion of green space will provide much-needed recreational areas for both new residents and the local community, promoting a higher quality of life for those living in the area.

However, it remains to be seen whether local residents’ concerns about traffic congestion, the environmental impact, and the proportion of affordable housing will be fully addressed as the project progresses. With work set to begin soon, it will be important for the developers to continue engaging with the community and making adjustments as necessary to ensure the development meets the needs of both current and future residents of Mortlake.

Conclusion

After a 10-year battle, the £1.3 billion development at Mortlake is finally set to move forward. Despite the many challenges and objections along the way, the project has received approval and will transform the historic Stag Brewery site into a modern riverside community. The inclusion of a secondary school, affordable housing, and green space will help meet the growing demand for homes and services in the area, while preserving the historical legacy of the site. As construction begins, the developers will need to ensure that the concerns of the local community are addressed to ensure the success of the project.