Placemaking is all about turning shared spaces into places people genuinely enjoy spending time in.
This starts with understanding each area’s heritage, culture, and existing amenities, then co‑designing spaces that genuinely serve the needs of residents.
Peabody works with residents, local businesses, and stakeholders to explore the character of the place.
These insights then translate into developments with balanced public spaces and facilities to make residents feel part of a community.
Whether revitalising established areas like Thamesmead, transforming iconic sites such as Holloway Park, or planning green, walkable communities at Dagenham Green, Peabody builds places for people.
New build facilities by Peabody
Peabody developments are build to be convenient for everyday living, so modern facilities are crucial to our approach.
At Southmere, our placemaking project is a mix of cultural, recreational, and wellbeing‑focused amenities.
Residents benefit from plenty of green space by Southmere lake, a dedicated working‑from‑home suite with private meeting rooms, comfortable lounges, and a growing network of cafés and community spaces, including TACO.
At Dagenham Green, facilities are designed to create a modern family‑friendly neighbourhood. Plans include 10 acres of public green space, new play areas, improved walking and cycling routes, a future secondary school, and a community hub.
Meanwhile, at Holloway Park, the transformation of the former prison site will introduce over 900 new homes supported by resident‑exclusive amenities, a WiFi‑enabled park, and 1.4 acres of carefully landscaped public open space.
Case Studies of placemaking
The following case studies highlight how Shared Ownership homes sit at the heart of thriving new neighbourhoods across London.
Southmere - Thamesmead
Southmere is a standout example of regeneration in action, forming the next chapter of the wider Thamesmead transformation.
The development is sat beside Southmere Lake with sweeping views towards the City. This vibrant waterside neighbourhood is designed to bring residents together.
Southmere offers modern podium gardens, a modern working‑from‑home suite with a private meeting room, and a comfortable lounge for informal get‑togethers.
Southmere’s monthly market during the summer at Cygnet Square brings local businesses together as well as great food.
This is complemented by major investment into the surrounding area, including £2.5 million of improvements to Southmere Lake.
Together, these features create a lively, well‑connected neighbourhood, and with Shared Ownership at Southmere launching now, buyers can enjoy an affordable, future‑focused lifestyle within London’s largest regeneration zone.
St John's Hill
St John’s Hill sits on a historic estate that once felt cut off from its surroundings separated from Clapham Junction by a long boundary wall.
As part of the regeneration, the approach to placemaking was rooted in opening the neighbourhood back up: creating clearer routes, reconnecting residents to the wider area and forming a public square and community centre.
One of the most defining elements of placemaking here is the use of community public art.
During consultation, 86% of residents supported architecturally distinct buildings, shaping the decision to integrate relief sculptures into the architecture itself.
One Clapham was the latest phase in the project, it offers 1 to 3-bed homes available through Shared Ownership.
Dagenham Green
Dagenham Green is one of London’s most ambitious regeneration developments. It is set to deliver 3,500+ new homes, with 1,550 affordable homes, and create a dynamic new community.
A key attraction of this neighbourhood is its generous public space. The development has been designed to support family life and active lifestyles, with 10 acres of open green space, over 15,000 sqm of play areas, dedicated cycling and pedestrian routes, and a new secondary school.
Peabody’s commitment to placemaking also led to the creation of a Heritage Trail, honouring the site’s industrial and cultural past including the 1968 Sewing Machinists Strike and the biodiverse Thames Marshland.
Holloway Park - Islington
Holloway Park is another significant regeneration projects, transforming the former Holloway Prison site into a thriving new neighbourhood.
The three‑phase development will deliver 900+ new homes, with more than 60% of the first phase designated as affordable.
Community life is central to the Holloway Park vision. Alongside new homes, the scheme introduces landscaped public spaces, a WiFi‑enabled park, and future commercial and community offerings brought forward in partnership with London Square, the Borough of Islington, and the Greater London Authority.
A new 1.4‑acre public park - complete with play areas and a nature garden - will be open for everyone to enjoy, while also boosting local biodiversity.
A new pedestrian and cycle route through Tufnell Park will further improve movement through the area, supported by enhanced cycling infrastructure across the development
With Shared Ownership homes launching from 2026, Holloway Park is set to become a landmark example of how thoughtful regeneration can deliver lasting value to local communities.
The Verdean - Acton
The Verdean forms part of a wider transformation taking place in Acton, where long‑term regeneration is reshaping former estates and under‑used land.
The development sits within an area that has been steadily re‑knitted through new pedestrian routes, improved public spaces, and a shift towards mixed‑use streets.
At The Verdean, placemaking is shaped by a focus on green infrastructure and shared outdoor environments.
Landscaped areas, planting collaborations with partners such as Kew, and the use of podium gardens across phases contribute to a greener urban environment.
The Aviary – Oxford
Finally, outside of London is the Aviary in Oxford. Placemaking here is shaped by the wider transformation taking place across Blackbird Leys, led by Peabody and Oxford City Council.
This includes improved roads, new cycle routes, safer public spaces, and refreshed local shops.
Together, they’re delivering 294 new affordable homes, new shops, green spaces and a modern Community Centre, creating a revitalised district that supports everyday life and strengthens community ties.
The Aviary sits within this growing neighbourhood, offering 2 & 3‑bedroom Shared Ownership houses designed around modern living, each with private gardens and access to nearby parks and nature reserves.
With Spindleberry Nature Park, Rivermead Nature Park and local play areas close by, residents enjoy easy access to green space.
The upcoming new Community Centre will provide a much‑needed hub at the heart of Blackbird Leys, bringing space for activities and events.
Why buy with Peabody New Homes
With over 160 years of experience, Peabody focuses on creating high‑quality homes in well‑connected neighbourhoods in and around London, where people can get on the property ladder and genuinely feel at home.
Buying with Peabody New Homes also means becoming part of some of the most exciting London regeneration areas.
For many buyers, the benefits of Shared Ownership, from lower deposits to greater long‑term stability, are a major reason to choose this route.
Frequently asked questions about Peabody’s placemaking
Peabody’s Shared Ownership developments often include thoughtful community focused features such as landscaped public spaces and gardens, play areas, local shops and cafés, and in some places, wider regeneration improvements such as community centres.
Peabody also invests in community initiatives, wellbeing programmes, employment support and resident‑focused projects, helping people feel settled and supported in their new area.
Shared Ownership is for people who want to get onto the property ladder but can’t afford to buy outright.
Eligibility includes first‑time buyers, those returning to homeownership after a change in circumstances, or renters with a stable income but limited savings.
Buyers must meet government criteria and pass affordability checks, and in very popular developments Peabody may use a prioritisation system when demand exceeds supply.
Yes - with Peabody, you can buy more of your home through a process called Staircasing.
This allows you to increase the share you own in stages, often up to 100%, depending on the lease.
It’s a flexible way to grow your ownership at a pace that suits your budget and long‑term plans.
