Merton Lane: A Brownfield Site Transformed

The Merton Lane Project transformed previously neglected brownfield land into quality housing for first-time buyers.

• Pre-development challenges: The site had become a hub for anti-social behaviour. The City Council spent £10,000 erecting fences, and further public money was spent on brush clearance before any offer was made.
• Early assessments: We evaluated the site’s viability by examining existing Victorian-era foundations, drainage options, and conducting soil contamination tests.
• Unexpected findings: Underground tanks were discovered and originally thought to store oil. They were found to be water tanks linked to old heating systems, requiring a redesign of the footings. These are the hazards of building on brownfield land.
• Engineering response: Our structural engineering partner re-engineered the footings, resulting in a temporary delay but a more robust foundation.
• Snagging and delays: Major delays were caused not by physical work, but by bureaucracy—especially sewer connection permissions and road closure coordination.
• Affordability achieved: Properties were priced at for first time buyers with “Executive living at an affordable price” as the guiding message. All units included en-suite bedrooms.
• Proof of concept: This project demonstrated the ability to deliver affordable homes on brownfield land through the Equity-Based Crowdfunding Framework.