The creation of a new headquarters in Earlsfield for security giant Banham Security could kick start a much-needed regeneration of the area, according to Wandsworth Council.

The security firm announced last week it will be creating 300 jobs in the area by moving from its current base in Vauxhall, needed by Transport for London for the Northern Line extension.

Banham will move to the derelict industrial estate in Thornsett Road and Groton Road.

In the summer a warehouse on the site was occupied by thousands of young revellers who held a rave, before setting up a squat.

The new scheme, designed by architects Allies and Morrison, involves the demolition of the warehouse and railway embankment building and the creation of a part four part five-storey building, along with renovation work to a two-storey building.

Wandsworth Council has also confirmed it is looking into the possibility of a wider scheme of regeneration in this part of the borough.

Some of the ideas under consideration include a new state-of-the-art community health centre to replace the Brocklebank health centre while a number of nearby council-owned buildings, that are empty and surplus to current needs, could also be included in a regeneration scheme, bringing new homes, shops and jobs to the area.

Councillor Nick Cuff said: "As well as bringing a vacant site back into use, this plan is expected to boost the local economy by bringing more people to the area - in turn resulting in an increase in people using its shops and services.

"Not only will it help revitalise Earlsfield with an exemplary new development, it could also act as a catalyst for further investment in this part of the borough."

The industrial estate, which is on Groton Road and Thornsett Road, has been derelict for several years.

 

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