Rick De Blaby: How Muse and Get Living forged a partnership that delivers
05.11.24 4 min read
Under the stewardship of Get Living, Phase 2 of Lewisham Gateway has launched as The Filigree, a brand new rental neighbourhood with community at its heart.
Here, Chief Executive Officer, Rick De Blaby, offers his reflections on the journey Get Living has shared with Muse.
Over the last eight years, Get Living and Muse have been on a journey to deliver against the ambitions and promise of Lewisham Gateway. As we launch our new neighbourhood, The Filigree, now is the moment to reflect on how Muse and Get Living forged a unique partnership to see this new destination become a reality.
A partnership based on shared values
At Get Living, we are committed to creating neighbourhoods that bring people together, inspire connections and help people to live well. This commitment begins before there’s a spade in the ground and is a core part of how we work with our development partners. Muse’s approach of delivering transformational urban regeneration developments across the country has helped us bring that vision to life.
Since the initial conversations back in 2016, Muse and Get Living have been connected by a belief in the potential of Lewisham Gateway, and the promise it offered to create a thriving new community in the heart of the Borough, with fantastic transport links into the city. Lewisham has undergone a huge transformation in the time that Muse has been involved with this major regeneration project, and the area today is characterised by its diverse culture, unique culinary offer and rich creative heritage. We were compelled by the opportunity presented by Phase 2 of the Lewisham Gateway project – an opportunity to become custodians of a new neighbourhood, delivering not only new homes, but new shops and public realm for all, while supporting the local economy.
Establishing and maintaining a partnership built on this shared vision and common values has been crucial to the success of the project, including when navigating both the expected and unexpected challenges derived from a development of this scale and complexity.
This includes the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time we formally made our commitment to becoming the stewards of Phase 2. This was swiftly followed by build-cost inflation and significant economic turbulence. The realisation of the scheme has been no easy feat, but seeing it come to life is testament to a strong working relationship and shared commitment to our vision.
A new community
Muse’s 20-year commitment to the Lewisham Gateway project has transformed what was a busy roundabout into an attractive new destination in Lewisham’s town centre, working closely with the Council, the local community and partners such as Get Living throughout. The completion of Phase 2 marks the end of constructing this exceptional regeneration project, which has changed the face of Lewisham and marked the beginning of a new community.
At Get Living we are very proud to be part of this story and to become long-term stakeholders in Lewisham as we look to establish this community as an integral piece of Lewisham’s cultural and social fabric.
The Filigree
Now known as The Filigree, the scheme offers 649 new, high quality rental homes – 106 of which are affordable – kitted out with furniture from David Phillips. But we know that a home is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s about how we live. Our aim at Get Living, as we welcome our new residents, is to set the stage for communities and connections to thrive.
On the ground floor, The Filigree offers new public spaces and public realm, including Confluence Park at its heart. Lining those streets will soon be a variety of new retail and leisure brands, in addition to a new cinema, bringing both convenience and a night time economy to Lewisham in a safe, welcoming environment.
This injection of activity into Lewisham’s economy will not only provide a new offer for the existing community, but will also encourage and attract more people to visit and stay in the area. We will build on Muse’s momentum by continuing to engage with the community and support local businesses to deliver the destination Lewisham deserves. Our Inspiring Lewisham community fund has already launched, aiming to support local charitable groups and organisations doing vital work in the community.
From an early shared vision with Muse, to seeing the neighbourhood welcome its first residents, a collaborative approach has enabled this project to overcome a number of challenges to bring us to where we are today. With our first residents now in their homes, our journey in Lewisham is just beginning and we are excited to see The Filigree become a living, breathing neighbourhood in itself, complementing Lewisham’s authentic character.