Clarion marks topping out milestone at Eastfields Estate regeneration

Clarion Housing Group has celebrated a key milestone in the regeneration of Eastfields Estate in Mitcham, with the topping out of Phase 1C of the development.

The event was attended by Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, Cllr Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development at Merton Council, and Ger Ronayne, CEO of JJ Rhatigan, the construction partner delivering this phase of the regeneration.

The milestone reflects continued progress on one of Clarion’s major regeneration programmes in Merton, where it is working with the London Borough of Merton and JJ Rhatigan to deliver better quality, modern homes for local residents.

This phase of construction will provide 77 new homes for existing permanent Clarion tenants and resident homeowners, including 52 flats and maisonettes and 25 houses. The homes will range from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom family houses, helping to meet the needs of residents at different stages of life.

The new homes are being built to modern standards, with practical layouts, private outdoor space and improved energy efficiency. All homes in this phase will be fossil fuel-free, with air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels.

The phase will also deliver improved outdoor spaces, including a courtyard garden, pocket park, informal play space, walkable streets and new planting to support biodiversity and community wellbeing.

Eastfields is being transformed into a new neighbourhood of around 800 homes, centred around a new public park. The topping out follows the completion of the first 32 new homes at Eastfields in 2025, with Phase 1C due to complete in summer 2027.

Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, said:

“Reaching the topping out stage at Phase 1C is an important moment for Eastfields and for the residents who will benefit from these new homes.

“Our focus is on delivering well-designed, modern and sustainable homes that meet the needs of the community and make a real difference to everyday life. This milestone reflects the hard work of our teams, JJ Rhatigan and our ongoing partnership with Merton Council as we continue to deliver the regeneration of Eastfields.”

Councillor Andrew Judge, Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable Development at Merton Council commented:

“With modern layouts and living spaces and more outdoor areas, this regeneration programme is set to deliver the improvements residents have waited for, and the good-quality homes they deserve. The work has reached a significant milestone, and we’re looking forward to seeing this phase completed next year.

“The regeneration of Eastfields, High Path, and Ravensbury estates is one of the biggest regeneration schemes in our borough’s history, and will help deliver better-quality homes to more Merton residents.”

Tom Neylon, UK Managing Director, JJ Rhatigan, said:

“This topping out milestone at Eastfields is a significant achievement for everyone involved in the project and marks another important step forward in the regeneration of the estate. We are proud to be working alongside Clarion Housing Group and Merton Council to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes that will have a lasting positive impact for residents and the wider community.

“Having successfully completed Phase 1A, we are delighted to continue our partnership on Phase 1C, building on the strong collaborative relationship established throughout the development to date. Eastfields is a strong example of JJ Rhatigan’s commitment to delivering quality construction alongside long-term social value for local communities.

“I would also like to recognise and thank our project team and partners for their continued hard work, professionalism and commitment in reaching this important milestone. We look forward to continuing our work together as the regeneration progresses towards completion.”