Back to life

One of PHASES’ key areas of expertise is in the conversion and renovation of empty homes. Every renovation brings its own surprises, but homes left abandoned for decades come with particularly tough challenges. Years of neglect and a lack of routine maintenance can lead to serious structural issues. Left empty, these properties can sadly become hotspots for anti-social behaviour, sometimes even arson and other types of wilful destruction.

In SE London, we took on a large Victorian house that had been empty for more than 20 years. The house had fallen into serious disrepair and the structural problems had only deepened. The owner simply wasn’t in a position to take on such a complex and expensive renovation. What had once been a home had become a burden — and, as the building slipped further into dereliction, it also became a local eyesore.

Other developers had looked at the property, including Hyde Housing Association, but decided they couldn’t make the project work. That’s when PHASES stepped in.

We agreed a lease with the owner and pulled together funding from multiple sources to make the project viable. We received grants through the Empty Homes Community Grants Programme and the London Borough of Lewisham, along with a loan from Big Issue Invest. As a charity, we were also able to benefit from the generous, subsidised support of a brilliant structural engineer and architect.

Our vision was to transform this once-abandoned building into two affordable homes — a three-bedroom and a four-bedroom flat — for local families in urgent need of more space.

But this was never just about bricks and mortar. At PHASES, we believe in the power of practical action — not only to create homes, but to create opportunities.

Once the site was made safe and cleared for works, we were able to offer on-site placements to some of our PHASES trainees. Working alongside professionals, they gained real-life experience and had the chance to put their developing skills to the test. Even better, this project led to real jobs: two trainees were employed by PHASES, and two more were taken on by our contractor.

This project stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose. It shows what can be achieved when we look beyond the surface — beyond derelict buildings, beyond people’s pasts — and instead see potential.