Construction of 106 new homes in Battersea begins with colourful hoarding designed by local pupils

Construction of 106 new homes in Battersea began this week with a ceremony to unveil hoarding around the site designed by local students and artists.

Pupils from St John Bosco College joined officers from the Wandsworth Council development team and Cabinet Member for Housing Aydin Dikerdem at the Randall Close site on Wednesday (March 1), where householder The Hill Group broke ground.

"Having a decent home is the foundation for a decent life and I am pleased that work has started on 106 new homes at Randall Close," said Cllr Dikerdem.

He added: "These homes will be prioritised for local residents, giving families a chance for an affordable rent in the area that they have already laid roots."

Hoarding in place while the properties are built was produced by artist Dr Maria Gasparian and print-maker Augusta Akerman in collaboration with students at St John Bosco College.

Entitled 'Randall Tessarae', the hoarding designs were inspired by the craftsmanship of Jesse and Henry Rust, highly respected makers of mosaics in the late 19th and 20th century.

The Henry and Jesse Rust Mosaic and Tile Company was once based on Randall Street, now the Surrey Lane Estate, and examples of their work can still be seen at Battersea Arts Centre, The Victoria and Albert Museum and many other locations.

Dr Maria Gasparian, said: "It's been great exploring the important local heritage together with St John Bosco College students who made fantastic work. I hope that the permanent artworks I am now designing will bring vibrancy and interest to the new public space within Surrey Lane Estate."

Permanent artworks by Dr Maria Gasparian, commissioned by the council, will also form part of the new public spaces at the Randall Close housing development, with enhancements that include a new and improved children's play area.

Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council's Deputy Leader and cabinet member for the voluntary sector, business engagement and culture, said:

"This public art commission has been a fantastic initiative from the council and The Hill Group, our partner on the Randall Close project. The development itself will provide new homes and this sort of work shows that we are just as interested in placemaking and building vibrant communities, as we are in building the homes themselves."