Sidcup block by eminent architect could become housing

An office block near Sidcup station designed by one of Britain’s best known post-war architects could become housing under a new application.

Roxby House was designed by Owen Luder who lived to see his designs at Gateshead and Portsmouth demolished.

The Sidcup block is rather less noticeable and substantial than those two projects, with Trinity Square in Gateshead famously featuring in Get Carter.

The Catford Centre however lives on though shortly before his death Luder asked for his name to be removed from plaques owing to the building’s “disgraceful” condition.

Prior plans

This isn’t the first time a conversion has been submitted so we shouldn’t be too sure it’ll actually happen. The first was in 2014 then another in 2019.

Under Permitted Development Rights an office block no longer needs full planning application to convert to housing. In total 30 flats are proposed.

Sidcup has already seen some blocks converted or having plans including a number on the other side of town nears Foots Cray.

Closer to the railway station and new-build developments are underway or near complete nearby including a block beside the station as well as another a short distance further north.

The application can be viewed on Bexley Council’s planning page here.