Plans revealed for new library, youth centre and affordable homes on the Alton estate

The planning application for what is known as ‘Block A’ at the entrance to the estate on Danebury Avenue has been submitted by Wandsworth Council. Formerly a Co-op building with residential and offices and a youth club next door, the site would be transformed with a purpose-built modern community hub including a library and youth space, plus affordable council homes.

These plans mark a key milestone in the council’s delivery of the Alton Renewal Plan for the estate after balloted residents last year voted ‘yes’ in favour of the council’s proposals for better community facilities and public spaces and genuinely affordable homes.

The existing buildings will be demolished to make way for a modern community hub building with a new adult and children’s library including IT and study space, bookable rooms, a youth space, council offices, a community space and a replacement GP practice, together with 55 new council homes.

Aydin Dikerdem, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We promised we'd hit these timelines and we have. These plans for Alton’s Block A clearly show residents that we have listened to what they want for their estate and that we’re acting at pace on what we heard. Residents asked us to prioritise better community facilities, a great library and youth space, a modern GP practice and genuinely affordable homes - and that is what we’re getting on with.”

About the proposals

• A new community hub (four storeys) fronting Danebury Avenue, providing a flexible, long‑life civic building with the library at its heart, plus bookable spaces, youth facilities, council service space and a community hall.
• 55 new council homes in a separate nine‑storey residential building, meeting modern space and accessibility standards and arranged around improved public realm.
• A replacement Alton Practice GP surgery with more efficient, accessible space.
• Public realm and landscape improvements including more trees and a new play space, creating safer, more inclusive routes along Danebury Avenue and Holybourne Avenue.
• Outline application for the current Roehampton Library under Allbrook House to enable future flexible community/commercial use once the new library has moved into the hub.

Residents are able to view and comment on the proposals online - planning reference is 2025/4614

What's coming next

In response to residents’ requests for safer and brighter public spaces, this Spring the council is installing wayfinding signage around the estate, artwork on the walkway to the leisure centre and new creative lighting.

New landscaped play spaces will open at Alton Activity Centre and Downshire Field in time for the summer holidays.

Background

The application is being brought forward by Wandsworth Council as part of the wider Alton Renewal Plan, focusing on delivering a resident-backed gateway development scheme to the estate.

Find out more about the Alton Renewal Plan at wandsworth.gov.uk/alton