local authority:   London Borough of Lambeth

Edward Henry House Co-operative is situated in the heart of Waterloo just minutes from the mainline railway and underground stations and is close to the river and South Bank amenities. The co-operative has five 5 storey blocks totalling 66 flats comprising 35 one bed flats, 24 two bed flats and 7 three bed flats. There is also a separate site at Morley Street comprising 2 three bed houses and 1 one bed flat. The co-operative is tenanted by young families as well as single and elderly residents.

The blocks were originally built in 1926 to house police officers and their families, which they did until the mid sixties. Lambeth Council then used the properties to house homeless people until 1974 when the buildings were left derelict. Edward Henry House Co-operative was formed in 1977 by a group of local residents anxious to get the building renovated after years of neglect. They persuaded the GLC to fund setting up a housing co-operative and since that time it has been a fully mutual independent co-op managed by its residents. In 1986 the co-op purchased 2 properties in Morley Street and renovated them to provide 2 houses and 1 flat.

The blocks have recently had double glazed windows fitted and have gas central heating, security lighting and secure communal areas. There is a lift in each of the 5 blocks providing easy access to all floors and they have been built around a large green communal space which is for residents use only and includes a play area, football pitch and a community centre.

In addition to the weekly rent there is a service charge which is levied to cover the cost of lift maintenance, communal lighting, and maintenance of communal areas.

Edward Henry House Co-operative issues contractual tenancies and has a 50% nominations agreement with Lambeth Council. You can also apply direct - anyone in housing need, living or working in the Waterloo area and who can show a genuine interest in co-operative housing can apply. Applications are available by post only from the co-operative’s registered office at 23 Edward Henry House, Cornwall Road, London SE1 8YF.