local authority:   London Borough of Lewisham

Mayday Permanent Housing Co-operative comprises 17 homes situated in the Deptford SE8 area of London. Properties range from one bed flats to four bed flats in a block which fronts the busy Evelyn Street. There is a pleasant communal garden to the back of the properties and three of the ground floor flats have been adapted for wheelchair users.

The estate was developed in partnership with the co-operative by CHISEL (Co-operative Housing in South East London) in the late 1980’s. The development was completed in the summer of 1990 and the first tenancies commenced in August of that year. After a period of training residents took control of the estate which began to function as an independent fully mutual co-operative in 1992. CDS Co-operatives has provided management services to them since 1993.

The properties benefit from gas fired central heating systems and double glazing. The block is secure with entry phones and metal security gates to both the front and rear.

The historic area of Greenwich is a 20 minute walk away with extensive travel connections such as the Docklands Light Railway and Greenwich BR. Deptford High Street is a 10 minute walk and has a lively market and Deptford BR has frequent connections to London Bridge.

Mayday Permanent Housing Co-operative has contractual tenancies and operates a 50% nominations agreement with the London Borough of Lewisham.

The co-operative has regular barbecues in the communal garden during the summer months.