78-89, BROMLEY ROAD

A block of twelve flats was built in 1949-50 by Fry, Drew and Partners, with job architect J B Shaw, for the Lewisham Metropolitan Borough. Ove Arup and Partners served as engineers. The building is constructed of sand-lime bricks with concrete floor slabs, featuring flat roofs and projecting eaves. It contains two- and three-bedroom flats, along with ground-floor stores and refuse rooms located at the base of the two staircases. The block is three storeys high and arranged symmetrically to minimize impact from Bromley Road. Upper-floor flats include projecting concrete balconies with metal balustrades. Original steel windows with opening casements are set within concrete sills and lintels, and similar return windows are found at the ends of the block, distinguished by continuous moulded surrounds. Interior features include retained picture frames and many original doors. Maxwell Fry was a pioneer in low-cost flat design, and this represents the most significant public housing development from his practice after the war. The layout was carefully considered to maximize open space, light, and sunshine while reducing traffic noise. In 1951, the scheme received a Festival of Britain Merit Award. Nikolaus Pevsner noted its “greater diversity of small motifs” as a departure from Fry's earlier work, recognizing it as one of the most interesting groups of flats in London. The four blocks form a cohesive group, enhanced by their excellent preservation and landscaping.