Cromwell Building Numbers 5-24 and Attached Railings

The Cromwell Building, numbers 5-24, and the attached railings, are a block of flatted philanthropic housing with integral shops, built in 1864. Designed by Sydney Waterlow, with Matthew Allen acting as the builder, the buildings were commissioned for Waterlow's Improved Industrial Dwellings Company. The construction comprises brick in Flemish bond, painted stucco or cement facing, and cast concrete details, with a parapeted roof.

The building is five storeys high, with end blocks of one window each, linked by a recessed open-stair and balcony range. The flats are accessed via the balconies, and the walls to the balconies are rendered, painted, and treated as blind, round-arched arcading pierced by windows and doors. A rubbish chute is centrally located. Railings are present to the area and balconies. Each end range contains a shop on the ground floor, featuring a bracket fascia of the original design.

The interior has not been inspected.

The Improved Industrial Dwellings Company, founded in 1863, was a successful provider of low-cost rented accommodation with commercial elements, and these early buildings represent notable examples of model dwellings in London. The stairwell and railed balcony arrangement, with the balcony appearing as blind arcading, was characteristic of IIDC blocks and intended to enhance ventilation, sanitation, and safety. The development is documented in detail in "Working Class Housing in 19th Century Britain" and "Five Per Cent Philanthropy" by John Tarn.