Reuben House Launch Marks a Turning Point for Affordable Living in London
Prince William has celebrated the launch of Centrepoint’s innovative housing project, Reuben House, designed to provide affordable living options for young people facing homelessness in south-east London.
The newly opened Reuben House, situated in Peckham, features 33 compact studio flats with rents set at a third of the tenant’s income. The Prince of Wales, Centrepoint’s patron, hailed the initiative as “amazing” and a practical step to help young people secure stability and independence.
The project is part of Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme, which seeks to address youth homelessness. The charity estimates that around 15,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 experienced homelessness in London last year, out of a national figure of 129,000.
During the launch event, attended by celebrity supporters such as BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox and actress Lisa Maxwell, William toured the three-storey building and met residents. Each flat, spread over 21 square metres, includes a combined bedroom, kitchen, and living space, alongside a separate bathroom. The Prince noted the design’s efficiency and warmth, saying, “Incredible the space you get up there, and it feels homely.”
He emphasised the project’s transformative impact: “It’s about that first step. You can replicate it anywhere and help so many young people escape sofa-surfing or other unstable living conditions.”
Centrepoint plans to develop 300 similar properties in London and Manchester, aiming to provide young people with the foundation to progress in their careers and lives. CEO Seyi Obakin described Reuben House as “stepping stone accommodation,” bridging the gap between supportive housing and the private rental market—an innovative solution that is currently unmatched in the UK.
Obakin highlighted the affordability of the flats, where utilities cost roughly £200 annually, making them manageable for working individuals or apprentices. For example, a young apprentice earning £8,500 annually would pay just a third of their income on rent, enabling them to maintain their apprenticeship while securing stable housing.
William praised the project’s symbolism, marking the launch beside a potted sapling. “This initiative shows how homelessness can be tackled with tangible, practical solutions,” he said.
One resident, 21-year-old Ruffine, working in digital marketing, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, calling her flat “a great starting point to build a foundation.”
Centrepoint’s endeavour not only provides homes but also hope, equipping young individuals with a stable environment to rebuild their lives and futures.
