Learning from Build to Rent and Co-Living in the 1930's

During the early 1990s I was the estate manager for what was then known as the largest privately owned block of flats under one roof in Europe - Du Cane Court in Balham, South London. 730 units plus my office adjacent to reception, so no hiding. Around half of the flats were just 240 sq ft studios with one main room, a kitchenette and a bathroom.

Completed in 1936 this staggering Art Deco building was built to provide rented accommodation for those working in the West End - being next to the Northern Line Station at Balham South. Consequently many of those who moved in worked in the theatres, opera houses and music halls of Soho and Covent Garden. When I started there many of the flats were still statutory tenancies although most have subsequently been sold on long leases.

Du Cane Court didn’t really do kitchens. The kitchenettes were just 5 ft x 4 ft and literally wouldn’t allow for even gentle cat swinging activities. However, this was more than compensated for by a large and lavish bar and restaurant situated on the 7th floor. The menu was comprehensive and operated for long hours, meaning that many tenants never used their kitchens at all. Sadly this facility was damaged by a fire in the '70s (I think) and, you guessed it, replaced with more flats. Other facilities would have included garages, parking, a shop, an estate office, laundry services, basement storage units, Japanese landscaped gardens and full site team of 18 - including a plumber and handyman. Even when I was involved Du Cane Court was unique and was held to the highest standards of service with an exceptionally active community of interested residents.

Sound familiar? Yes, we are seeing the combination of smaller units, build to rent and co-operative living all making the headlines. But it's nothing new - I promise. These things are all cyclical and there is much we can learn from the successful Build to Rent of the past.