Old Victoria Hospital lands sold off, set for redevelopment in SoHo

City councillors approved the sale of old Victoria Hospital lands in SoHo, with the redevelopment of the parcel of land including hundreds of new housing units, including 300 that will be affordable.

The sale of Phase II of the lands went to Vision SoHo Alliance, a group made up ofIndwell Community Homes, Zerin Development Corporation, Homes Unlimited (London) Inc., Chelsea Green Home Society and Italian Seniors' Project.

It includestwo heritage buildings, the Health Services Building and the War Memorial Children's Hospital, part of a five and half acre parcel bordered by Waterloo Street, South Street, Colborne Street and Hill Street, as well as a one-acre parcel at 124 Colborne St.

"This is an important step in the redevelopment of the Old Victoria Hospital Lands and a significant milestone in building more affordable housing for Londoners," Mayor Ed Holder said in a statement. "I am thrilled to hear that Vision SoHo Alliance's vision and collaboration on this project will include the creation of 600 units, 300 of which will be affordable housing."

Vision SoHo Alliance consists has a combined portfolio of more than2200 units, including apartments and townhomes. The organizations within the alliance work with adults, young people, seniors, families, and people with disabilities, and incudes affordable and market-value rents.

"Through the implementation of this plan, we will have the opportunity tosee two London heritage buildings, the Health Services Building and the War Memorial Children's Hospital, protected and repurposed for a new generation of Londoners," said Bill Warner, London's manager of realty services

"We will also have the opportunity to see the regeneration of a neighbourhood through new employment opportunities and architectural excellence. The development of the OVHL will also support the rapid transit network by focusing on development within close proximity to transit corridors and stations, as well as improved connectivity to the Thames Valley Corridor and enhanced river and trail access for the neighbourhood."

The redevelopment will include low and mid-rise buildings, outdoor space and underground parking.

It will be integrated with commercial space and a planned civic square atthe corner of Colborne Street and South Street.