National regeneration agency English Partnerships has announced a shortlist of three consortiums for a plan to build several thousand homes in south and east London.

First Base Partnership, Key London Alliance and a consortium led by Countryside Properties were selected from a list of five to proceed to the final negotiation stage. The project, called the London Wide Initiative, involves building 4000 homes, with 2000 set aside for key workers.

The five bidders submitted detailed proposals for sites owned by English Partnerships in Catford, south-east London, Elephant & Castle, south London and East India Docks, east London.

John Lewis, director of the Strategic Joint Ventures Division at English Partnerships, praised the submissions. He said: “The calibre of the proposals gave our selection panel a difficult job to hone the shortlist down to three. We were impressed by the obvious commitment and effort made by everyone in responding to our brief.”

Proposals were received at the start of last month and were assessed by an evaluation panel that included representatives from English Partnerships, the Housing Corporation and the Greater London Authority. The judges were advised by quantity surveyors Jones Lang LaSalle and Davis Langdon. Submissions were assessed on deliverability, design and innovation and development/management capability.

EP will now begin detailed negotiations with the three consortiums, focusing on development delivery, financing and investment structures.

It expects to make a recommendation about preferred bidders to the ODPM in time for development and management partners to be appointed early next year.

The London Wide Initiative has acquired 12 brownfield sites for development, with five more under negotiation. The programme will include a mixture of market sale housing, low-cost ownership and rental homes alongside homes for key workers.