What: The John Lewis Partnership has announced the first three locations where it proposes to build new rental homes that would offer the trust, quality and service that people expect from John Lewis.

Why is it important: The homes would form part of the UK’s growing 'built-to-rent' property market as the Partnership seeks to raise standards in rental property, both through its role as developer and a commitment to manage the buildings themselves.

The three proposed sites include building over Waitrose shops in Bromley and West Ealing in Greater London, as well as replacing a vacant John Lewis warehouse in Mill Lane, Reading.

The three locations are the first sites to be announced after confirming the target to deliver 10,000 homes in the next ten years - 5,000 of these will come from schemes on the Partnership's own property portfolio. Moving into the rental homes market is part of our long-term plan for 40% of profits to come from outside of retail by 2030.

The homes would be built for different sized households and designed to our high standards. Residents would have options for short and long-term tenure and to have the homes furnished by John Lewis. Creating a sense of community through incorporating shared spaces and facilities such as roof gardens and fitness studios and exploring how schemes can play a role in the wider community would be integral to our approach.

John Lewis Partnership announces first proposed locations for rental homes