Work is under way on site to deliver 182 new council homes as part of the regeneration of Charlton House and Albany House in Brentford, Higgins Partnerships announced in November.
Councillors from Hounslow Council, along with delivery partner Higgins Partnerships, marked the start of construction with a ceremony attended by the wider project team and representatives from the GLA.
01Replacing ageing homes
The project will replace 92 ageing homes with 182 homes for social rent. Around 30% will be larger family-sized properties, which the partners say will help to address the borough’s growing need for affordable housing, particularly for local families.
Alongside the new energy-efficient homes, the scheme will provide ground-floor commercial space, creating opportunities for local businesses and services, and more than 2,500 square metres of landscaped green space intended to enhance the neighbourhood.
The scheme forms part of Hounslow Council’s wider housing and regeneration programme, which the release describes as one of the most ambitious in West London. According to the release, the plans have been shaped through extensive engagement, with more than 87% of residents in favour of redevelopment. The regeneration also supports the Council’s commitment to deliver 2,500 affordable homes across the borough.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at Hounslow Council, said: “Breaking ground at Charlton House and Albany House is a significant milestone in our plans to deliver more genuinely affordable homes and invest in Brentford’s future.”
He added: “We’ve worked closely with residents on these plans and we want this regeneration to bring benefits beyond the new homes, including jobs, green spaces and opportunities for businesses. Working with Higgins Partnerships, we’re creating a neighbourhood that people can be proud to call home.”
02Social value commitments
Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for Higgins Group, said: “We are delighted to see work get underway at Charlton House and Albany House, delivering much-needed homes for Hounslow. Alongside providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes, we are committed to creating lasting community benefits through local training, employment and social value initiatives.”
Higgins Partnerships has committed to working with local organisations and community groups to create opportunities that extend beyond construction. This includes work experience opportunities for local residents, business support for community organisations and over 750 volunteering hours dedicated to supporting local projects, tackling homelessness and crime, and improving health and wellbeing across the borough.
03About the contractor
Higgins describes itself as a contractor and developer working across London and the South East for over 65 years, delivering new-build and refurbishment projects and mixed tenure developments in partnership with clients, supply chain and design consultants. Those pictured at the ceremony included Councillor Tom Bruce, Jason Ludlow, Regional Director for Higgins Partnerships, and Cllr Sue Sampson.
Ceremonies marking construction milestones are a familiar feature of large schemes, as PAD reported in its coverage of a steel signing ceremony at a distribution centre in Doncaster.
Details and image via Higgins Partnerships.
