Another 100 truly affordable Council homes have been completed in Westminster as part of the first phase of the Ebury Bridge development. A total of 226 new homes have been built, consisting of 100 high quality Council homes for social rent, homes for 16 returning leaseholders and 110 for market sale.

Following the 2022 Council Elections, the new Labour Council revised the scheme so that more truly affordable Council homes were included in the development. Now, more families in housing need will be housed in high quality Council homes where they can afford to pay the rent.

In total, the Ebury Bridge project will deliver 781 high quality and sustainable homes across three phases, with more than half set to be new or replacement council homes for social rent.

The scheme is rated BREEAM Outstanding, with all homes heated and cooled by a ground source heat pump, using warm water from 100 metres underground. Low carbon heating and cooling systems, greywater recycling and blue roofs will support high performing homes in a low carbon neighbourhood.

The scheme has already been recognised as a leading example of modern, sustainable, council housebuilding, receiving top prize at the Planning Awards 2023 and the Best Community Engagement Outcomes and the Mayor’s Prize for Good Growth at the Building London Planning awards.

Over the coming weeks, more than 90 families will return to their new homes on the estate, after they moved temporarily to allow the building work to take place.

Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, said:

“This is the start of a new chapter for Ebury Bridge. The completion of the first phase of this scheme, which sees over 200 homes built, half of which are new council homes, showcases our commitment to building more truly affordable homes that are high-quality and fit for purpose in our community and demonstrates that we’re delivering on our Fairer Housing commitments for the residents of Westminster.

The completion of the first phase of Ebury is culmination of our efforts to achieve a Fairer Westminster. This phase not only sees the first residents move back into their new homes, but it will see new community facilities, play spaces and improved living standards.

I’m delighted for our residents who have waited for their new homes to be ready. The mixture of the original community and the new families and individuals moving to the neighbourhood will make Ebury a thriving, vibrant place that people want to visit. We’re proud of what has been achieved at Ebury and it sets a high bar for regeneration schemes across the country.”

Phase two will commence in 2025 and deliver 334 homes. Across the whole regeneration scheme, a total of 781 high quality and sustainable homes will be built, with 370 of these set to be new or replacement council homes for social rent.

Ebury Bridge will provide facilities supporting the health and wellbeing of residents, including a new community hub, nursery, play facilities, fitness centre, and four attractive public squares and pocket parks. In addition, approval has also been granted for an extended high street comprising new local shops and cafés.

Key Facts

• Westminster has committed to at least 50% affordable housing across its development projects, made up of social rent and London Living Rent.
• In 2023, the City Council completed 263 homes, of which 214 were affordable.
• In 2024 the City Council is forecast to deliver over 300 homes, of which more than 200 will be affordable.
• Collaboration with the Greater London Authority has been key to the success of the council’s programme with the Mayor funding £147.2m towards affordable homes.
• Resident ballots at the council’s major regeneration schemes at Church Street and Ebury Bridge has unlocked over £70m in additional funding from the GLA which has enabled delivery of higher levels of truly affordable housing.
• Lead contractor Bouygues UK has donated around £120,000 to local community projects and contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours to projects such as the Abbey Centre, Construction Youth Trust, Women into Construction, and Social Bite.
• The site team has supported career sessions, work experience placements, provided educational support for residents and schools, and welcomed five apprentices from nearby London boroughs. They have provided 85 weeks of work placements, offered over 50 hours of expert support to small businesses and organisations in the borough, as well as providing sponsorship to assist parents with childcare.