The honour of being the 1,000th recipient went to Sheila Hassett, a long-time resident of Blackheath who has lived in her home for 37 years
A major milestone has been reached in Greenwich’s ambitious £430 million “Housing Our Greenwich” programme, with the 1,000th council home receiving a brand-new kitchen and bathroom — a testament to the borough’s long-term investment in safe, secure and quality housing.
The honour of being the 1,000th recipient went to Sheila Hassett, a long-time resident of Blackheath who has lived in her home for 37 years. Her new kitchen was installed by Mulalley, one of the contractors commissioned by the Royal Borough of Greenwich to carry out improvement works across the south and west of the borough.
The milestone was marked with a visit from Council Leader Cllr Anthony Okereke and Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, Cllr Pat Slattery, who celebrated the occasion alongside Mulalley representatives. Mrs Hassett was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift voucher to commemorate the event. Launched in 2023, the five-year Housing Our Greenwich programme represents the biggest investment in council housing in a generation. The council is undertaking large-scale improvements to its housing stock, including new or upgraded kitchens and bathrooms, as well as roofs, doors, windows, and critical fire, electrical, gas and water safety upgrades.
Cllr Okereke said the milestone was symbolic of the council’s long-term commitment to its residents. “We’re investing millions to not only improve the condition of our council homes but to make sure they’re places residents feel proud to live in. This milestone highlights the real difference these improvements are making to people’s lives. It’s not just about the numbers — it’s about the residents, like Mrs Hassett, who benefit from a better home every day.”
Councillor Slattery echoed this sentiment, adding: “Our Greenwich mission is simple — everyone deserves a safe, secure and comfortable home. It was a joy to meet Mrs Hassett and to see first-hand how this work is enhancing the quality of life for residents. Thanks must go to the dedicated council teams and contractors working tirelessly to deliver on our promises.”
Mrs Hassett spoke warmly of the transformation in her home. “I love my new kitchen! I’d had the old one for many years, and it had served me well, but this is so much better. I even got to choose the colour scheme, which makes it feel really personal. The contractors were brilliant — polite, clean, tidy, and kept me informed throughout. I think the council is doing a great job, and I’m really pleased with the result.”
To date, Mulalley has completed 1,000 kitchen and bathroom upgrades as part of their contract with the borough. Work is ongoing across Royal Greenwich, with the council having earmarked over £50 million to make more homes greener, warmer and more energy efficient. This includes significant investment in insulation, new windows and doors, and modernised heating systems to help reduce energy bills and improve sustainability.
As demand for secure and affordable housing grows, Greenwich’s commitment to its existing housing stock remains unwavering. The Housing Our Greenwich initiative is part of a broader vision to ensure every resident in the borough has access to a high-quality, well-maintained home. With many more improvements planned in the months and years ahead, the council continues to roll out upgrades across the borough — demonstrating that for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, investing in homes is investing in people.
