The hostels will serve as safe and secure spaces for individuals facing sudden homelessness due to eviction, life events, or domestic violence
The Camden Council has commenced work on two new hostels as part of its response to London’s housing crisis, aiming to provide immediate temporary accommodation for those in urgent need. The projects, located on Camden Road and Chester Road, are part of the council’s Community Investment Programme and will collectively offer 89 high-quality, self-contained units with kitchens and bathrooms.
The initiative addresses the urgent need for housing in the capital, where over 175,000 people live in temporary accommodation. The hostels will serve as safe and secure spaces for individuals facing sudden homelessness due to eviction, life events, or domestic violence.
Camden Council has secured significant funding for the developments, including £1.5 million from the UK Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund and £4.6 million from the Local Authority Housing Fund. Construction is being carried out by Morgan Sindall Construction and is expected to be completed by late summer 2026.
Building more temporary accommodation is a crucial responsibility for Camden as we can help support those in desperate need of a safe place to stay until a more longer-term solution is allocated. By investing in two high-quality hostels, we can also reduce how much we spend each year on hotel and out-of-borough temporary accommodation, reallocating that money into our services and building more high-quality council homes for local people and families.
- Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes at Camden Council
To mark the launch of the project, key council members, including Councillor Nasrine Djemai, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment, and Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, joined local representatives and Morgan Sindall officials at the Chester Road site.
“Our Community Investment Programme is tackling the housing crisis by building more high-quality homes and better temporary accommodation, like these hostels,” said Councillor Djemai. “These energy-efficient, secure units will benefit local communities, with contractors providing apprenticeships, work placements, and job opportunities for residents,” said Councillor Nasrine Djemai, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Community Investment at Camden Council.
Councillor Abdi-Wali emphasized the financial and social benefits of the project: “By investing in high-quality hostels, we reduce reliance on hotels and out-of-borough accommodations, allowing us to redirect funds into vital services and build more council homes for families.”
Richard Dobson, Area Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in London, highlighted the project’s importance: “This development will provide a safe haven for those in need. We’re also excited to engage with the local community through social initiatives and apprenticeship programmes.”
This development is part of Camden’s ambitious Community Investment Programme, a 15-year programme to invest money in council homes, schools and new community facilities across the borough for Camden residents.
Each hostel will feature a mix of single and double units, alongside community spaces, staff rooms, and outdoor areas with play facilities, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for residents.
This project is part of Camden’s 15-year Community Investment Programme, which focuses on improving council homes, schools, and community facilities for residents across the borough.
