The project will deliver 92 new homes in total, comprising 84 flats and eight houses.
Ealing Council has celebrated a significant step forward in its mission to provide affordable housing, as the development of 84 new council homes in Northolt reached its ‘topping out’ stage.
A special ceremony was held last week at the site of the former Northolt Grange Community Centre in Rushdene Crescent, marking the completion of the building’s structural phase. Attended by Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council, and Councillor Shital Manro, cabinet member for good growth and new homes, the event symbolised progress in tackling the borough’s housing crisis. The councillors laid ceremonial bricks at the top of one of the buildings, celebrating this key moment in the project.
With Ealing’s population growing by 15% between 2013 and 2023, the demand for affordable homes has surged, making it one of London’s most challenging areas for housing accessibility.
Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis
The Northolt Grange development is part of Ealing Council’s wider initiative to combat the national affordable housing crisis, which has particularly affected the borough. With Ealing’s population growing by 15% between 2013 and 2023, the demand for affordable homes has surged, making it one of London’s most challenging areas for housing accessibility.
The project will deliver 92 new homes in total, comprising 84 flats and eight houses. The flats, spread across two five-storey blocks, will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, all let at London Affordable Rent, ensuring they remain accessible to residents on lower incomes. These homes will be allocated to some of the nearly 8,000 households currently on the council’s waiting list.
Building a New Community in Northolt
Beyond providing much-needed homes, the development will also introduce a children’s play area, landscaped open spaces, and parking facilities for both vehicles and bicycles. The eight houses will be available under the shared ownership scheme, allowing aspiring homeowners to buy a share of their property while paying rent on the remaining portion.
Construction began in summer 2023, and the first residents are expected to move in by spring 2026. The project is backed by a £99 million grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA), which was awarded to the council in 2019 as part of its commitment to boosting affordable housing in the capital.
Commitment to High-Quality, Energy-Efficient Homes
Councillor Peter Mason highlighted the urgency of tackling the borough’s housing crisis, stating, “There is nowhere in the country that has been harder hit by the national affordable housing crisis. These high-quality, energy-efficient homes will make a real difference, helping us move towards our target of building 4,000 genuinely affordable homes within the current council term. More than 80 local families will soon have the security and stability they need for a better quality of life.”
Councillor Shital Manro emphasised the project’s role in fostering a strong, inclusive community. “These new homes will help us deliver on our pledge to create thriving communities filled with pride and purpose. With great transport links, outstanding schools, and some of London’s best parks and green spaces, Ealing remains one of the best places to live.”
Delivering Sustainable Housing for the Future
The development is being constructed by The Hill Group, a trusted partner of Ealing Council. Simon Trice, managing director at The Hill Group, expressed his enthusiasm for reaching this milestone, saying, “We are proud to be part of this important project, delivering energy-efficient homes that will help keep costs down for residents. We look forward to completing this fantastic development in partnership with Ealing Council.”
As Ealing Council continues its ambitious homebuilding programme, the Northolt Grange project represents a significant step towards addressing the borough’s housing challenges, providing quality, affordable homes for local residents, and fostering a vibrant new community.
ALSO READ: Tributes for International Mother Language Day Martyrs
