The newly completed zero-carbon scheme on Tuskar Street has delivered 32 energy-efficient homes, offering much-needed accommodation for people on the housing register
A new housing development in East Greenwich is giving dozens of local families a fresh start, as the Greenwich continues its ambitious drive to build 1,750 council homes. The newly completed zero-carbon scheme on Tuskar Street has delivered 32 energy-efficient homes, offering much-needed accommodation for people on the housing register.
The development includes eight houses with private gardens, 12 duplex apartments, and 12 apartments with a shared residents’ garden. In line with the council’s commitment to inclusivity, three of the homes have been specially adapted for wheelchair users.
Leader of the Council, Cllr Anthony Okereke, visited the new tenants and underlined the importance of such projects in tackling London’s housing crisis. “Too many people in our borough are trapped in insecure, expensive, and inadequate housing, which robs them and their families of the stability everyone needs to build a happy, healthy life,” said Cllr Okereke. “Developments like Tuskar Street show that we are doing everything we can to provide high-quality council homes, offering security, sustainability, and affordability.”
Social housing remains the most reliable form of affordable accommodation, with rents linked to local incomes, he added, describing the new homes as a vital step towards helping residents escape the cycle of housing insecurity.
A Fresh Start for Residents
For Lisa, one of the new tenants, moving to Tuskar Street has been a welcome change. “I wanted to downsize because I had empty bedrooms, and it just felt like a waste. The process was so quick, which really impressed me,” she said. “This new place is perfect, especially with the playground nearby—it’s great for when I look after my grandkids. Greenwich does so much more than other boroughs when it comes to building new homes. It happens so quickly, and I’m excited to see my bills dropping too.”
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described how moving into a new home had changed their life after years of uncertainty and hardship. “When I got the call about this place, I was over the moon because I’ve never had a space to truly call my own. It feels like something I’ve been searching for over 20 years,” they said.
The resident recounted their struggles with housing insecurity, including time spent in temporary accommodation and even living in a car. “Another borough refused to support me, even after my experience with domestic abuse, which made things even harder. I spent years in different temporary accommodations, and while I was grateful to have a roof over my head, some of the conditions were terrible. But it was still better than sleeping in my car, which was what I ended up having to do before Greenwich Council stepped in to help me. I really can’t express how grateful I am.”
Sustainable Living for the Future
The Tuskar Street homes are designed to meet zero-carbon standards, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to reduce both carbon emissions and running costs. Features include Air Source Heat Pumps, solar panels, and Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery. The build process also prioritised sustainability, with sections of the homes constructed offsite under factory-controlled conditions before being assembled on location.
The project is part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Greenwich Builds programme, which has already delivered over 380 council homes, with more under construction. Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal, and Development, Cllr Majid Rahman, said the new homes exemplify the council’s commitment to creating well-designed, sustainable housing.
“These fantastic homes demonstrate what we are achieving through the Greenwich Builds programme,” he said. “They are built to a high standard, designed with sustainability in mind, and targeted at people on our housing register who need them most. With hundreds of homes either completed or underway, we are making fantastic progress towards our goal of 1,750 new council homes.”
Cllr Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing Management, Neighbourhoods, and Homelessness, highlighted the council’s wider efforts to improve housing across the borough. “It is our mission to ensure that people in Royal Greenwich have access to a safe and secure home that meets their needs,” she said. “Alongside our new builds, we have a huge programme of repairs underway for our existing housing stock, ensuring that every resident has the foundation they need to build a stable and fulfilling life.”
