Kensington & Chelsea Council has appointed Willmott Dixon to deliver two housing schemes, including 177-175 Kensal Road.

The £17.1m development will create 37 homes above new ground floor commercial accommodation. The 5-storey building will be complete in the autumn of 2022.

Willmott Dixon will also deliver a £8.5m development at Hewer Street comprising 20 homes completing in winter 2022/23.

The two projects include air source heat pumps that eliminate the need for gas, providing a sustainable heating solution.

Cllr Kim Taylor-Smith, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Housing, commented: “Seeing the first spades in the ground at these sites is an exciting moment in our mission to provide much-needed good-quality homes across our borough, including at least 300 at social rent.

“There’s no single, simple solution to London’s housing crisis and that’s why we have committed to reduce the number of empty homes, push developers to provide more social housing and develop a policy to provide affordable housing for key workers.”

Roger Forsdyke, managing director for Willmott Dixon’s London & South region added: “We are delighted to be working with Kensington & Chelsea Council on their bold New Homes Delivery Programme, creating much needed homes for local residents and providing a minimum of half for social rent.

“We have a proud history of delivering housing for local authorities across London, through our specialist local supply chain and social value programmes, we are looking forward to the opportunity to generate local prosperity within the community.”

Adam Sanford, SCF Operations Lead, commented: “We’re proud that SCF have been able to support Kensington & Chelsea Council in delivering their New Homes Delivery Programme, addressing local housing needs in a sustainable and affordable way, this scheme will be a real asset to the local community."