A ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony was held at Ebury Bridge this week, led by Westminster City Council’s leader Cllr Rachael Robathan.
Cllr Heather Acton, Cabinet Member for Communities and Regeneration, Cllr David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, and representatives from contractor Bouygues UK, took part in the event to mark the significant milestone of the first phase of building 781 new homes, of which more than 50% will be affordable.
Phase one will deliver the first 226 new sustainable homes of the project and 63% of the properties will be affordable. The development is expected to complete in 2024.
More than 110 households have now been temporarily relocated and six empty blocks have been demolished to prepare for the construction. During this phase, the first taller buildings will be built, with views over the Thames and Battersea Power Station. The majority of returning residents will have an opportunity to move into the first two new buildings, along with other Westminster residents.
Cllr Rachael Robathan, Leader of Westminster City Council, commented:
“We want to give people the chance to have an affordable home in Westminster, and we are pleased to be doing that right in the centre of the capital at this innovative development.
“Due to the latest technologies, we have been able to make Ebury Bridge an all-electric development and introduce sustainable features. This means cheaper living for residents whilst drastically reducing our carbon footprint.
“Ebury is at the heart of our City for All vision, providing the type of homes our residents need so people of all backgrounds, needs and aspirations can live and thrive in Westminster’s vibrant communities.”
Cllr Heather Acton, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Regeneration, added: “Ebury Bridge will see the largest construction of new affordable homes in Westminster in a generation. We’re committed to maintaining the strong community on the estate and a right to return for residents is guaranteed for all secure tenants and resident leaseholders.
“Our plans for Ebury Bridge have been formed in close partnership with the residents of the estate and we have made sure our plans reflect their views. I’m very much looking forward to watching the site progress and continuing to work closely with Bouygues UK.”
Fabienne Viala, Chair of Bouygues Construction United Kingdom, said:
“It’s wonderful to be here to mark the first phase of the biggest delivery of new affordable homes in south Westminster. We are delighted to be partnering with Westminster City Council on this exciting project.
“The fact that the new homes will use 90 per cent less carbon than the existing estate is such a great step forward. It’s our ambition to achieve this level of sustainability across all our projects and we are all the more excited to start work.
“For us, this project is a great opportunity to support the community of Ebury Bridge Estate and bring sustainable benefits to everyone who lives and works here.”
Photo: City of Westminster 18.03.2022