Regency-era canal infrastructure provides setting for new affordable housing in London
Harrow Road housing development by Child Graddon Lewis - by Regent's Canal London
Westminster City Council has given planning permission for new affordable housing to be built at 300 Harrow Road next to London's famous Regent's Canal.
Built in 1812, the canal was designed as part of a master plan for the Prince Regent by architect John Nash to redevelop a large area of central North London.
One hundred new homes with a community space and canal-side greenery are to be built with 50% of the homes being affordable, for either social or intermediate rent. The development gives a range of people the chance to live in the heart of London and priority will be given to those who live and work locally.
A canal side cafe and flexible workspace are two features of this development that seeks to improve the surrounding green space, activating the area and giving residents easy access to Regent's Canal.
300 Harrow Road is designed by Child Graddon Lewis and will be delivered by Willmott Dixon Construction, the partners behind Westminster's award-nominated Dudley House, a development of 197 affordable homes which launched in Paddington Basin last year.
The buildings, the council says, will be constructed with the highest environmental standards in mind. Each home will have an air source heat pump, and residents will benefit from solar panels, rainwater collection and living roofs, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and over all lower energy costs.
The development will be amongst the first delivered by Westminster Builds, the council's wholly owned company established to help deliver it says an ambitious regeneration programme.
Cllr Melvyn Caplan, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council stated:
'The planning approval for 300 Harrow Road is another important step towards us delivering 1,850 new affordable homes as part of our plan to make Westminster a City for All, where people from all economic backgrounds can live, work and thrive in our city.'
James Felstead, Director at Child Graddon Lewis, commented:
Harrow Road is a fantastic illustration of a local authority showing imagination and ambition with existing council land - contributing towards the delivery of Westminster's strategic vision for a fairer city. The project supports a thriving and active neighbourhood by carefully balancing the provision of community facilities, promoting economic growth and providing new homes for all'.