A ‘spade in the ground’ event has marked the start of works to build 91 new affordable homes on the City of London Corporation’s York Way residential estate.

Residents will benefit from a combination of studio, and one, two, three, and four bedroom homes across four buildings at the Islington estate. Half of the homes will be allocated to tenants of Islington Council.

The City Corporation has appointed Higgins Partnerships to deliver the scheme which will include a new community centre, an estate office, two playgrounds, a games area, and resident gardens.

Higgins will work closely with the local community to create employment and training opportunities for those living in the area, offering apprenticeships and work placements, and supporting people who are looking to retrain and build a career in the construction industry.

Construction of the project started in January and completion is due for early 2025.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed, said:

“Today marks the start of a very exciting project, one that will deliver nearly 100 affordable homes for Londoners.

“High housing costs are a threat to the capital’s competitiveness and the ability of London’s businesses to attract and retain the workforce it needs.

“London’s housing shortage is one of the most pressing social issues that we face. We have ambitious plans to develop many new homes on sites across the capital.

“The housing project at York Way Estate is an exciting one and will benefit residents for years to come.”

Dominic Higgins, Operations Director for Higgins Partnerships comments:

“This development will provide much needed social rent homes for local people which are being built to achieve excellent 4 star Home Quality Mark, providing residents with low running costs and positive impacts on their health and wellbeing.

“As well as delivering the new homes we will be working closely with the local community to create employment and training opportunities through work placements and apprenticeships and also support those who are looking to retrain and build a career in the construction industry.”

Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Islington Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Finance, Planning and Performance, said:

“We want everyone to have a safe, decent and genuinely affordable place to call home, as we work towards making Islington a more equal borough.

“Genuinely affordable homes change lives – as councillors, week after week we see the huge difference that having a decent home makes to people, and the opportunities it brings for them to grow and thrive.

“It’s fantastic to be working alongside the City of London Corporation to bring these genuinely affordable new homes to people in Islington.”

The City Corporation is a social landlord managing 12 housing estates across the City of London and six London boroughs.

It is also building three new homes at Isleden House, Islington, bringing the total number of homes on the estate to 80.

Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City Corporation has two social housing estates in the Square Mile, the Golden Lane Estate and the Middlesex Street Estate. It also has 10 other social housing estates situated in six different London Boroughs (Hackney, Islington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark and Tower Hamlets).

For over 60 years, Higgins has built an enviable reputation for creating high quality residential mixed-use developments across the South-East and Home Counties, which promote community, connectivity and sustainability whilst working collaboratively with local partners to generate a lasting legacy for our communities.

Image caption:

Image one - Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Ruby Sayed is pictured left with a white hard cap