The Ham Close Estate in Richmond, London TW10 is undergoing a regeneration project that will result in the construction of new homes.
The Hill Group and Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) have received approval for their plans to revitalize Ham Close in South-West London through a housing-led regeneration project. The proposal, which has been approved by the planning committee of Richmond Council, includes the construction of 452 new homes, as well as community facilities and public green spaces. The final approval for the project is expected in the coming year, following assessment by the GLA.
The Ham Close redevelopment project is a significant undertaking that will replace several outdated blocks of flats built in the 1960s with a selection of high-quality new homes. The current tenants of the affordable housing units will be able to move directly into their new homes, with a small number being temporarily relocated during the construction process before being able to return to their new homes. In addition to the affordable housing units, there will also be a variety of private sale homes that have been designed to meet high standards of energy efficiency. Approximately 49% of the homes will be designated as affordable, with options for rent, London Living Rent, and Shared Ownership, and 10% will be wheelchair accessible. The new neighborhood will feature a community center, a building for the Richmond MakerLabs community workshop, and a park with play spaces.
The regeneration of Ham Close estate was a collaboration between Richmond Council and RHP, the leading provider of affordable housing in the borough. Through close consultation with the local community, the project aimed to deliver a sustainable development that addressed current and future housing needs in the area. In addition to providing new homes, the regeneration of Ham Close also generated a £2 million social impact fund, offered apprenticeships and construction jobs for local residents, and resulted in a 23% net increase in biodiversity on the site.
David Done, Chief Executive of RHP said:
“It is fantastic news that the council has approved our plans to transform Ham Close. The regeneration will create a better place for our customers and other people that will come to live there in the future. Our customers will massively benefit from moving into fully-modern new homes alongside state-of-the-art facilities and the regeneration will bring so many additional advantages for the local community. I’m particularly proud that issues that matter most to our Ham Close residents and the wider community, including making sure the project is sustainable and creates job opportunities for local people, have been taken into account. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our partners who have worked with us and helping us reach this milestone.”
Councillor Jim Millard, Spokesperson for Housing, Richmond Council adds:
“I am delighted that this landmark regeneration project has been approved. We can now move forward toward providing the new, healthier and easier-to-heat homes we all want to see for the current residents of Ham Close, with the many additional social benefits including the provision of many more additional genuinely affordable, sustainable homes, a fantastic new community centre, improved public realm, and connectivity.”
The designs for Ham Close were developed by architect practice BPTW. They worked closely with local architecture practice WR-AP, which designed the community centre, Makers Lab, and landscape consultant LUC.
Chris Bath, partner at BPTW comments:
“Our aim for Ham Close was always to place residents and community at the heart of the masterplan to create an integrated and attractive place to live. Well-designed homes are vital, but so are the other things that go into successful placemaking including welcoming community buildings, landscaping and community gardening spaces, and ensuring the development relates to its wider surroundings. We are delighted that approach has been supported with planning consent.”
