Construction has begun on the 900-home Passivhaus scheme at Bollo Lane in Ealing, with the housing secretary and deputy mayor of London in attendance to mark the occasion.
The scheme will deliver 50% affordable housing, representing one of the most significant affordable and sustainable housing schemes currently moving into construction in West London.
Secretary of state for housing, Steve Reed and deputy mayor of London for housing and residential development, Tom Copley, joined partners today to mark the start of construction on the brownfield site, which, alongside the homes, will provide new green spaces, shops and offices to create a new community.
Delivered by the West London Partnership (WLP), a joint venture between Places for London and Barratt London, the scheme will transform underutilised land next to Acton Town station and aim to help address London’s acute housing need while improving connectivity between Acton and Chiswick. The affordable homes will comprise 50% London Living Rent in Phase 1, with 67% social rent and 33% shared ownership in Phase 2.
Phase 1, in partnership with Grainger, will provide high-quality homes for private and intermediate rent. Phase 2, delivered with Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, will include social rent, intermediate and private homes. The development is set to complete in December 2029.
The development forms part of the West London Partnership’s wider ambition to unlock more than 4,000 homes across eight London boroughs, alongside 285,000 sq ft of commercial space and the creation of approximately 9,600 jobs. It follows the completion of Blackhorse View which delivered 350 homes, with 50% affordable housing and a new community.
Places for London says that it is committed to creating and curating a legacy that reflects London’s diversity, ambition and spirit. Starting at Bollo Lane, the partnership between Places for London and Barratt London will bring forward the largest Passivhaus programme in Europe. From Phase 2 onwards, homes will be built to Lo-E standard, exceeding Passivhaus energy efficiency to ensure a 60% reduction in heating costs and a 90% reduction in carbon emissions for future residents.
Steve Reed MP, secretary of state for housing, said: “Bollo Lane is exactly the kind of development we need and shows what’s possible when we work together to build the homes Londoners desperately need – more high-quality, affordable homes in well-connected places.”
“Working with the Mayor, we are saying ‘yes’ to transforming brownfield land into new homes, jobs, and opportunities, building on our planning overhaul and emergency package that will put us firmly on track to fix London’s housing crisis.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Bollo Lane in Ealing is one of the largest and most important affordable housing schemes in London, supporting our action from City Hall to deliver thousands of new social and affordable homes across the capital. We will continue to make swift progress on a package of pro-housing, emergency measures with the government to accelerate housebuilding as we build a better, fairer city for everyone.”
Craig Carson, regional managing director at Barratt London, said: “Bollo Lane exemplifies the power of public and private partnerships in delivering the homes London needs. Through the West London Partnership, Barratt London and Places for London will make a meaningful contribution to tackling London’s housing shortage while creating a vibrant new neighbourhood for Ealing.”
Graeme Craig, director and chief executive at Places for London, said: “We and Barratt London are delighted to be breaking ground on a development that will see a new community of 900 homes with 50% affordable homes in this well-connected part of the city. The first phase of 195 homes will be acquired by Places for London’s joint venture with Grainger, delivering long-term income to reinvest in the transport network.”
“With high levels of affordable housing and the largest rollout of Passivhaus homes in Europe, our West London partnership is setting the standard for the future of housebuilding in London.”
