Residents will soon benefit from more affordable homes in Acton, as 2 regeneration projects reached a key milestone.
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason, and the council’s deputy leader, Councillor Louise Brett, went to the Steyne estate this month to celebrate the ‘upwards completion’ of the building process at the site, known as ‘topping out’.
Councillor Mason said: “These new homes mark a major step in tackling the shortage of genuinely affordable housing in our borough, giving local people the security, stability, and foundation they need for a better quality of life.
“We are building stronger communities full of pride, identity, and purpose, where everyone can benefit from the growing prosperity in our 7 towns. It’s not just about new buildings, but about creating a better-connected borough for residents of all ages.”
Tackling the affordable housing crisis
A total of 188 new homes are being built at the site, in 3 new buildings next to existing council housing on the land between Lexden Road and Steyne Road.
The new homes were approved by the council in 2023 to help tackle the borough’s affordable housing crisis. Work is ongoing at the site and it is expected that the homes will be completed and occupied in autumn 2026.
More than a third of the homes have been specifically designed for older people. They will be let at London Affordable Rent, which is priced to meet the needs of local people on lower incomes.
A further 90 homes will be available as shared ownership. This scheme helps people who want to own a home but can’t quite afford to buy one outright. It lets them buy a share of a property and pay rent on the rest, making homeownership more achievable.
Built with residents in mind
Once completed, the homes will be a stone’s throw away from all the amenities of Acton High Street. Several tube stations and bus stops are within easy reach, with great connections to get around the borough, and beyond.
The development, which received grant funding of £16million from the Greater London Authority’s (GLA) Homes for Londoners programme, also includes landscape improvements, a parking area, and new communal facilities.
The homes are being built by McLaren and were designed by Karakusevic Carson Architects.
Topping out at The Portal
A second topping out ceremony was held this month for Block B at The Portal development in North Acton. Councillor Louise Brett attended the event which marked another key milestone in bringing even more affordable homes to the borough.
Led by contractor, O’Shea and development manager, PLACE, and scheduled to be completed in summer 2027, the development will be made up of 350 homes in total alongside commercial space. More than a third (35%) of these homes are being designated as affordable housing. Block B will be made up of 63 2 and 3-bedroom affordable, energy efficient homes, also funded through the GLA programme by an affordable housing provider.
Creating vibrant communities
Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes, said: “London’s housing crisis is stark – more than 7,500 local families are in urgent need of a safe, affordable place to call home. In response, we are running one of London’s largest council homebuilding programmes, creating high-quality, energy-efficient homes in vibrant, resilient communities.
“These developments in Acton reflect our commitment to inclusive living, sustainable design, and community wellbeing. We are proud to lead these transformations, which are helping deliver on our pledge to build a fairer borough where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
