Residents are moving back into their newly refurbished homes at Warwick Court in Hanwell, after the completion of the third phase of regeneration of the Copley estate by Ealing Council.
As part of the wide-ranging, long term regeneration of the Copley estate, in Copley Close, 13 maisonettes have been extensively refurbished in Warwick Court.
A further 3 new apartments have also been built, which was funded by the London Building Council Homes for Londoners Programme. These homes will be let at affordable rent, which is priced to suit the budgets of local households on moderate incomes.
‘A happier home’
Moya has moved back into her newly refurbished 2-bed home in Warwick Court, having moved out so the work could take place. She has been a resident there since 1997.
Moya said: “I’m moving back home with my 2 sons and we are really excited and happy about it. There’s a feeling of more space. It’s airy and light, and having the balcony overlooking our shared outdoor space is a great bonus. I think it’ll be a happier home.”
Built with residents in mind
Ealing Council decided to refurbish the existing Warwick Court maisonettes as a more sustainable option compared to demolishing them and starting from scratch.
The 13 refurbished 2-bedroom maisonettes all have new kitchens, bathrooms, wiring, balconies, and communal areas.
Residents were involved in the refurbishments from the outset, being consulted at key milestones. They were also given the opportunity to select the design team, and choose kitchen and flooring colour schemes in each of their homes.
The 3 new homes – including two 2-bedroom homes and a 1-bedroom home – were built to maximise use of the space which was previously an external stairwell.
The stairwell is now internal, with access to the building through an intercom system which has improved the level of security.
More plans for Copley
Warwick Court is part of a wider master plan of regeneration at Copley, which has been underway since 2012.
Across the estate, redevelopment and refurbishment plans include transforming 680 existing homes into 757 high quality, energy efficient, mixed tenure homes. To date, the project has delivered 318 of these homes.
The estate now benefits from a new energy centre powering 450 homes. A new community centre and shop have also opened, alongside 2 new park and playground areas, 2 Enterprise car rental locations, and a Brompton bike rental scheme for residents to use.
A housing management office which serves the Hanwell area will soon be opening in Central Square to help residents with issues such as rent, reporting repairs, and home moves.
‘Improved quality of life’
Ealing Council leader, Peter Mason said: “We believe that all our residents deserve a safe, affordable place to call home, and that’s what these refurbished flats will offer. It has been great to welcome former residents back to their homes in a rebuilt, vibrant local community.
“However, it is more important than ever that we continue building the homes that the borough urgently needs. With higher demand for affordable housing than ever before, and nowhere near enough council homes for everyone who needs one, we know this is just the start of a huge challenge that we are determined to rise to.”
Councillor Shital Manro, the council’s cabinet member for good growth and new homes, said: “These newly refurbished homes will provide more local families with substantially improved, high-quality housing. We have set ourselves an ambitious target of providing thousands more genuinely affordable homes in the borough within the current council term, within flourishing neighbourhoods. This should mean a better quality of life, as well as a better standard of housing.”
