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Westminster City Council appoints contractor for next phase of estate regeneration
Westminster City Council has appointed a contractor to work on 334 homes as part of an estate regeneration scheme.
The central London council has signed a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) with McLaren Construction for the second phase of Ebury Bridge, the largest affordable homes project in south Westminster in 50 years.
Under the deal, worth £4.8m, McLaren will work as the main contractor on the scheme for the next 12 months. Following this, the council may sign another contract with McLaren for the construction stage of phase two of Ebury Bridge, which is expected to start in a year’s time.
Ebury Bridge will provide 781 homes across three phases, of which 370 will be new or replacement council homes for social rent.
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Phase one, comprising two blocks containing 226 homes, is expected to complete this autumn. Phase two will provide 334 homes, with construction expected to begin in winter 2025. The blocks in this second phase will include second staircases to comply with new fire safety rules.
The regeneration project straddles Knightsbridge and Belgravia and sits on the site of an existing 1930s estate. In 2019, under the previous Conservative administration, Westminster Council used permitted development rights to fast-track demolition of 336 old homes on the estate before plans for the regeneration were approved. The council was eventually given the green light for the redevelopment in 2021.
As well as the new homes, the regeneration plans include a community hub, a nursery, play facilities, a fitness centre and four public squares. Approval has also been granted for an extended high street with shops and cafes.
McLaren was selected by the council following a “competitive tender process”, during which it was “commended for its technical and commercial expertise”.
Matt Noble, cabinet member for regeneration and renters at Westminster City Council, said: “As an experienced contractor and expert in its field, McLaren has a strong reputation and proven track record for delivering quality and excellence and we look forward to them helping us realise our vision for this key regenerative project.
“Ebury Bridge showcases our commitment to building more truly affordable homes in our community. It will not only transform the immediate local area but also set the benchmark model for future redevelopments where exceptional added social value is at the core.”
John Butten, managing director for regeneration at McLaren, said: “Ebury Bridge is a landmark development for Westminster and being appointed under a PCSA to advise on phase two of the project is testament to our team’s capabilities.
“We will work collaboratively and in full alignment with Westminster City Council in preparation for the delivery of much-needed affordable homes on the site.”
Westminster City Council has committed to providing 50% affordable housing across its development projects, made up of social rent and London Living Rent.
In 2023, the council completed 263 homes, of which 214 were affordable. In 2024 the council is forecast to deliver 300 homes, of which 200 will be affordable.
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