Wembley's Monumental Housing Zone Regeneration Progresses Steadily
Wembley, designated as Brent's largest growth area by the Greater London Authority, continues its ambitious housing zone regeneration, with a target of delivering 15,000 new homes by 2034. This extensive project, first approved by Brent Council in 2021, has already seen 6,000 homes constructed, yet it remains less than halfway to completion, highlighting the scale of this transformative urban development.
Affordable Housing Milestone Reached with Zephaniah House
A significant step forward occurred recently with the 'topping out' ceremony for Zephaniah House, a 100 per cent affordable housing development in partnership with Wates Residential. This event, attended by Tom Copley, London's Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, and Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, marks the structural completion of the building, expected to be finished in late 2026.
Zephaniah House, named after the late British writer and former Ujima Housing Association patron Benjamin Zephaniah, will provide 54 affordable homes. These include 32 London Affordable Rented flats and 22 Shared Ownership units, alongside amenities such as a new workspace, rooftop garden, and café. The site, acquired by Brent Council in July 2017, was previously the headquarters of Ujima Housing Association, a prominent Black and minority ethnic association that became insolvent in 2008, with the former building demolished in 2024.
Broader Regeneration Efforts and Economic Context
This development is part of a larger regeneration initiative that includes the Cecil Avenue project, set to deliver 237 new homes with 87 affordable units, a play area, community facilities, and commercial spaces. With inflation declining and London's affordable housing targets recently reduced from 35 per cent to 20 per cent, 2026 is anticipated to be a more productive year for housing development in the area.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Property, Cllr Teo Benea, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, "Building new affordable homes is among the most important things we do as a council because it changes lives for years to come. A decent, genuinely affordable home gives families security, dignity and a foundation for people to put down roots in their community."
Commitment and Challenges in Housing Delivery
Wates Residential, contributing £300,000 over the regeneration programme, has played a key role. Executive Managing Director Pip Prongué noted, "Delivering at this pace is a fantastic achievement in a period when housing delivery has been difficult across the sector and it reflects the commitment of everyone involved." This sentiment underscores the challenges faced in the housing sector, even as projects like Zephaniah House move forward.
The ongoing redevelopment of council-owned land at Cecil Avenue and the former Ujima House site demonstrates Brent Council's dedication to addressing the housing crisis. By focusing on affordable options and community integration, this regeneration aims to tackle inequality and foster a fairer, more sustainable Brent for future residents.
