Paradigm celebrates new homes in Brent

Published by Liz Turner for Paradigm Housing Group in Housing and also in Communities

Paradigm and Hill Partnerships celebrated the launch of 76 new much-needed affordable homes in Brent with a 'topping out' event, attended by the HCA, the Mayor of Brent and local dignitaries.

The new development, comprising flats, maisonettes and a shop, is located on the site of the former derelict White Hart pub inCobbald Road, Willesden. The final bricks were laid by the Mayor of Brent Cllr Aslam Choudry, the Head of Area for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Nick Taylor, portfolio holder for housing Cllr Janice Long, Paradigm's Executive Director of New Business Development Andrew Main and Hill Partnerships' Regional Director Jason Ludlow.

Nick Taylor said “The HCA have worked in close partnership with both Paradigm and the London Borough of Brent to deliver this impressive 100% affordable scheme which will have a great impact on both this area of the borough and the new residents. It will act as a positive statement for this gateway to the borough, offering a landmark development through innovative design, efficient communal amenity space and high environmental credentials.”

 The scheme will provide 76 homes. Of these, 34 flats and maisonettes, including one disabled unit, will be for general rent, 42 flats will be offered for sale under an affordable shared-ownership scheme, plus a commercial unit will be located on the ground floor.

 Paradigm bought the scheme on 8 June 2007 with planning permission for 61 homes. By redesigning the plans and prioritising space efficiency, the number of habitable rooms (excluding hallways etc) has increased by 30% and the number of homes by 25%.

The striking six-storey curved building features podium deck garden areas and 44 underground parking spaces. Some lucky residents will also have amazing views of Wembley Stadium.

All the homes will meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, but with a 20% renewables element to meet planning requirements. This is achieved with photovoltaic panels, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery.

The Mayor of Brent, Cllr Aslam Choudry, who is also a ward councillor for this area, said: "We have 20,000 on our housing list. The work you are doing here will help alleviate this pressure and lift the morale of people in the area."

Councillor Janice Long, who lives locally, added: "It's really good to see work on this development that will provide housing for local people. It's a big step towards improving theChurch Roadretail area."

Jason Ludlow of Hill Partnerships comments: "Hill is delighted to be working again with Paradigm Housing Group. Their projects are often complex and challenging but our delivery teams rise to meet the opportunity. I am sure that the finished scheme will deliver the same accolades as for the other projects we have built with the housing association."

Andrew Main, Paradigm's Executive Director for New Business Development, thanked Hill Partnerships and architects KKM and said that Paradigm was proud of the high quality of the build. He also thanked the HCA and the council for their support on this important scheme. He said: "We all know there is a huge need for affordable homes and Paradigm will continue to work to build them."