Topping Out Ceremony celebrates progress at York Way Estate, London
Posted 26/11/2024
Representatives from the City of London Corporation, Islington Council and Higgins Partnerships gathered last week to celebrate the completion of the highest point of construction at York Way Estate in Islington, London.
Higgins Partnerships, in collaboration with the City of London Corporation, is delivering 91 new affordable homes, across four buildings, designed by architects, Maccreanor Lavington. Offering a mix of studio, and one, two, three, and four-bedroom homes. The development will help meet the urgent demand for affordable housing. Half of the homes will be allocated to tenants of Islington Council, providing safe, high-quality, and genuinely affordable accommodation for those on the council’s housing waiting list.
Dominic Higgins, Group Operations Director for Higgins Group comments, “This development underscores our commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality housing that is both affordable for local residents and designed to reduce environmental impact. Beyond the construction of the new homes, we have been partnering with local stakeholders to deliver social value initiatives, including apprenticeships and work placements, and volunteering over 480 hours at community events attended by over 4,600 people.”
The new homes at York Way Estate will all be offered at government-subsidised social rent and will meet a high Home Quality Mark, ensuring reduced residents' energy bills while minimising the environmental impact. The new development will also features extensive community-focused facilities, including a new community centre, an estate office, two playgrounds, a games area, and resident gardens.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children’s Services Committee, Helen Fentimen, said: “Today’s ceremony is an important milestone worth celebrating. This project embodies our commitment to providing high-quality, affordable homes that meet the needs of our diverse communities.
“We have an unwavering dedication to ensuring that everyone has a safe and secure place to call home. We look forward to welcoming residents to these new properties and seeing this development contribute to the vibrancy of the local area.”
Cllr John Woolf, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “Everyone deserves a safe, decent, and genuinely affordable place to call home - this is a vital part of our work to create a more equal Islington. We know that council homes change people’s lives - we see every week the huge difference a decent home makes. I am so pleased to see the progress at York Way, and I look forward to seeing this project completed so that families can start moving in.”
During the event, guests also viewed the newly unveiled hoarding artwork showcasing the rich history of York Way Estate. The artwork, commissioned by The City of London Corporation, traces the estate’s origins as the Metropolitan Cattle Market and highlights the memories and aspirations of the Estate’s residents. Developed with input from The Caledonian Park Friends Group and the local community, the hoarding is an opportunity to celebrate the Estate’s heritage and vibrant community spirit.
The buildings will also be named Swaledale House, Herdwick House, Ryeland House and Aberdale House after residents voted on the names that were drawn from breeds of sheep. The inspiration for the names references the historical use of the site as the sheep pens for the Metropolitan Cattle Market and the original name of the estate ‘Sheep Lairs.’
