Tour shows progress at York Way Estate to deliver social rent homes

Posted 16/05/2024

A delegation from Islington Council, City of London Corporation and the GLA toured the York Way Estate in Islington this week to view the progress being made to build 91 new affordable homes on the estate.

Cllr Diarmaid Ward from Islington’s Holloway Ward was joined by City of London member Mary Durcan, architects from Maccreanor Lavington and Higgins Partnerships to view construction progress and learn about the work taking place in the local community to deliver social value initiatives.

The new development will create a combination of studio, and one, two, three, and four bedroom homes across four buildings, with half of them being allocated to tenants of Islington Council. The properties will also achieve excellent 4 star Home Quality Mark, providing residents with low running costs and positive impacts on their health and wellbeing.

There will also be a new community centre, an estate office, two playgrounds, a games area, and resident gardens.

As part of the tour guests were also able to view the vibrant art hoarding project that has been delivered through Co-Creative Connection with members of the local community. The hoarding design was inspired by themes of inclusivity, community spirit and the Estate’s rich history. Other initiatives have included summer pizza parties, a Santa’s Grotto and fundraising activity for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Higgins is also working closely with the local community to create employment and training opportunities for those living in the area, offering apprenticeships and work placements, and supporting people who are looking to retrain and build a career in the construction industry.