Key Points
- Phase One of Custom House regeneration progresses with 95 affordable homes set for completion this summer.
- 39 larger family homes and 10 wheelchair-accessible units included.
- Homes built to Passivhaus standards to enhance environmental impact and energy efficiency.
- Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE highlights significance for families in need of affordable housing.
- Scheme is part of the “Affordable Homes for Newham” programme, aiming to deliver 1,000 homes by 2026.
- 82 local jobs and 13 apprenticeships created through the regeneration project.
- Contractor Hill collaborates with schools and provides work experience for pupils.
- Homes to be allocated via a local lettings plan developed with Custom House resident steering group.
- Focus on housing families in temporary accommodation.
Custom House Regeneration Delivers 95 Affordable Homes by Summer 2025
What is the Custom House regeneration project?
Phase One of the Custom House regeneration project is well underway, with 95 affordable new homes set to be completed this summer, according to Newham Council. The homes, part of the borough’s Affordable Homes for Newham programme, include 39 larger family homes and 10 fully wheelchair-accessible units, designed to meet the urgent housing needs of the local community.
The regeneration is part of Newham’s contribution to the UK Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million new homes, with Newham having recorded the fourth-highest number of new housebuilding starts in the country last year.
What does the mayor say about the project?
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE visited the sites at Freemasons Road and William Paton to review progress. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating:
“As a former ward councillor for Custom House, I am particularly delighted to see these beautiful new homes for our local community begin to come online. They will become home to many families in desperate need of decent and truly affordable homes in their own communities.”
The mayor also emphasised that this development is part of a larger vision.
“This first phase of regeneration is delivered through our Affordable Homes for Newham programme, which has already delivered 500 homes and is on track to deliver 1,000 more by 2026,” she said.
How does the scheme benefit the local community?
In addition to providing affordable housing, the project has created significant social value for the area. The scheme has supported 82 local jobs and 13 apprenticeships for residents, aligning with Newham Council’s Community Wealth Building aspirations.
Michael Turner, Regional Director at The Hill Group, the contractor leading the project, said:
“We are delighted to be working closely with our partners at London Borough of Newham to deliver this outstanding affordable housing. These homes, built to Passivhaus standards, will have a positive impact on the environment and the lives of local people for many generations.”
Turner also highlighted the community engagement efforts, which include partnerships with local schools and work experience opportunities for pupils.
Who will these homes benefit?
The affordable homes will primarily be allocated to families in temporary accommodation, providing them with permanent homes in their neighbourhood. The allocation process will follow a “local lettings plan” developed in collaboration with the Custom House resident steering group.
What types of homes are being delivered?
The project includes a diverse range of housing units to accommodate various family sizes:
- 36 one-bed, two-person flats.
- 20 two-bed, four-person flats.
- 1 three-bed, four-person flat.
- 29 three-bed, five-person flats.
- 4 three-bed, five-person maisonettes.
- 3 three-bed, six-person flats.
- 2 four-bed, seven-person maisonettes.
What is next for Custom House regeneration?
As part of the Affordable Homes for Newham programme, the council aims to continue addressing housing challenges while fostering local economic growth and sustainability. Mayor Fiaz reiterated the council’s commitment to delivering more housing opportunities for residents while reducing reliance on temporary accommodation.
