Work begins on more than 50 new council homes in Islington
Work has begun on a major development that will bring 51 new council homes to Dover Court in the south of Islington.
Seventy new homes, 51 of them for council tenants, will be built at the estate in Canonbury, mostly on the sites of disused garages. One of the new buildings will have 23 homes especially designed for older residents.
The new affordable homes are to be offered through Islington’s Local Lettings scheme, which will give local council residents from the neighbourhood the first chance at the new homes for rent.
Among those who could benefit are those looking to downsize from larger homes into smaller, more modern homes and young overcrowded families who need a bigger home.
The £20m project will also see community improvements including new ball court and play facilities, as part of a revamped Mitchison Baxter Park, as well as a new community centre, built into the ground floor of one of the existing high-rise blocks.
New lighting, paving, trees and planting will make the 250-home estate safer and greener.
Leader of Islington Council, Cllr Richard Watts, said: “Islington residents, like so many other people across London, urgently need more housing at rates that are genuinely affordable.
“We are committed to doing something about this, which is why we’re building new council homes here and across the rest of Islington.
“Local people from Dover Court will be given priority for the new council homes, as part of our Local Lettings scheme.
“Most of these homes will be built on the sites of old garages, transforming underused space into new homes for local people.”
Work at Dover Court is being carried out by the housing developer Lovell.
Lovell regional director Michael O’Farrell says: “We’re excited to be working on this major scheme which will create much-needed high-quality affordable homes for local residents in Islington.
"As well as energy-efficient, modern new housing, the scheme will deliver extensive improvements to the estate’s public spaces and community facilities.”
"As well as energy-efficient, modern new housing, the scheme will deliver extensive improvements to the estate’s public spaces and community facilities.”
The 19 private properties for sale will be offered first to people living and working in Islington, under the council’s Local Sales policy.
Islington is committed to 2,000 new affordable homes between 2015 and 2019, including 500 new council homes.
For more about new council housing in Islington see www.islington.gov.uk/newbuild
Contact information
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