In a momentous step towards revitalising Hayes, Hillingdon Council, in collaboration with Higgins Partnerships, ceremoniously broke ground on a groundbreaking regeneration. This flagship scheme promises to breathe new life and revitalise the aging housing estates at Avondale Drive and Hayes Town Centre.
At the heart of this ambitious project lies the construction of 740 new homes, embodying a diverse mix of housing options ranging from council rentals to shared ownership and private sales. Moreover, the regeneration blueprint encompasses the creation of high-quality neighbourhood enhancements, including open spaces, enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes, secure parking facilities, children’s play areas, and a state-of-the-art community centre.
The ceremonial groundbreaking witnessed the presence of key figures from Hillingdon Council, including Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Property, Highways, and Transport; Cllr Eddie Lavery, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services; and Cllr Martin Goddard, Cabinet Member for Finance, alongside representatives from Higgins Partnerships.
Strategically phased construction will ensure the swift delivery of much-needed affordable housing units, with the initial phase targeting the creation of 110 new homes, comprising 30 residences at Avondale and 80 at Hayes Town Centre. Anticipated move-ins for these units are expected for the summer of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the project’s timeline.
Crucially, community input has been integral to shaping the design and vision of this regeneration initiative. Extensive consultations with residents of both estates have steered the development process, ensuring their voices are heard and reflected in the final plans. The overwhelming support garnered during the consultation phase, culminating in a resounding endorsement through a ballot in May 2021, underscores the shared enthusiasm for rejuvenating these areas.
With a projected timeline spanning seven to nine years, the redevelopment adopts a meticulous decant and phased construction strategy. This approach aims to minimize disruption for existing residents, allowing as many individuals as possible to remain on-site throughout the transformational journey.
Cllr Lavery said: “We’re committed to building safe and strong communities and ensuring residents have access to good quality affordable housing.
“I’m delighted to see these works progress. Once complete, they will deliver fantastic new homes for our residents alongside significant neighbourhood improvements which will help transform the area for generations to come.”
Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Higgins said: “These ‘spade in the ground’ ceremonies mark a significant milestone in the start of work to deliver much needed new sustainable homes for the local community.
“In addition to the new homes and public realm we will also continue to work closely with the local community through our Community Charters and social value commitments, which already includes working with Austin Road Sewing Club, who provide support for women in the local community and Minet Nursery and Primary School, where we have already hosted a number of engagement events with the children, including a cycle safety day.”
