Stoke Newington council housing among top new buildings in the UK
The flagship regeneration of a Stoke Newington housing estate by Hackney Council is the only council housebuilding project named as one of the best new buildings in the UK by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
The transformation of the Kings Crescent estate, in Stoke Newington, to provide hundreds of new and refurbished council homes was one of 49 developments across the country to win a RIBA National Award for its high-quality architecture.
Leading architects Henley Halebrown and Karakusevic Carson Architects spent years designing the new and refurbished homes with existing residents. Judges praised this collaboration, saying the project had “helped to form a sense of community and ownership”.
The first phase of the development includes 275 modern, high-quality homes and 131 upgraded existing homes, which received new winter garden balcones, as well as new public spaces, courtyards and play areas. More than half of the homes are for social rent and shared ownership.
This award shows that councils can be at the forefront of building a new generation of social housing, and I’m so proud that Hackney is demonstrating that exceptional council housing can be built without scrimping on quality or selling off land.
Crucially, it sends a signal to families most in need of a home in Hackney that regardless of your income or background, we are determined that you can live in a modern, high-quality and beautiful home at a genuinely affordable social rent.
Residents who moved into Kings Crescent last year are now living in one of the best 49 new buildings in the UK – the only council housing scheme recognised.
Existing estate residents and those most in need on the Council’s housing waiting list were among the first to move into the new homes last year, while 83% of homes for shared ownership were sold to Hackney residents keen to get a first foot on the housing ladder.
The project was built and funded directly by the Council, with homes for outright sale helping to pay for new social housing. All new homes will continue to be managed directly by the Council.
The project will now be considered for the prestigious annual RIBA Stirling Prize, which recognises the UK’s best new building.