New Social Rent Homes Take Shape at Balmoral House in Pimlico

Balmoral House social rent homes have moved a step closer to completion in South Pimlico, as construction reached its highest point on a new building designed to provide much-needed family housing on the Churchill Gardens estate.

The topping-out ceremony marks a key stage in the Darwin and Balmoral affordable housing project, with ten new homes now structurally complete. Once finished, the development will offer eight four-bedroom homes alongside a three-bed and a one-bed property, with landscaped gardens open to residents across the wider estate.

For families living with overcrowding in Churchill Gardens, the development represents a tangible shift. Residents from the estate are expected to be prioritised for the new homes, with move-ins anticipated later this year.

Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, joined construction partner Wates Residential on site to mark the moment.

“It was a privilege to take part in a tradition like the topping-out ceremony and to see the progress being made at Balmoral House,” she said. “There is significant demand across the city for affordable, family-sized homes. Original plans for the site were not affordable for local families, so we revised the scheme to ensure these homes are delivered at 100 per cent social rent.”

She added that the aim was not simply to build housing, but to allow families to settle for the long term in energy-efficient homes within a familiar community.

A project shaped by its setting

Balmoral House takes its name from the former Balmoral Castle public house, once a local landmark near the estate. The building forms the second phase of a wider regeneration effort following the completion of Darwin House, where 34 new flats have already been delivered, including community supportive housing, guest rooms and shared social spaces.

Churchill Gardens itself occupies a distinctive place in London’s post-war architectural history, conceived as a riverside estate designed to balance density with generous communal space. The latest additions continue that tradition, combining modern standards with family-sized layouts.

Skills, apprenticeships and local benefit

Beyond the homes themselves, the project has also become a training ground. One of those gaining experience is Ilyas, an 18-year-old Westminster resident undertaking an apprenticeship with the contractor.

“Working on the project has been so rewarding,” he said. “It’s really opened my eyes to the construction industry and how important social value is to creating a legacy for the local community.”

Alongside apprenticeships and training placements, the construction programme has channelled more than £90,000 into local voluntary organisations and social enterprises, supporting groups ranging from micro-businesses and start-ups to schools and organisations working with rough sleepers.

Paul Nicholls, Managing Director for London at Wates Residential, said the approach was shaped by close engagement with residents.

“Topping out Balmoral House reflects the strong relationship we have built with Darwin House residents and the council,” he said. “Our team are embedded in the community, know people by name, and run programmes that provide support well beyond the delivery of homes.”

For readers interested in how large-scale residential contractors are increasingly weaving social outcomes into housing delivery, there is further detail on community-focused development work available via this overview of Wates Residential’s London projects.

Part of a wider housing push

The Balmoral House scheme forms part of Westminster’s wider housebuilding programme, which aims to deliver 2,000 new homes by 2030, including more than 1,000 affordable properties for households on social housing waiting lists.

As Balmoral House social rent homes move towards completion, the focus now turns from scaffolding and concrete to allocation, with local families preparing for what many hope will be a permanent change in their housing prospects.

For more stories exploring housing, regeneration and everyday life in Westminster, follow EyeOnLondon Westminster for independent local reporting that keeps communities informed.

[Image Credit | Westminster Council]

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