UK’s first women-only housing development officially opens in Acton

A landmark scheme offering safe and affordable homes for women has officially opened in Acton.

The opening, on March 24, marked a significant milestone, with the ribbon for the 15-storey block with 102 affordable homes being cut by Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation.

Brooke House will provide safe, secure and modern homes for women living and working in Ealing, many of whom face housing insecurity due to the gender pay gap, the cost of living, and difficulties in accessing housing as a single woman in London.

The scheme will also house essential workers in the local community, including teachers, NHS workers, and transport staff, amongst others, supporting key workers to access homes in the borough.

Brooke House was delivered through a partnership between housing provider L&Q and Women’s Pioneer Housing – one of only two housing associations in the country dedicated to women-only homes.

It replaces an ageing estate of 39 flats and more than doubles the number of affordable homes on the site. HG Construction was the main contractor for the project, and Brooke House was completed three months ahead of programme.

Women’s Pioneer Housing was founded in 1920 by suffragists, who understood the importance of providing women with good quality affordable homes of their own, as part of their wider fight for women’s equality.

The development responds to a growing demand for homes for single women, over 600 of whom are on the borough’s housing waiting list. 

The building was officially handed over in a ceremony attended by partners and local councillors including Cllr Louise Brett and Cllr Shittal Manro, as well as representatives from the Greater London Authority.

Speeches were given by Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of HG Construction, Tracey Downie, Chief Executive of WPH and Jacqueline Esimaje-Heath, Growth and Sales Director at L&Q.

The development comprises beautifully designed communal spaces and landscaped gardens, as well as a striking mural in the entrance foyer, painted by award-winning printmaker and illustrator, Eliza Southwood, who worked closely with the residents to design the piece.

It celebrates women from the past, present and future, working, and enjoying their lives. Emma Brooke, a feminist campaigner after whom the building is named, features in the forefront of the colourful artwork.

The development’s proximity to Acton Town Underground station also means residents will have excellent access to transport links and local services.

Tracey Downie, Chief Executive of WPH said:

“We are delighted that our partnership with L&Q has resulted in the UK’s first high rise building specifically designed to provide a good quality home for over 100 single women priced out of London’s rental market.

Brooke House reflects WPH’s vision to ensure all single women across London have a safe, secure and affordable home. We are honoured that are partners have helped us continue to deliver that vision."

Jacqueline Esimaje-Heath, Growth and Sales Director at L&Q, said:

“This development highlights what working in partnership to create people-centred housing can achieve. 

“We’re proud to have supported WPH, from the start, in imagining and realising this flagship project, and to see it now open and ready to welcome its first residents.”

Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, HG Construction, said:

“We are proud to reach handover stage on a development that marks a new era for Women’s Pioneer Housing. Completing the scheme three months ahead of schedule reflects the hard work of our teams and our close collaboration with Women’s Pioneer, L&Q and project partners. Thank you to everyone involved for delivering this scheme with such care and quality.”