UK's first women-only social housing development tops out at 15 storeys

The UK’s first women-only socially rented development is starting to take shape, as Women’s Pioneer Housing and L&Q top out the Acton scheme.

A group of people in high-visibility vests and hard hats on Brooke House's rooftop during the topping-out ceremony.

Brook House, a women-only social housing development in Acton, London, has recently reached an important milestone, with the completion of the 15-storey structure of the building.

The development is being led by Women’s Pioneer Housing, one of only two housing associations in the country offering women’s only homes, and L&Q, one of the largest social housing providers in the country.

The new building will consist of 102 social rented flats, replacing an older 39-home estate, more than doubling the amount of affordable homes at the site. The development will also include a range of landscape improvements, enhancing biodiversity and providing safe access to outdoor spaces for residents.

An artistic impression of the Brooke House building, surrounded by trees and a partly cloudy sky.

The original estate at Brook House, located on Gunnersbury Lane, opposite Acton Town underground station, was built in the 1930s, with additional homes and blocks built in the 70s. However, many of these homes were no longer fit for modern living standards and were not suitable for refurbishment.

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 Ealing’s housing waiting list, many of whom face acute housing insecurity due to domestic abuse, low income and discrimination.

Tracey Downie, Chief Executive at Women’s Pioneer Housing, said:

“Women’s Pioneer Housing has worked for more than 100 years with single women, including in Ealing, and we strongly believe that providing more good-quality, affordable homes for women is critically important, particularly during this cost-of-living and energy crisis. We are more than just “bricks and mortar” - we support our residents’ independence and wellbeing and this new building will provide a real home for many women in dire need."

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

“One of the key aims of L&Q’s mission as charitable housing provider is to help tackle the housing crisis and deliver much needed life-changing affordable housing – on L&Q owned sites or by supporting others. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has pushed so many onto housing waiting lists, and it is often with the help of SME builders and specialised housing associations that we can push forward and create truly inclusive and diverse communities.

“This is why we are honoured to support Women’s Pioneer Housing and to have reached this important site milestone for Brook House.“

Present at the topping-out event, Ealing Council Leader, Cllr Peter Mason, said:

“The 102 new flats being built at Brook House will provide a safe, secure, genuinely affordable place to call home for some of the hundreds of women on the waiting list for social housing in our borough.

“Many of the homes will be let to women who have experienced domestic abuse and other dangers. There is a big need for this type of specialist women-only accommodation. The flats will be a lifeline for women who are unable to privately rent.”

Carl Murrells, Construction Director at HG Construction, said:

“It is a pleasure to welcome representatives from Ealing Council, project partners and stakeholders to Brook House to celebrate this significant milestone. We are proud to support Women’s Pioneer Housing’s vision and commitment to providing high-quality homes for women in need.

“The scheme has required a collaborative approach between L&Q, Women’s Pioneer Housing and HG Construction, and we have worked closely together to bring this unique project to life. It’s been a huge team effort and I would like to recognise the team’s hard work and dedication in reaching this stage.”

HG Construction started works in 2024, with completion targeted for June 2026. Residents are expected to move in shortly afterwards. L&Q has supported Women’s Pioneer Housing through the planning, design and delivery phases of the project.