New homes bring fresh starts for families in North Kensington

Families across North Kensington have begun moving into their new social rent homes at Portobello Square, marking a major moment for the regeneration of Wornington Green.

Local MP Joe Powell recently met residents and heard how the new homes are already making life easier for people who have long-standing ties to the area.

More than 200 new homes have now been completed in this phase of the project, including 108 social rent homes for local people. Many of the families settling in have deep roots in North Kensington. Some grew up on the estate and are now starting out in a place of their own, close to the people and places that matter to them.

Residents say the homes feel brighter, warmer and far more suited to everyday life. The homes are designed to be energy-efficient while shared green spaces and safer pedestrian routes are already encouraging neighbours to connect.

For several households, the move brings long-awaited stability. Some had been living in overcrowded or unsuitable accommodation and now have the space to live more comfortably while staying close to family, schools and long-established support networks.

“We’ve been in our temporary place for eight years,” said Mr Miah, who’s recently moved into one of the new homes with his family, having lived locally for his whole life. The family’s new home is on the exact spot of his old one, which he says feels “amazing”. 

“It felt like a fresh start, spacious and really nice,” he said. “We’ve all got our own space. My daughter has her own room to put her toys, and to do what she wants to do, which is lovely.”

Mr Miah says having their own garden for the first time has also made a big difference for his brother, who needs some extra support. “Everyone’s got a smile on their face,” he added.

Cheryl, who’s recently moved into her new home from a top floor flat in another building nearby, says it “feels strange” after living in her previous home for nearly 50 years.

“It’s made a big difference because I have no stairs to climb. It’s easy to get in and out of the flat. I can go out if I want to, which was a struggle before.”

She says having a wet room rather than a bath is also a big change, and she’s enjoying the quietness of the new neighbourhood. 

George, whose son lives just a few doors away, is missing his old home – where he lived for 45 years – but is starting to settle in. “I’m looking forward to doing the garden and making it nice with flowers,” he said. 

The move is making it possible for George’s wife to come home after seven years in a care home. “Everything is prepared for her – I think she will be very happy,” he said. 

James McMylor, Regional Managing Director for Development for not-for-profit housing association Peabody, said: “It’s great to see residents settling in, unpacking boxes and starting to make the homes their own. Our goal has always been to create homes that make a difference, whatever their circumstances, and we hope everyone will be very happy here.”

Joe Powell, Member of Parliament for Kensington & Bayswater, said: “It was great to meet residents in their new homes, many having lived in unsuitable accommodation for decades with overcrowding or accessibility issues. I want everyone to have access to a safe and healthy home, and that means building more homes for social rent and ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support those residents – from green spaces, to transport. 

“The government has committed to £39 billion to the new Affordable Homes Programme and I look forward to that delivering more homes for social rent in our community as soon as possible.”

Bouygues UK is Peabody’s construction partner for the project.

Philippe Bernard, Chief Executive Officer of Bouygues UK, said: “We are delighted to see residents settling into their new homes at Wornington Green. Working closely with Peabody, we’ve delivered quality housing that will serve this community for generations to come. This project exemplifies what we mean by building for life – creating sustainable homes that support families and strengthen communities.”