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Ebury Bridge
Regeneration Update 12/01/2024
“The first phase of Ebury is almost complete!
Following the success of negotiating with the remaining leaseholders on the estate, WCH assisted with the rehousing of those lessees. Whether it be away from the estate, or even within the remaining blocks on the estate, this was a huge contribution to achieving site assembly to allow the scheme to move forward. Phase 1 of the new Ebury Bridge Estate is due to complete in late Summer, early Autumn of 2024, now that both towers are fully built. Phase 2 is well underway now that 3 of those buildings was decommissioned and demolished successfully.
Out of a total 140 leaseholders originally on the estate, there are now only 3 remaining who will move into Phase 1 once completed. WCH continue to negotiate and provide assistance to those leaseholders where possible.”
Church Street
Regeneration Update 12/01/2024
WCH are working with Westminster City Council (WCC) in their plans for the development of the Church St regeneration site. Our role has been to initiate contact, maintain good working relations and lead the negotiations with leaseholders inside the regeneration area, to acquire these properties and ultimately bring them into WCC’s ownership in advance of the demolition.
Lessees are offered a bespoke service which includes developing a positive working relationship: negotiating and agreeing a sale price with the leaseholders and taking them through to successful conclusion of the transaction. I will also assess their re-housing requirements and work together towards the acquisition of a suitable alternative property.
The City Council plans for the site are well advanced and a detailed planning application for site A (the first phase of the development) and an outline area application for the later phases B and C was approved in March 2023. This has been followed up with the City Council confirming the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) if voluntary agreement cannot be reached with those who have an interest in site A. The confirmation allows for those affected by the CPO to lodge any objections. No objections were raised by the remaining leaseholders although a formal Inquiry is still likely to take place as some commercial interests raised objections to the plans.
In site A, WCH has been instrumental in gaining ownership of over 90% of the Leasehold interests. Only three (3) interests remain outstanding and WCH will continue to work with these leaseholders to reach an agreement to acquire their properties without the use of a CPO. There is a steady stream of leaseholders from sites B & C who are selling their properties to us. So, if you are an owner in either of those sites and are interested in selling your property, WCH will purchase your property in advance of any legal action. Any leaseholder owning properties within the regeneration area is entitled to receive a package of compensation, plus the market value of their property. The details explaining the compensation can be found at this link below on the City Council’s website:
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
If you are interested in what is happening at the Church St renewal area, please do contact me. My details are below. I will be happy to address any questions you have,
Ian Sellens
E: isellens@westminster.gov.uk
T: 07790 980127
Ebury Bridge
Regeneration update 14/08/2023
“Vacant possession of Phase 2 at Ebury Bridge has now been achieved!
Following the success of negotiating with several remaining leaseholders on the estate, WCH assisted with the rehousing of those lessees. Whether it be away from the estate, or even within the remaining blocks on the estate, this was a huge contribution to achieving vacant possession to allow scheme to move forward. Phase 1 of the new Ebury Bridge Estate is well underway, with both towers fully built. Now that VP of phase 2 has been achieved (which consists of 5 buildings), these buildings can now be decommissioned and demolition works can begin.
Out of a total 140 leaseholders originally on the estate, there are now only 3 remaining who are yet to come to an agreement to sell their property back to The City Council. WCH continue to negotiate and provide assistance to those leaseholders where possible.”
Church Street
Regeneration update 14/08/2023
WCH are working with Westminster City Council (WCC) in their plans for the development of the Church St regeneration site. Our role has been to initiate contact, maintain good working relations and lead the negotiations with leaseholders inside the regeneration area, to acquire these properties and ultimately bring them into WCC’s ownership in advance of the demolition.
Lessees are offered a bespoke service which includes developing a positive working relationship: negotiating and agreeing a sale price with the leaseholders and taking them through to successful conclusion of the transaction. I will also assess their re-housing requirements and work together towards the acquisition of a suitable alternative property.
The City Council plans for the site are advanced and a detailed planning application for site A (the first phase of the development) and an outline area application for the later phases B and C was approved in March 2023.
In site A, WCH has been instrumental in gaining ownership of almost all of the Leasehold interests. Only three (3) interests remain outstanding. WCH will continue to work with these leaseholders to reach an agreement and voluntarily acquire their properties. If leaseholders in sites B & C are interested in selling their property, WCH will purchase their property now in advance of any legal action. Any leaseholder owning properties within the regeneration are entitled to receive a package of compensation, plus the market value of their property. The details explaining the compensation can be found at this link below on the City Council’s website:
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
If you are interested in what is happening at the Church St renewal area, please do contact me. My details are below. I will be happy to address any queries you have,
Ian Sellens
E: isellens@westminster.gov.uk
T: 07790 980127
Two New Staff Members at
Westminster Community Homes
Kim Wright is a full time member of staff, working as Administrator, to provide effective and efficient assistance to the rest of the team, in the daily running of Westminster Community Homes. Kim has 27 years of experience in various admin posts within the Civil Service.
Severine will be joining us as temporary maternity cover for Sophie.
Severine has over 15 years in customer service field in private and public sector. Working in building construction field for 5 years as a Liason Manager. She will be working on void management, Stock Refresh and Intermediate Rent.
Steve Moore Retires
Steve was the founder of Westminster Community Homes back in 2008 and was the driving force behind many of the decisions that have made us the well established Housing Association that we are today.
He has enabled hundreds of families to be rehoused in quality accommodation through the purchase of hundreds of property acquisitions as well as 4 standalone blocks producing over 60 flats in Westminster for use as social housing and Intermediate housing.
Steve's achievements have made a positive impact on so many lives and he will be missed. We wish him the very best for his future.
The team at WCH - 17/05/2023
Church Street
Regeneration update 27/03/2023
WCH are working with Westminster City Council (WCC) in their plans for the development of the Church St regeneration site. Our role has been to initiate contact, maintain good working relations and lead the negotiations with leaseholders inside the regeneration area, to acquire these properties and bring them into WCC’s ownership in advance of the demolition.
We offer a bespoke service to lessees. This includes nurturing a positive working relationship: negotiating and agreeing a sale price with the leaseholders and taking them through to successful completion of the sale of their property. I will also assess their re-housing requirements and work together to facilitate the acquisition of a suitable alternative property.
The City Council plans for the site are well advanced and a detailed planning application has been submitted for site A (the first phase of the development) and an outline area application for sites B and C. This application should be heard in the summer of 2023.
In site A, WCH has been instrumental in the City Council gaining ownership of over 75% of what previously were Leasehold interests. An additional three (3) of the outstanding interests are with the solicitors to purchase their properties.
A very small number of leasehold interests remain on site A. WCH will continue to work with these leaseholders to reach an agreement and voluntarily acquire their properties. If leaseholders in sites B & C are interested in selling their property, WCH will purchase their property. All leaseholders are entitled to a package of compensation, plus the market value of their property. The details explaining the compensation can be found at this link on the City Council’s website:
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
If you are interested in what is happening at the Church St renewal area, please do contact me. My details are below. I will be happy to address any queries you have,
Ian Sellens
E: isellens@westminster.gov.uk
T: 07790980127
Ebury Estate
Regen update 28/03/2023
Westminster Community Homes continue to strive, reaching an amazing 130 acquisitions out of the original 140 leasehold interests on the Ebury Bridge Estate. Out of the 10 remaining interests, 8 of those are under offer.
WCH have assisted WCC in achieving site assembly for phase 1, and is well underway for achieving vacant possession of phase 2 by the end of May 2023.
Having acquired 7 of the 11 interests that objected to the Compulsory Purchase Order and the beginning of 2022, out of the remaining 4, 1 has exchanged contracts, the rest are under offer going through conveyancing.
By May 2023, we would have negotiated, acquired & completed 98% of the leasehold interests on the Ebury Bridge Estate.
- Anton Robinson
Victoria Wharf II
As we are now in the de-snagging stage of the project, we have announced the first stage of viewings for overcrowded households living in Westminster. These will take place on Thursday 2nd February. We have received a great deal of interest so far and once we have completed these applications we will move on to advertise on the Homes For Westminster website to the professionals living or working in Westminster to apply for the second set of viewings.
Sophie Sheekey - 27/01/2023
Church Street Regeneration Update
WCH are working with Westminster City Council (WCC) in their plans for the development of the Church St regeneration site. Our role has been to initiate contact, maintain good working relations and lead the negotiations with leaseholders inside the regeneration area, to acquire these properties and bring them into WCC’s ownership in advance of demolition.
We offer an individualised service to lessees. This includes nurturing a positive working relationship: negotiating a purchase price with the leaseholders and taking them through to successful completion of the sale. I will also assess their re-housing requirements and work together to facilitate the acquisition of suitable alternative accommodation.
The City Council plans for the site are well advanced and a detailed planning application has already been submitted for site A (the first phase of the development) and an outline area application for sites B and C. This is due to be heard in 2023.
Across site A, WCH has been instrumental in the City Council gaining ownership of over 75% of what previously were Leasehold interests. A significant number of the remaining interests are with the solicitors to purchase their properties.
A very small number of leasehold interests remain on site A. WCH will continue to work with these leaseholders to voluntarily acquire their properties. Equally if leaseholders in the later phases of B & C are interested in selling, WCH will purchase their property. All leaseholders are entitled to a package of compensation, plus the market value of their property.
If you are interested in what is happening at the Church St renewal area, please do contact me. My details are below. I will be happy to address any queries you have,
Ian Sellens
E: isellens@westminster.gov.uk
T: 07790980127
Ian's Church Street Regeneration Update 07/06/2022
Church Street Regeneration
WCH have continued to acquire all leasehold interests in Sites A, B and C of Church St renewal area if leaseholders are interested in selling their property.
WCH has led in the acquisition of over three quarters of the leasehold units on Phase A of the Church Street. In addition, there are several properties under instruction with solicitors to purchase them and just a handful of interests remaining on site.
In addition, we are keen to acquire further leasehold interests in not only phase A but the later phases of B and C. If you are thinking of selling your property, and live within the Church St renewal area, please do contact me. I am available to guide you through the entire process, right through to the point of sale and can also offer advice and guidance on a range of topics, including searching for alternative properties.
I have included a link at the end of this paragraph to the 2018 policy for leaseholders affected by the renewal plans of the City Council. You will find 2 documents, the full twenty-five (25) page policy plus the rehousing options leaflet, an abridged, more straightforward version of the full policy. This is a good starting point with an abundance of information if you are a leaseholder with a property affected by the City Council’s plans for demolition.
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
Finally, please contact me if you are a leaseholder on the Church St renewal area and have any outstanding queries or concerns about the City Council's plans for the site. I am in the Church St area most weeks and am happy to meet face to face otherwise we can converse over the phone or via email & WhatsApp. My contact details are below
Ian Sellens
E: isellens@westminster.gov.uk
T: 07790980127
Help With Rising Living Costs
We know that many of you are worried about the rising cost of living in 2022. We want to provide you with as much support as possible and have a range of practical advice to help. In addition to this, our repairs and maintenance contractor, Morgan Sindall Property Services, will be hosting several support sessions for residents on Energy Awareness. There will be discussions on what to do if you’re struggling to pay your energy bills, how to switch to a better tariff, and how to make sure your home is energy efficient.
Green Doctor Referral
As we balance the rising cost of living with the need to become energy efficient, Green Doctors are here to offer advice for anyone over 65, on a low income or have a long-term health condition or a disability. They can help you to save money on your energy bills, make your home more energy efficient and improve your health.
They will:
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explain how to make your home energy efficient
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install energy saving devices
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offer impartial advice on switching energy providers to save money
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give you income support and debt advice
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connect you with other health services
To make a referral for an initial phone consultation fill in the Green Doctor referral form and they can arrange a visit to your home to assess how they can help you
Ian's Regeneration Update Church Street
WCH continue in their efforts to acquire all leasehold interests in Sites A, B and C of Church St if leaseholders are interested in selling their property.
WCH has led in the acquisition of over 75% of the leasehold units on Phase A of the Church Street renewal area. We are keen to acquire further leasehold interests in not only Phases A but the later phases of B and C. If you are thinking of selling your property, and live within the Church St renewal area, please do contact me.
If you own a property in the Church Street renewal area and are thinking of selling, we will be happy to arrange a valuation by our surveyor. We can also contribute up to £850 plus VAT if you wish to have your own valuation survey carried out by a RICS accredited surveyor. I am available to guide you through the entire process, right through to the point of sale and can also offer advice and guidance on searching for alternative properties.
I would encourage you to read through the 2018 City Council’s Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Area. The policy can be found on Westminster City Council’s website and the link is located at the end of this paragraph. You will find 2 documents, the full twenty-five (25) page policy plus the rehousing options leaflet, a shorter, more accessible version of the full policy. This is an excellent starting point with a wealth of information if you are a leaseholder with a property in an area planned for demolition.
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
Finally, please do contact me if you are a leaseholder on the Church St renewal area and have any outstanding queries or concerns.
Find out if your block is part of the Church St renewal area and what phase it is in:
Ebury Estate Regeneration Update
19/11/2021
WCH have successfully agreed terms with 120 lessee’s across the estate since the renewal scheme first launched, beginning with 140. 102 of those leasehold interests have been successfully acquired by WCC, 7 currently remain in WCH’s ownership and a further 11 units are currently going through the conveyancing process.
Phase 1 of the new estate is almost ready to commence development, with all existing blocks within the phase completely demolished. The first phase will cater for the remaining resident leaseholders across Phase 2a & 2b, who wish to come back to the new estate. These new buildings are due for completion in Autumn 2023.
The meanwhile use building that is in place of Edgson House has proved to be very successful. With several retail units provided to small local independent businesses showcasing their talents in Arts & Craft, Fashion and a boutique café
Ian Church Street Update
WCH have continued in their efforts to acquire all leasehold interests across Sites A, B and C if leaseholders are interested in selling their property.
WCH has helped to acquire in excess of 50% of the leasehold units on Phase A of the Church Street renewal area. We are keen to acquire further leasehold interests in not only Phases A but the later phases B and C. If you are considering selling your property, and live within the Church St renewal area, please do contact me.
If you own a property in the Church Street renewal area and are thinking of selling, we will be happy to arrange a valuation by our RICS accredited surveyor. I can discuss with you how the sale will progress. I am available to guide you through the process, right through to the point of sale and can also offer advice and guidance on searching for alternative properties.
Finally I would encourage you to study the City Council’s Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Area. I have shared a link below to Westminster City Council’s website at the end, which contains that policy. You will find 2 documents, the full policy plus the rehousing options leaflet, a compacted more accessible version of the full policy. This is an excellent starting point with a wealth of information if you want to know what your entitlement is when selling your property and how we define a resident leaseholder.
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
30/07/2021
Ian Sellens Regeneration Update
WCH are continuing with their efforts in acquiring all leasehold interests across Sites A, B and C if leaseholders wish to sell their property.
We continued to purchase properties through 2020 and into 2021. So, if you are thinking of selling your property, and live within the Church St renewal area, please do contact me. WCH have already voluntarily acquired half of the Leasehold units on Site A and expect further purchases through 2021, with the intention of gaining vacant possession of the site by the start of 2022.
If you own a property in Phase B or C of the Church St and are thinking of selling, we will be happy to arrange a valuation by our RICS accredited surveyor. I can talk you through how the sale will progress. I am also available to guide you through the process, right through to the point of sale. I can also offer advice and guidance on looking for alternative properties.
Please find a link below to Westminster City Council’s website, which contains the Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal areas. You will find 2 documents, the full policy plus the rehousing options leaflet, a shortened more accessible version of the full policy. This is a good starting point if you want to know what you are entitled to when selling your property.
Leaseholder policy for Housing Renewal Areas | Westminster City Council
Ian Sellens - Church Street 23/03/2021
Works Started at Victoria Wharf Second site
Works are due to begin on Monday 22nd March to begin construction of the second site of Victoria Wharf.
Works planned in the next month involve:
Establishing the site area
Demolition of the builders office
Levelling the site area ready for piling in early May
Ian's Regen Update
Church Street Regeneration
WCH are continuing with their efforts in acquiring all leasehold interest across Sites A, B and C if lessees are interested in selling.
We have continued to purchase properties throughout the lockdown, so if you are thinking of selling your property, and live within the Church St renewal area, please get in contact. WCH have already acquired almost half of the Leasehold units on Site A and look to continue these purchases through 2021, with the intention of gaining vacant possession of the site by the start of 2022.
If you are a leaseholder on the Church St renewal area, please do contact us. We will keep you informed about progress of the City Council’s plans for the site. If you live on Site A of Church St, you will have heard from us already but even if you live in Phases B or C and are curious to know how these plans will impact on you please do get in touch. If you are looking to sell your property, we will be happy to arrange a valuation by a RICS accredited surveyor.
05/01/2021
Anton Ebury Regen Update
During these challenging times WCH continue to negotiate with lessees on the Ebury Bridge Estate to buy back their leasehold interest on behalf of Westminster City Council. With only 36 lessee’s left to negotiate and agree terms with on the site (out of 140), WCH successfully acquired vacant possession of yet another block on the estate just before Christmas 2020. This has prepared the block for demolition in early March and continues to pave the way for the first phase of the new Ebury Bridge Estate.
There are now only 6 blocks left on site which consists of 2 phases, Phase 2a and phase 2b. The target to have vacant possession of Phase 2a by August 2022 is likely to be achieved as WCH are already having conversations with several of those lessees in those blocks, with a view to agree terms as soon as possible.
We are in mid-transaction acquiring some leasehold interest from Phase 2b, however we welcome more lessees from Phase 2b to open up discussions with us to sell their property back to WCC if they so wish to do so.
13/01/21
We Welcome Ian Sellens to the Team
Ian joined the team in September and his position involves negotiating the voluntary acquisition of leaseholder’s homes where they are affected by Westminster City Council regeneration projects.
Ian has 20 years experience working in Housing, including working with residents on sites due for demolition. He now works with leaseholders on to Church Street, a Westminster City Council renewal area to assess their re-housing priorities and work with them to facilitate the acquisition of suitable alternative accommodation. Ian will guide the lessee through the whole process, from advising what options are available through to the move to their new home.
Anton Regeneration update
Church Street Regeneration,
WCH continue their efforts to acquiring all leasehold interest across Sites A, B and C, if lessee’s are interested in selling now.
As lockdown eases, more terms are being agreed on the Church Street Estate. Within the most recent days, 3 leaseholders have agreed to sell their property back by agreement to the City Council. WCH are slowly, but surely gaining vacant possession of Site A, and hope to keep this momentum throughout the rest of the year, into 2021, to gain vacant possession of the site by the start of 2022.
WCH continue to form relationships with lessee’s, not only on Site A but with leaseholders across the masterplan, as an effort to eventually gain vacant possession of all sites.
Ebury Bridge Estate,
After gaining vacant possession in late March, Phase 1 is almost completely demolished. 3 buildings are at ground level, whilst the last two are halfway gone.
As WCC make preparations to make a Compulsory Purchase Order for phase 2a residents, negotiations across the estate continue. Phase 2a vacant possession dates have now been accelerated to 2022, and WCC make preparations to make a Compulsory Purchase Order. WCH continue their efforts to negotiate with leaseholders to sell their property back by agreement, and support lessees in any way possible throughout these hard times.
Moves away from the estate are still an options for lessees, as well as inter-estate moves into already vacant properties on the estate, that may sit within phase 2b. Relationships continue to grow with leaseholders on the estate to better understand their circumstances.
09/07/2020
Jackson Odoch - Regeneration Negotiator leaves Westminster Community Homes
Jackson Odoch had been working with Westminster Community Homes since October 2017. His efforts have been invaluable in assisting us with rehousing Grenfell Lessee's on behalf of RBKC and assisting with leaseholders during major works at Leo Court. We thank him for his contribution to our team and wish him all the best for the future.
update by Sophie 02/07/20
581-587
Harrow Road
We have just completed on the purchase of 581-587 Harrow Road, at the end of St John's Terrace. The project will aim at providing a number of affordable housing units towards Westminster Council's quota for the year. We aim to have produced plans for the planning application in the next four months.
Update by Sophie 11/06/20
Acquisitions of existing properties and new build programmes in 2019/20
WCH will only buy a property if there is financial viability, housing need and strategic priorities. With some support from Westminster City Council’s Affordable Housing funding, WCH successfully acquired 40 properties for Intermediate Rent Horizon Scheme and 1 property for social housing in 2019/20. WCH have also acquired the land adjacent 2018 WCH Development at Victoria Wharf, Ladbroke Grove which we aim to deliver an extension of the site by 2022.
Planning permission was submitted on 7th April 2020 and we have reappointed the contractors of the original site, Quinn London Ltd to start on site this summer.
All acquired units have or will be brought up to WCH highest specification of works and all but one will be used within the 2019 Intermediate Rent Horizon scheme which WCH has committed to deliver.
Update by Hannah Callender 14/05/20
Studio Properties
WCH acquired 17 studios last year, much thought was put into delivering units that would make the most of space and to offer lots of storage opportunities.
WCH grouped up with Ethos Architects and Furniture Group to design the below bed storage pods, and other space saving adaptions were made to the kitchens and bathrooms. So far we have had a very positive response to these units.
Update by Hannah Callender 14/05/20
The Bed Pod
I like that the bed-pod is spacious, it had an incredible amount of storage and it utilises the space really well. The bed lights are bright and the curtain rail is a nice addition. Once a curtain is put up, the bed looks really cozy. The wardrobe that is built in the bed-pod has plenty of space, it is quite tall and the full length mirror inside one of the doors is great. The whole assembly is sturdy and well made.
Quote from Ilie, one of our tenant's.
