Work on the long-awaited redevelopment of Ham Close estate has now begun, with construction set to take place over three phases.

First approved in 2023, the estate is run by not-for-profit organisation Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) as social housing on behalf of Richmond Council.

The current 192 council homes, split between several blocks of flats built in the 1960s, will be replaced with 452 new affordable and private sale homes – both houses and flats – described by RHP as "both high-quality and sustainable".

These new units represent a gain of 78 affordable homes: half as affordable rental properties, half under a shared ownership scheme, for a total of 270. The remainder will be sold privately to help fund the project.

The new homes will provide all residents with access to outdoor space: either a garden, patio, terrace or balcony.

Built by developer The Hill Group, the estate will also receive two new community facilities, including a three-storey community centre complete with two outdoor terraces, a music studio, art room, meeting rooms, a lounge and kitchen, and more.

A number of green spaces with bird and bat boxes are also planned, which RHP says will provide "a significant biodiversity gain for the site".

The regenerated Ham Close estate as seen from Ham Green. (Photo: RHP)

Leader of Richmond Council, Cllr Gareth Roberts, commented: "The start of the Ham Close regeneration marks a significant milestone for our borough. 

"This project will provide genuinely affordable, high-quality homes with the facilities and green spaces that meet the diverse needs of our residents."

A £2m 'social value fund' is being provided alongside the regeneration to be invested in the existing Ham community, although it is not yet clear how this will be spent.

RHP has reassured locals that the project will also help provide "opportunities for apprenticeships and construction jobs for local people".

The Hill Group's Regional Director Cain Peters said: "This project brings more than just high-quality homes to the borough, we are also going to be providing community facilities, extensive green open space and training and employment opportunities.

"We encourage local residents interested in a career in construction to reach out to us."

An overhead view of the new Ham Close estate. (Photo: RHP via Richmond Council)

The project has undergone many rounds of public consultation before construction began, with RHP's Chief Executive Sarah Thomas describing the Ham community as being "at the heart of this project".

Documents from 2022 report concerns of the new high-rise buildings affecting Ham's village-like character, leading to the lowering of buildings around the edge of the estate, with a gradual build up to the tallest blocks at the centre. 

Homes on the boundaries between Ham Green, Ham Clinic, and St Richard's School were also reduced in height in later designs.

The report also says the project's designers "have taken time to understand the essence of Ham and have created a variety of architectural characters and styles, which all draw inspiration from local buildings," including Ham House and homes found on Ham Street nearby.

Readers looking for more information regarding the Ham Close regeneration can visit the project's website here.