A key milestone has been marked at London's Southall Waterside regeneration project as the first new residents were welcomed to their homes.

The first 304 homes are ready for occupancy and are specifically targeted at existing Ealing residents on either an affordable rent or shared ownership basis.

Over the next 25 years Southall Waterside is set to create around 3,750 homes of all tenures, as this 88-acre former gasworks is brought to life and reconnected with the surrounding community. The site's masterplan, developed in close collaboration with Ealing Council, will create a welcoming, open landscape with a mix of new amenities for everyone to enjoy. This includes plans for a health centre, primary school, community centre and a buzzing commercial district with shops, restaurants, a cinema and public squares.

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The new affordable homes have been delivered in partnership with Ealing Council, Catalyst and Clarion.

Cllr Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: "Southall Waterside was previously a disused industrial site and the much-needed regeneration of this land means that it is now beginning to actively contribute to our local economy. The development is providing jobs and will bring a diverse mix of new amenities to the area. Importantly, it is also delivering affordable homes for Ealing residents – this means that Southall Waterside is a community for all and I am looking forward to continuing to work with Berkeley and Catalyst as we welcome more residents to Southall Waterside."

Tony Pidgley CBE, Chairman of Berkeley Group, commented: "This is one of the most challenging and ambitious regeneration programmes Berkeley Group has ever undertaken and it's a huge pleasure to see the first local people making Southall Waterside their home.  

"Together with Ealing Council and our fantastic local partners, we are transforming this long derelict site into a welcoming new part of Southall for the whole community to enjoy. In the years ahead we will create a truly sustainable place with up to 40 acres of beautiful parkland and biodiverse landscapes."

The development of Southall Waterside is set to create 21,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, and a further 600 permanent roles.

(CM/JG)