Hillingdon Council has marked a major milestone in its ambitious Hayes estates redevelopment project with the completion of 30 much-needed affordable homes at Avondale Drive Estate.

The new development, named Cherwell Court, was officially opened on Wednesday, 1 October, by Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, and Cllr Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth.

They were joined at the ceremony by long-term estate residents who will soon be moving into their new homes, along with Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Higgins Group, the council’s construction partner.

Cherwell Court provides a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, alongside three four-bedroom duplexes designed for larger families. The new homes feature modern kitchens and bathrooms, large balconies, and a distinctive brickwork design. Each property is fitted with air source heat pumps to help reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

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The completion of Cherwell Court forms part of the first phase of the wider redevelopment, which will deliver 110 homes for social rent. A further 80 homes are currently under construction on the Hayes Town Centre estate and are expected to be completed next year.

Cllr Tuckwell said: "With the demand for housing continuing to rise, it was vital that we prioritised the delivery of high quality affordable homes for established Hillingdon residents in the early phases of this redevelopment.

"Residents of the estates have played an integral role in shaping this project from the beginning, and I’m delighted that local families can now start moving into their new homes.

"This is a key milestone in the development which will see the neighbourhood transformed for the benefit of the wider community."

Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Higgins Group, said: "We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Hillingdon Council to deliver this first phase of the redevelopment. From the beginning of our work at Avondale Drive and Hayes Town Centre Estates, we have engaged closely with the local community to create long-term social value benefits.

"It was a pleasure to meet the residents who will soon be moving into their new homes, and we look forward to welcoming more residents in the coming weeks."

When complete, the combined regeneration of the Avondale Drive and Hayes Town Centre estates will deliver 740 new homes — half of which will be affordable — as well as greener public spaces and improved community facilities.