Westminster City Council's Cabinet has appointed McLaren Construction Limited as the main contractor for the second phase of the Ebury Bridge regeneration, approving a £229m phase-two construction budget to advance the next major milestone.

Enabling works for phase two are scheduled to start in early 2026, with main construction expected to follow later that year. McLaren's commission covers the delivery of phase two only.

Situated in Knightsbridge and Belgravia, Ebury Bridge is one of the council’s largest regeneration programmes, replacing a 1930s estate, reshaping public spaces and establishing a sustainable neighbourhood with new community facilities.

Across three phases, the scheme will deliver 779 homes, including 373 for social rent. Phase one completed in December 2024 with 226 homes, 100 of them for social rent. Phase two, the largest stage, will add a further 334 homes, of which 228 will be for social rent.

Through the council's Truly Affordable Housing Strategy, and in addition to 198 social rent reprovisions on the estate, the number of new council homes for social rent increased from 41 to 175. This strengthened offer secured 91% support in a confirmatory resident ballot and unlocked over £40m of Greater London Authority (GLA) funding.

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All existing residents will have a right to return when the works are complete. Phase two will include a central community square, new retail spaces, play areas and a community centre. The project will re-establish the Ebury Bridge Road retail parade, create premises for long-standing local businesses, introduce independent shops, community supermarkets and cafés, and open new pedestrian routes connecting through to the River Thames.

Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters at Westminster City Council, said: "Westminster faces an acute need for a range of housing provision, so we’re pleased we have appointed Mclaren Construction as the main contractor for phase two for the Ebury Bridge Development. They have a strong track record of major regeneration and mixed-use developments similar to the Ebury scheme and will help us to bring positive change for the neighbourhood.

"We have already built 100 new council homes for social rent in the first phase. We know the difference a secure, high-quality and sustainable home can make for our residents in Westminster and all those who have moved in are thrilled with their new home.

"Phase two brings forward even more of the affordable homes that we need to tackle the council’s waiting lists, with 228 council homes for social rent providing genuinely affordable housing for our communities and ensuring the housing needs of everyone in the city are met."

The contract award follows a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Mclaren in October 2024 and formalises their selection as lead contractor for the second and largest phase, after a rigorous public sector procurement process in February 2024. The scheme targets BREEAM Outstanding and supports Westminster’s commitment to at least 50% affordable housing across its developments, comprising social rent and London Living Rent.

Collaboration with the GLA has been central to the programme, with £147.2m from the Mayor supporting affordable homes. Resident ballots at Ebury Bridge and Church Street have also unlocked over £70m in additional GLA funding, enabling higher levels of genuinely affordable housing.