Morgan Sindall Construction has celebrated a major milestone in the delivery of two new hostels in Camden with a topping out ceremony held at the Chester Road site on 6 February 2026.
The £19 million project, procured through the PAGABO framework, comprises two separate developments: a 39-unit facility on Camden Road and a 50-unit hostel on Chester Road. The scheme aims to provide a safe, high-quality alternative to costly nightly-paid temporary accommodation for families and individuals facing sudden eviction or escaping domestic violence.
Moving away from traditional bed-and-breakfast models, the units feature private bathrooms and a mixture of single and double beds. The sites have been specifically designed to foster a neighbourhood feel, incorporating:
- Communal community and staff rooms.
- Landscaped gardens with seating.
- Dedicated play areas for children.
The project is a showcase for Morgan Sindall's "10 Tonne Challenge," which tasks teams with identifying carbon-saving innovations. By rationalising the piling design alone, the team has already achieved a carbon saving of 100 tonnes. Other green features include:
• Low-carbon Construction: Utilising Metframe structural framing as an alternative to traditional concrete.
• Renewable Energy: Installation of photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps.
• Circular Economy: A comprehensive strategy ensuring all site waste is diverted from landfill.
• Green Infrastructure: The installation of sustainable green roofs, the final section of which was laid during the ceremony.
The build process has already delivered significant social impact within the borough. Morgan Sindall has onboarded 16 apprentices across both sites and provided eight work experience placements. Furthermore, 25 local tradespeople are currently employed on the project, supported by a series of "Construction Insights" sessions held in partnership with the DWP.
Richard Dobson, Area Director of Morgan Sindall Construction in London, commented: "Reaching this topping out milestone is an important moment. These facilities will provide safe, secure, and high-quality accommodation at a time when demand for temporary housing in London is at a critical level."
Councillor Sagal Abdi-Wali, Camden's Cabinet Member for Better Homes, added that the investment would reduce the council's annual spend on hotels and out-of-borough accommodation, allowing funds to be reallocated into essential services and the construction of more permanent council homes.
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