Following the success of phase one, Higgins Construction plc has been appointed to deliver phase two of construction of new homes and estate improvements in King Square Estate in Islington.
Phase two will consist of a total of 93 new homes in four new buildings, of which 47 units will be for social rent, four for shared ownership and the rest will be private sale, which will help fund the new homes for social rent and the estate improvements.
A new community building will also be delivered for King Square Tenant and Residents Association; a larger and upgraded community nursery at Rahere House; improvements to communal facilities such as bike and mobility scooter sheds and caretaker facilities in existing blocks and enhanced landscaping to the estate including a new central square area and tree lined boulevard through the estate.
Steve Leakey, Managing Director for Higgins Construction plc comments, “We are delighted to have been appointed on the second phase of King Square following our successful delivery of phase one, which will be completed in September. King Square is an extremely important scheme to us and we are pleased to continue working closely with Islington Council on phase two.
“At Higgins Construction, we pride ourselves on forging positive relationships with the estate’s residents and local community and keeping them up to date with key milestones happening on site. We were delighted that so many people could attend our recent ‘meet the contractor’ event, which took place at the end of last month.”
Cllr Diarmaid Ward, Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, said: “Like the rest of London, Islington faces a massive shortage of genuinely affordable homes, and we’re committed to building more homes for social rent.
“This very significant scheme will build new council homes and also bring major improvements to King Square Estate. Higgins has committed to working with local people and keeping them up-to-date, and I’d like to thank local residents for their patience and understanding while the work takes place.”
After two years of extensive consultation and collaboration with residents, King Square Estate was granted planning permission in 2015. The scheme will provide 140 new homes, 70% of which will be affordable, a refurbished nursery and new community facility on constrained in-fill sites within the existing estate.
