Hounslow Council's Cabinet has approved the Convent Way Delivery Strategy,
marking a significant step towards the redevelopment of the Convent Way Estate. The decision, made at a meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, outlines the objectives for the estate's transformation and endorses a contractual development partnership as the preferred delivery model.
The redevelopment aims to address long-standing issues with the estate's current housing stock, described as amongst the poorest in the borough.
These homes suffer from poor thermal performance and widespread defects, including cracked walls, corroded ties, damp ingress, and failing roof structures.
Energy efficiency is low, with most homes achieving only EPC ratings of D, below planned minimum requirements for rented properties. Consequently, the homes are increasingly at risk of breaching statutory requirements under the Regulator of Social Housing's Safety and Quality Standard and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Failure to address these compliance issues can lead to persistent damp, poor insulation, and structural defects posing health and safety risks to residents.
The project is expected to deliver approximately 900 new homes, including replacing existing council-rented properties and adding further affordable council homes, alongside commercial facilities and green spaces. The new affordable council homes will support the Council's Housing Strategy 2025–2030, which prioritises tackling homelessness, increasing affordable and energy-efficient housing supply, and improving housing quality. The project will deliver approximately 35% affordable housing, including at least 290 Council homes, helping to meet current and future housing needs for residents on the waiting list. Furthermore, a direct delivery option guarantees that all 182 new homes will be genuinely affordable Council housing.
An allocation of up to £1.68 million from the HRA Council housing building capital programme contingency budget has been approved for technical advisors and consultant services. The council will also commence procurement for a development partner to lead the project. The procurement process, a Competitive Flexible Procedure (CFP), will involve structured dialogue with bidders to refine proposals. The Council's core requirements will include a minimum of 290 Council homes, a minimum area of commercial and other non-residential development, and defined phasing priorities. Bids will be sought for two packages: the Core Package for estate regeneration of the whole estate, and an Alternative Package including estate regeneration and any necessary capital works. The procurement of a development partner is expected to take around 18 months, with the first new homes anticipated around 2032 and the full regeneration taking 10-15 years to complete.
Furthermore, Cabinet has given its approval in principle for the use of compulsory purchase powers to secure vacant possession of the site, a measure that may be employed if necessary to ensure the project's timely progression.
The Convent Way Engagement Strategy outlines plans to ensure residents and community representatives are enabled to engage with the project's progression. An introductory letter and drop-in sessions will be held before Cabinet to allow residents to discuss the programme and their issues in person or online. The strategy also details a tailored approach to engagement and communication activities to ensure inclusivity and meaningful participation for all residents, including monthly update leaflets and notices, and quarterly newsletters.
