A landmark housing scheme described as a “lifeline” for vulnerable women is taking shape in Acton, where a women-only housing block is under construction. A ‘topping out’ ceremony last week marked a key milestone in the project, which aims to address the shortage of affordable homes for single women, including survivors of domestic abuse.
Brook House, on Gunnersbury Lane opposite Acton Town Underground station, is being redeveloped into a 15-storey building with 102 genuinely affordable, social-rented flats, following approval by Ealing Council in April 2023. It replaces an ageing 1930s estate – expanded in the 1970s – that no longer meets modern living standards and lacks wheelchair access.
Designed by GRID Architects, the new Brook House will nearly double the size of the existing bedsit flats, ensuring compliance with national space standards. features include lifts, a mobility scooter store, and homes tailored to meet the needs of residents as they age.
Construction, which is being carried out by L&Q, is expected to be completed by summer 2026, with the first residents moving in shortly after.
The new development will offer 100 one-bedroom and 2 two-bedroom homes, with ten units specifically designed for residents with disabilities. All flats will be managed by Women’s Pioneer Housing, a housing association with over a century of experience supporting single women. The tenants will include women from Ealing Council’s housing waiting list and those referred by Women’s Pioneer Housing.
Ealing Council leader Peter Mason highlighted the project’s significance. He said: “The 102 new flats being built at Brook House will provide a safe, secure, genuinely affordable place to call home for some of the hundreds of women on the waiting list for social housing in our borough.
“Some of the homes will be let to women who have experienced domestic abuse and other dangers. There is a big need for this type of specialist, women-only accommodation. Almost 3,500 cases of domestic abuse were recorded in Ealing in the last 12 months.
“London’s affordable housing crisis disproportionately impacts women, who still face a gender pay gap that sees them on average earn less than men, constraining their ability to afford rent. With Ealing acutely affected by the national affordable housing crisis, the flats will be a lifeline for women who are unable to privately rent.”
Tracey Downie, chief executive of Women’s Pioneer Housing, added: “Women’s Pioneer Housing has worked for more than 100 years with single women, including in Ealing, and we strongly believe that providing more good-quality, affordable homes for women is critically important, particularly during this cost-of-living and energy crisis. This new building will provide a real home for many single women in dire need.”
