Redbridge Council partnership unlocks 326 new social rent homes in Ilford
Published: 24 September 2026
Redbridge Council has welcomed the start of work on a major new social housing development in Ilford Town Centre that will deliver 326 homes for social rent for local residents.
MP Living, the social housing provider established by Meadow Partners, has begun the regeneration project at the site of the former Harrison Gibson department store, on Ilford High Road, following the release of the first tranche of grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
The development will deliver 326 new homes for social rent in the heart of Ilford Town centre, transforming a prominent site that has stood vacant for almost a decade.
MP Living is working in partnership with the GLA and the London Borough of Redbridge to deliver the scheme and will retain ownership and management of the completed homes. Redbridge Council will hold nomination rights, helping ensure the homes meet local housing need.
Redbridge’s Planning Committee unanimously approved MP Living’s proposals in May 2025. Meadow Partners was confirmed as a GLA Investment Partner in early 2026. The release of the first of four grant-funding tranches in September has enabled demolition and construction work to begin.
Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: "Delivering high-quality, genuinely affordable homes for local families is one of our top priorities in Redbridge, and this project marks a major step forward. I'm pleased to see work now underway through our partnership with MP Living and the GLA. These 326 social rented homes will transform a long-vacant part of Ilford and provide much-needed stability and opportunity for residents.
“Ilford is a thriving and growing town centre, and this development will strengthen that momentum, bringing new homes, renewed confidence, and a major boost to the area's ongoing regeneration. We look forward to seeing this project take shape and to continuing our work to deliver more affordable homes across the borough."
J. Andrew McDaniel, director of MP Living and co-founder and partner at Meadow Partners, said: “London is experiencing huge demand for affordable housing yet faces immense challenges to deliver new supply. As a long-term investor in the affordable housing sector, we are proud of our collaboration with the GLA and Redbridge to bring this project to life – an example of the capabilities made possible by constructive, strategic public and private sector partnerships. With a wider pipeline of sites capable of delivering 1,500 homes across London, we are committed to continuing to grow our relationship with GLA and bring much-needed affordable housing solutions across the capital.”
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “Tackling London’s urgent housing crisis is one of the Mayor’s top priorities and he is doing everything he can to deliver more homes of all tenures.
“The funding to unlock this development in Redbridge demonstrates our firm commitment to delivering the affordable homes Londoners desperately need, as we build a fairer and safer London for all."
