FAQs

The Development

Q: How long will the development take?

A: The development at Ebury Bridge will be split into two phases; Phase 1 is due to commence in 2020 for a 2024 delivery date. Phase 2 is expected to begin in 2025.

Q: I’ve heard about the work at Ebury for a long time, why has this development taken so long?

A: Work at Ebury Bridge was originally outlined in 2010. In 2013, a scheme was developed for a partial redevelopment of the Ebury Bridge Estate, but in 2017 this was found to be unviable for development.

The current scheme commenced in October 2017, developing a series of options for residents to review. Read more here

Q: How is this scheme different from the old one? What changes have been made to ensure it will go ahead?

A: The Ebury Bridge Renewal Project will see a full redevelopment of the entire Ebury Bridge Estate. This scheme has been developed by putting residents at the heart of decision making, with regular workshops, drop-ins, consultations and a resident steering group (see Community Partnership Group).

Alongside this, the council has developed its scheme to ensure it will be financially viable. The massing of the project has been key to ensuring delivery, with thorough market testing to ensure it remains attractive regardless of market conditions. 

Q: Once completed, who will live on the estate?

A: The scheme is being developed to allow people of all backgrounds and incomes to live on the estate. A ‘ladder of opportunity’ has been developed to provide options for households from a wide range of incomes to be able to live on the estate.

Q: Will there be separate blocks or entrances for social and private tenants?

A: No. The scheme is to be entirely tenure blind to ensure a diverse community with a mix of social and market rent tenants and leaseholders. Westminster City Council policy ensures that no council developments will include ‘poor doors’ or similar physical separations between residents.

Q: Is Westminster City Council selling off the land the estate is built on?

A: No. Westminster City Council will maintain the freehold of the entire Ebury Bridge Estate.

Q: Why did you hold an initial design consultation?

A: The consultation was designed to showcase the initial design of the new Ebury Bridge Estate, put together over the past two and a half years by working with residents. Ahead of submitting a planning application in June 2020, we wanted residents, neighbours and all interested parties to view the designs and provide feedback.

Q: What could I have provided views on?

A: Absolutely everything about the scheme. Shops, new homes, public space, tenure and design of the buildings have all been up for discussion. There were four categories to feedback on, encompassing nearly all aspects of the renewal. You can always contact us at eburybridge@westminster.gov.uk. 

Q: Were resident associations or any other groups included in the consultation?

A: Yes, we had discussions with Cheylesmore House Residents Association, the Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum and some local residents from neighbouring blocks. We’re still open to speaking to local groups.

Q: When will we see changes made to the plans?

A: Alterations were presented in March 2020. Click here for more details. 

Tenants and Leaseholders

Q: Who has a right to return to the Ebury Bridge Estate?

A: All secure tenants and leaseholders have a Right to Return to the estate. Residents may, if they choose, move away permanently but this is entirely at each household’s discretion.

Q: I’m a secure tenant who has been living offsite since the old scheme. Will I be able to move back to Ebury?

A: Yes, Westminster City Council will honour its Right to Return policy across both schemes.

Q: As a social rent tenant, will my rent increase when I move back to the estate?

A: No, all social rent tenants rent will remain in line with social rent levels across the council.

Q: As a resident leaseholder, if I take the option for an Equity Stake in a new home on Ebury, will I be able to rent the flat out?

A: Any new lease agreement offered by the council will be in line with the terms as the current existing Westminster Council leases. Should you choose to sub-let your property, you can apply to do so, in the same way as you would now.

Business

Q: Will there be commercial units on the new estate? And if so, what kind of businesses will be trading?

A: Yes, permanent retail units will be included in the development. Whilst full details will become available in due course, the council is supporting businesses that do add to the community and become a long-term fixture in the area.

Q: I run a business connected to one of the blocks facing Ebury Bridge Road. Will I be able to return to the new estate?

A: Yes. Every business have the opportunity to move over to the new estate with a right of first refusal.

Q: I operate a small business in Westminster. Are there any opportunities for me to move to the Ebury Bridge Estate?

A: Yes, whilst all business requests will depend on unit availability, business plan and what they offer to the community. There will also be opportunities to operate from Ebury Edge.

Wider community

Q: We have an Ebury gardening community, will there be an area for them in a new development?

A: Yes. The Ebury Bridge Community Garden is a much-loved community asset. We will ensure that this is acknowledged in the design options process.

Glossary

Tenure blind – No visible external differences between blocks/flats to differentiate between social tenants, private tenants or leaseholders.

Right to return – A guarantee for leaseholders and secure tenants, should they choose, to return to the estate following the renewal.

Ladder of opportunity – A series of pricing options for households of different incomes to allow a full social mix across the new estate.