The Ham Close regeneration reached a "major milestone" as the first residential block was topped out yesterday (Monday, 10 November).

Richmond Council joined development partners RHP and Hill Group to mark the occasion, celebrating progress on one of the borough's most significant regeneration schemes.

Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Gareth Roberts, said: "This topping out marks a major step forward for the heart of Ham and the community who call it home.

"This development is about creating a vibrant, inclusive neighbourhood where residents of all backgrounds can flourish. Seeing the first homes take shape is an exciting moment for everyone involved."

Ham Close regeneration is one of the Council's biggest housing projects (credit: RHP).

The project is being led by local housing provider RHP (Richmond Housing Partnership) who own and manage the homes at Ham Close.

Once completed, it will deliver 452 new homes, including the full re-provision of existing social housing and 78 additional genuinely affordable homes.

The scheme also includes a new youth and community centre, The Hive, and The Makers Barn, a dedicated facility for Richmond MakerLabs, both backed by a £7 million investment from the Council. 

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Cllr Chris Varley, Lead Member for Housing, added: "This milestone shows the real progress we're making in delivering the affordable, high-quality homes our residents need.

"Through our strong partnership with RHP and Hill, we're not only creating new housing but also spaces that bring people together – from the community centre to The Makers Barn.

"This is a regeneration with people at its heart, building foundations for a fairer borough." 

One of the housing blocks which will bring 452 new homes to Richmond borough (credit: RHP).

Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of RHP, commented: "At a time when delivering regeneration programmes is more challenging than ever, we're excited to see Ham Close taking shape.

"Reaching this stage brings us closer to providing more high-quality, sustainable homes for our community, as well as contributing to the government's house building target.

"With local residents at the heart of the project from the beginning, we're confident the completed development will not only create a better place to live for our customers, but will also have a lasting, positive impact on the wider community." 

(Left to right) Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader for Richmond Council, Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive for RHP and Cain Peters, Managing Director for Hill Group (credt: RHP).

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The Ham Close regeneration is one of the Council's largest-ever investments in local housing and community facilities, which its says reaffirms its commitment to building a fairer, more sustainable borough.

READ MORE: Housing Ombudsman closes Richmond Housing Partnership investigation following major service improvements.

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