Brent's 2026 Boom: Thousands of Homes and a 45-Storey Tower

Xenio

Dec 30, 2025

The construction industry in Brent is facing significant challenges, with rising costs, increased borrowing rates, and stricter building safety regulations impacting the financial feasibility of new housing developments. This has led to a difficult year for house building in 2025. However, as inflation begins to decline and the government continues to focus on its goal of delivering 1.5 million homes annually, there is hope that 2026 will bring more progress in housing development.

In addition to these factors, recent adjustments to affordable housing targets in London have seen the percentage of affordable homes reduced from 35% to 20%. Despite this, local authorities are still working towards increasing the number of homes being built across the borough. Over the next 12 months, several private and council-led projects are expected to either start construction, be completed, or be submitted to the planning committee. One such project is the re-launch of the South Kilburn Regeneration scheme, which was previously halted due to developer withdrawal. These initiatives aim to deliver thousands of new homes, community spaces, and student accommodation throughout the area.

Wembley has long been identified as a prime location for development. As the largest growth area in Brent, it has been designated as a housing zone by the Greater London Authority (GLA). Approved by Brent Council in 2021, the Wembley Housing Zone regeneration has already resulted in the construction of 6,000 new homes over the past five years, with an additional 15,000 expected by 2034.

Brent Council is working in partnership with property developers Wates Construction to deliver the Wembley Housing Zone on council-owned land at Cecil Avenue and Ujima House, both of which are set to be completed in 2026. The Cecil Avenue scheme will include 237 new homes, with 87 of them being affordable. It will also feature a play area, community facilities, and commercial spaces. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of Ujima House, now known as Zephaniah House, has already begun and is expected to top out in 2026. Once complete, Zephaniah House will provide 54 affordable homes, along with a new workspace and café.

The South Kilburn Regeneration project is a 15-year programme aimed at transforming the area through the construction of 2,400 new homes, a new park, schools, a health centre, and retail space. Although some phases of the scheme have been completed, the pace of development has slowed following the withdrawal of developers. However, funding has now been secured for the new South Kilburn Primary School, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Approximately 350 new homes, including 120 affordable units, are currently on site and are set to be delivered in phases throughout 2026 and 2027.

In November 2025, Brent's Cabinet approved a new masterplan for Staples Corner, aiming to deliver 2,200 new homes and create jobs in the area. The scheme envisions a higher-quality and intensified industrial area adjacent to a new urban community. The local authority hopes that Staples Corner could become an "exemplary 15-minute neighbourhood" where residents can live and work. The development is expected to see the completion of new homes by 2041, alongside a refurbished industrial site that supports the transition to a net-zero economy.

Improvements to the area will include parts of the North Circular and industrial roads along Edgware Road, such as Oxgate Lane, Humber Road, Coles Green Road, Waterloo Road, and Apsley Way. New street loops are planned to improve access from the industrial sites to the M1, A406, and A5.

The redevelopment of two College of Northwest London campuses was approved by Brent's Planning Committee in December 2024. Demolition works are underway, with construction expected to accelerate in 2026. The Dudden Hill campus will be transformed into 1,627 new homes, shops, a gym, and nursery, along with improvements to public green spaces. The scheme will be completed in two phases, with Phase 1 expected to deliver 1,076 homes in 11 blocks ranging from four to 28 storeys, alongside the development of a gym, convenience store, and a new central neighbourhood park.

Over 2025, legal agreements were drafted and are due to be completed imminently. Developer The Hill Group has indicated that it is likely to start Phase 1 construction in 2026. Phase 1 is expected to be completed between 2027 and 2032. The timetable outlines that the new Fulton Road campus is set to be completed by September 2028, with Phase 2 commencing at the same time. Phase 2 will see the construction of a further 551 homes in 11 blocks ranging from four to 17 storeys, as well as a new community centre, nursery, and additional commercial space.

Plans have recently been approved to demolish 105 garages and redevelop a North London site to make way for five apartment blocks comprising 61 social rent homes. Works are expected to start in 2026. Developer Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) will develop the Havenwood and Kingsbury garages site on the Chalkhill Estate in Wembley to deliver a 100 per cent affordable housing project. The five blocks will have a maximum height of five storeys.

Of the 61 new social rent properties to be built, 18 would be one-bed homes, 28 two-bed, 11 three-bed, and four four-bedroom. A new play area would also be provided on the site, as well as a £30,000 contribution to a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).

Property developers Hollybrook have resubmitted plans to develop the Neasden Goods Yard site, located next to Neasden Underground Station, and it is expected to come before Brent Council's Planning Committee in 2026. The plan is to build seven new tower blocks for more than 1,000 homes and 600 student rooms. The buildings will range from five to 45 storeys, making it the tallest residential development in the borough.

If approved, the development will provide 1,084 homes - including a range of one to three-bedroom build-to-rent, private sale, and social rent units - and 492 student accommodation units. Of the total homes outlined, planning documents show that just 105 will be 'affordable' - just shy of 10 per cent - with the remainder earmarked for buy-to-rent or market sale.

Further affordable homes are set to be completed at the following sites: