ILFORD — Work has begun on the regeneration of a former department store site in Ilford town centre after the Greater London Authority released the first tranche of grant funding to deliver 326 new social rent homes.
MP Living, the social housing provider established by Meadow Partners, has started work on the former Harrison Gibson site, which has stood vacant for almost a decade. The development will deliver 326 homes for social rent in the heart of the town centre.
The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the GLA and the London Borough of Redbridge. MP Living will retain ownership and management of the completed homes, while Redbridge Council will hold nomination rights to ensure the homes meet local housing need.
Redbridge’s Planning Committee unanimously approved MP Living’s proposals in May 2025, following the failure of an earlier scheme to progress. Meadow Partners was confirmed as a GLA Investment Partner in early 2026, and the release of the first of four grant-funding tranches this month has enabled demolition and construction work to begin.
“Huge demand for affordable housing”
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.”
Redbridge welcome
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.”
He added: “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.”
The scheme adds to a growing pipeline of affordable housing across the capital. Southwark is overhauling its social housing allocation system, while the borough has also refused a developer’s bid to cut affordable housing at Elephant and Castle.
Reporting based on: Show House, 23 September 2026.
