Published: Wednesday 4 October 2023
A new housing development built as part of the Council’s new homes programme has won 'best affordable housing development - less than £20 million' at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2023. Kelso Cochrane House on Kensal Road, Kensington, came out top in a shortlist of seven impressive new developments around the country.
The development was commended for its delivery of high-quality places to live, offering social rent homes with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. Judges praised the design which reflected the views of the local community by respecting the character of the area and the adjoining landmark church.
Kelso Cochrane House is part of the first phase of the Council’s new homes programme and will provide 38 new homes – 28 at social rent and 10 at intermediate rent for key workers. The scheme also includes a medical centre and a convenience store for the local community. All the homes are energy efficient, with a greener heating system which is better for the environment and cheaper for residents, insulated walls and thermally efficient windows and doors to retain heat.
Cllr Sof McVeigh, lead member for housing management, housing safety and building new homes said:
“It’s an honour to receive an award for one of our first new homes schemes. Our ambition is to create high quality, greener, safer homes in the borough and Kelso Cochrane House is a great example.
“It won’t be long before residents can move in and enjoy 38 new, award-winning homes. With insulation, thermally efficient windows and green heating systems the building is energy efficient and these measures should help keep bills lower for residents too.”
The homes will be fitted with sprinkler and fire alarm systems as well as other safety measures including, automatically opening vents in communal areas to release smoke and a CCTV system.
The contractor Willmott Dixon has been working on the development since summer 2021 and it is scheduled to be completed for residents to move in later this year.
A spokesperson for architect Allies and Morrison said:
"We are very pleased to have been part of RBKC's new homes programme, designing affordable homes on this previously underutilised site in Kensal Green. Our design, both in its approach to massing and appearance has been strongly influenced by the building's setting beside the Grade II listed Church of our Lady of the Holy Souls and we are thrilled it has been recognised with this award."
Kelso Cochrane’s Family welcomed the award and said:
“We would like to thank Inside Housing for awarding the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea the award for Best affordable housing development – less than £20m for Kelso Cochrane House. This delivery of affordable homes and community facilities and sustainability is very appropriate for this scheme. Kelso’s family is extremely grateful that the block was named after him in his memory. It really means a lot to us and is very much appreciated.
Kelso Cochrane was the victim of a racist murder in Notting Hill in 1959 which has never been solved. Our family’s fight for justice goes on. He was studying to become a lawyer, and coming from a poor working-class background in the West Indies we know he would have been a champion of the working class and those less fortunate in the community.
He would have been proud to be associated with this community development. Therefore, we take the view that he would have been pleased to be associated with such a worthy cause.
On his behalf we thank you and appreciate your kindness."
Who was Kelso Cochrane?
Kelso Cochrane was murdered in Notting Hill in May 1959 by a gang of white youths while on his way home. No one has ever been convicted for his killing. Kelso’s family and friends still continue the fight for justice to this day.
In memory of Kelso Cochrane, a naming ceremony was held on Wednesday 17 May 2023 – the anniversary of his death – 64 years ago – to ensure Kelso is remembered and never forgotten.
Kelso is very much part of the history of borough and a reminder of how important striving to be better for all and securing justice is.