Major regeneration at Ham Close takes shape as new homes and community spaces get underway

Work is underway on one of Richmond’s largest regeneration projects, set to deliver hundreds of new homes and two community spaces for residents.

Councillor Chris Varley, Richmond Council’s Lead Member for Housing, said: “Ham Close is a major step forward for our borough, and transformation is now well underway – a project that will provide new homes and community spaces for generations to come.”

Richmond Council and local housing provider Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) are delivering 452 new homes on the site, replacing existing social housing and adding 78 additional affordable homes to help meet local housing need.

Alongside the new homes, the redevelopment will soon deliver two community spaces – The Hive, a community centre, and The Makers Barn, a creative hub that will be home to Richmond MakerLabs.

Backed by £7 million investment from Richmond Council, The Hive is purpose-built to support families, young people, and the wider Ham community. Run by Achieving for Children, it will provide dedicated spaces including a sports hall, art room, music studio, ICT suite, meeting rooms, community lounge and kitchen, a sensory room, lift access and a Changing Places facility to improve accessibility onsite. Flexible spaces will also be available for community groups to hire.

The Makers Barn will offer specialist tools, equipment and expertise, supporting repair services that promote a circular and sustainable economy. It will also host workshops and volunteering opportunities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, alongside providing recycled computers for refugees and low-income families.

Councillor Varley added: “This scheme is about more than new homes. It’s about creating a neighbourhood where families, young people, and the wider community can learn, connect, and grow together and continuing to build our foundations for a fairer borough.”

Together, the new homes and community facilities represent a major investment in the future of Ham. Richmond Council and RHP say they will continue to work closely with residents as the regeneration progresses, ensuring the development delivers a connected neighbourhood for the local community.

Both spaces will be completed early this summer, along with the first phase of affordable homes.