Best affordable housing development – £20m+

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Highgate Newtown Community Centre is a community-led regeneration project in Camden, north London, that has transformed a former territorial army drill hall into an inclusive, multi-functional neighbourhood hub.

 

The scheme provides 36 high-quality council homes for Afghan refugees, more than 2,000 square metres of flexible community spaces, a new youth club and a large, multi-purpose sports and events hall. At the heart of the development is a central public courtyard that connects people, neighbourhoods and services.

 

Every home exceeds space standards, while passive design strategies, air source heat pumps and heat recovery systems support energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Developed through Camden Council’s community investment programme with the input of more than 200 local stakeholders – including local residents, organisations and young people – the project provides a new benchmark for sustainable, socially responsive development. It demonstrates how development can respond to social needs, enhance well-being and offer a genuine sense of place.

 

The outcome is not only a collection of buildings but a demonstration of what can be achieved when community voices guide design. 

 

The judges said:

“A very strong application with 100% affordable housing for Afghan refugees, showing strong design principles and excellent landscaping on a difficult site. Great community engagement and thoughtful consideration around long-term financial sustainability”