Construction starts on new ‘Charedi homes’ in Stamford Hill

Construction work has begun on a series of new “Charedi homes” in Stamford Hill which will come complete with Shabbat elevators, Sukkot balconies and kitchens that can be closed off from the rest of the house.

Hackney’s mayor joined Orthodox leaders to mark the start of the building work at Tower Court, where more than 50 new homes will be built. They will have a large number of bedrooms to accommodate traditionally large Orthodox families.

A new base for the volunteer-led Hatzola ambulance team will also be built alongside the homes, which will be available for social rent and shared ownership, replacing previous homes on the site overlooking Clapton Common.

Balconies in the properties will allow a sukkah to be built for Jewish families celebrating Sukkot, and Shabbat-compliant lifts will also be installed.

Hundreds of Charedi families have decamped from Hackney to Canvey Island in recent years, pushed out by the high cost of housing in London, but Stamford Hill is still home to Europe’s largest Orthodox Jewish population.

“With Hackney facing a severe housing crisis and 13,000 people waiting for a Council home, this milestone is further proof that we are doing all we can to deliver the genuinely affordable housing we need,” said Mayor of Hackney Phillip Glanville.

“By working hard to understand the needs of local people here in Stamford Hill, our plans for Tower Court show that the homes we build are firmly rooted in their communities and available and accessible to everyone who might need them.”

Plans for the homes were drawn up “in close collaboration with the Stamford Hill community” and will be suitable for all local residents, with kitchens that can be adapted to meet Kosher requirements.

The new Council homes will be prioritised for families who previously lived in Tower Court, with the remainder allocated to those who need it most on the Council’s waiting list.

Andy Fancy, director of Hackney’s contractor Countryside, said the ceremony “had a real sense of celebration,” adding that he was “proud to have incorporated a new facility for the Hatzola ambulance service, which is a key part of the community”.