Central & Cecil (C&C), a local housing provider specialising in homes for people aged over 55, celebrated the formal opening of Grace House, a new large-scale affordable housing development in St. John’s Wood. The ceremony, held on October 20th, was attended by Lord Richard Best OBE, who praised the collective efforts that brought the development to fruition, describing it as a “triumph.”
Grace House, operated by C&C, is the first significant housing project completed since its merger with Aster Group earlier this year. Located opposite Lord’s Cricket Ground, the development consists of 170 apartments and replaces the demolished Dora House, a later living scheme.
Residents who have been settling into Grace House over the past two months joined in the celebration, enjoying live music, art classes, and group dance activities. The event also welcomed sitting Councillors from Westminster City Council and senior representatives from C&C’s project partners, including Regal London, Ryder Architecture, Motionspot, Arup, Montagu Evans, and Trowers.
Approximately 60 former residents of Dora House have transitioned to the new development, which comprises 153 affordable living apartments and 17 apartments available for private rent. Westminster City Council is currently processing new applications for the remaining affordable living apartments.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the design of Grace House. The development features electric vehicle charging points, air source heat pumps for low-carbon heating and hot water, and solar panels to generate renewable electricity.
The Dora Designers Group, composed of several Dora House residents, collaborated with C&C and its partners to ensure that the needs and preferences of future residents were understood during the design process. Guests were given a tour of the residents’ new communal lounge, gardens (including a roof garden and winter garden), flexible activity spaces, gym, and the designated area for a new café and salon, witnessing firsthand the results of this collaborative approach.
Julia Ashley, business development director at Aster Group and former chief executive at C&C, said:
“Grace House should be regarded as the blueprint for how modern, affordable London living can look for people aged 55 and over. It’s been a great pleasure to welcome Lord Best to see the results of this project. Reopened ahead of schedule, this is the future of sustainable, elegant housing where the building can be adapted to meet the changing needs of residents.”
