Residents across the London Borough of Hounslow can anticipate a significant wave of construction activity throughout 2026, as several major development projects either commence or continue to progress. From much-needed affordable housing schemes to new educational facilities and a dedicated children's home, the borough is poised for substantial transformation.
Affordable Housing Initiatives Take Centre Stage
Two prominent housing projects are set to deliver exclusively affordable homes for the community. The Charlton House development in Brentford, which received planning approval in 2022, will replace outdated housing stock with 182 new, high-quality, low-carbon homes. Demolition work began in May 2025, with construction expected to start in summer 2026. Over a third of these homes will feature at least three bedrooms, catering to families, and the project will also include new retail units and enhanced green spaces.
Meanwhile, in Hounslow itself, the Bellvue Court project is progressing as a car-free development designated for London Affordable Rent. This building, rising to eight storeys in parts, will provide 25 new homes, comprising 13 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom flats. To compensate for the loss of existing amenity space, the council has incorporated a ground-floor courtyard play area and a rooftop terrace. The development includes only four parking spaces, reserved for residents in wheelchair-accessible ground-floor apartments, with handover anticipated for summer 2026.
Educational Expansions and a New Children's Home
School Developments in Feltham and Hanworth
Significant advancements are also underway in the borough's educational infrastructure. Reach Academy Hanworth Park, which opened its doors in September 2024 with an initial cohort of 150 pupils, is set to expand. From September 2026, it will welcome an additional 90 Year 7 students annually until it reaches full capacity in 2030, ultimately serving over 1,000 pupils from Reception to Year 11, including a Sixth Form College.
Adjacent to this, Hounslow's Planning Committee has approved a major redevelopment for Rivers Academy Feltham. This project focuses on modernising facilities through the construction of a new three-storey school building and a single-storey sports block, aiming to enhance the learning environment for students.
Supporting Vulnerable Children
In a landmark move, Hounslow will see its first new children's home in over a decade completed by late spring 2026. Located on Bedfont Lane, this redevelopment of an existing council site will provide a stable home for six children in local authority care. The facility is designed to maintain crucial links with community support networks, including social workers and teachers, ensuring comprehensive care for its residents.
Additional Family Housing in Feltham
Further contributing to the borough's housing stock, the Fern Grove development in Feltham is advancing on site. This project will deliver 28 new family-sized homes, consisting of three and four-bedroom flats, earmarked for council housing. The development has repurposed an underused garage site and involved the demolition of four houses to facilitate the plans, with families expected to move in by summer 2026.
These collective initiatives underscore Hounslow Council's commitment to addressing housing needs, improving educational facilities, and supporting vulnerable residents, marking 2026 as a pivotal year for development across the borough.
