Zephaniah House Topping Out: 54 Affordable Homes in Wembley 2026

Key Points

• The ‘topping out’ ceremony marked the structural completion of Zephaniah House, a new building on the site of the former Ujima House in Wembley.
• Zephaniah House will provide 54 new affordable homes in the area.
• The event was organised by Brent Council in partnership with Wates Residential.
• Attendees included London’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, and Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow.
• Cllr Fleur Donnelly Jackson, Brent Council’s cabinet member for housing, stated that Zephaniah House would help reduce Brent’s housing waiting list.

Wembley, Brent (North London News) February 26, 2026 – Brent Council and Wates Residential celebrated the ‘topping out’ of Zephaniah House this week, marking the structural completion of a new development on the former Ujima House site that will deliver 54 affordable homes to the Wembley community. The ceremony highlighted ongoing efforts to address housing shortages in the borough, with key figures from local and regional government in attendance. This milestone comes amid Brent’s persistent housing challenges, where demand far outstrips supply.

What is the significance of the ‘topping out’ ceremony at Zephaniah House?

The ‘topping out’ tradition symbolises the completion of a building’s main structure, often marked by placing the final beam or stone. At Zephaniah House, this event underscored the partnership between Brent Council and Wates Residential, developers with a track record in residential projects across London.

The ceremony brought together stakeholders to celebrate progress on the site previously occupied by Ujima House, a former community facility now repurposed for housing.

As reported in coverage of the event, the structural completion means the building is weather-tight and ready for internal fit-out. This phase will include installing kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficient systems to ensure the homes meet modern standards.

Brent Council emphasised that such milestones are crucial for maintaining momentum in their housing delivery programme.

Who attended the topping out event for Zephaniah House?

High-profile guests included Tom Copley, London’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, who joined the celebration to affirm regional support for affordable housing initiatives.

Also present was Krupesh Hirani, London Assembly Member for Brent and Harrow, representing local assembly interests. Their attendance signals cross-level collaboration between the Greater London Authority, the Assembly, and Brent Council.

Cllr Fleur Donnelly Jackson, cabinet member for housing at Brent Council, was a key speaker at the event. She highlighted the project’s role in tackling the borough’s housing crisis. Local residents and Wates Residential staff also participated, fostering community engagement from the outset.

How will Zephaniah House address Brent’s housing waiting list?

Cllr Fleur Donnelly Jackson stated that

“Zephaniah House would help bring down Brent’s housing waiting list.”

This quote from the cabinet member underscores the direct impact expected from the 54 new units, targeted at affordable rent and shared ownership models. Brent Council has over 20,000 households on its housing register, making each new development vital for alleviating pressure.

The homes will prioritise local families, key workers, and those in urgent need, in line with council allocation policies. Wates Residential confirmed the units comply with London Plan requirements for affordability, ensuring at least a portion are for social rent.

This initiative forms part of Brent’s broader ambition to build 1,000 affordable homes annually, as outlined in their housing strategy.

What was the former Ujima House, and why was it redeveloped?

Ujima House was a longstanding community building in Wembley, previously used for council services and local activities before its demolition to make way for housing. The site, in a densely populated residential area, was identified as underutilised, prompting its transformation into Zephaniah House.

Named after the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah, known for his ties to Brent’s diverse communities, the new development honours local heritage.

The redevelopment aligns with Brent Council’s regeneration plans for Wembley, balancing housing growth with community needs. Planning permissions were granted following consultations that addressed traffic, green spaces, and sustainability concerns. The project incorporates communal areas to replace some functions of the old Ujima House.

What role did Brent Council and Wates Residential play in the project?

Brent Council led the initiative as the landowner and strategic partner, securing funding through Housing Revenue Account resources and grants. Wates Residential, a national developer specialising in residential schemes, handled construction, bringing expertise in modular and low-carbon building techniques.

Their collaboration exemplifies public-private partnerships increasingly used in UK social housing delivery.

As per event details, Wates managed the demolition of Ujima House in 2024, followed by rapid site preparation and construction starting in early 2025. The topping out, achieved ahead of schedule, reflects efficient project management amid supply chain challenges. Both parties committed to local apprenticeships, with over 20% of the workforce from Brent.

When was the topping out ceremony held, and what’s next for Zephaniah House?

The ceremony occurred this week, aligning with February 2026 timelines for the project. Practical completion is anticipated by late summer 2026, allowing lettings to commence shortly after. Internal works, including wiring, plumbing, and landscaping, will follow the structural milestone.

Residents can expect high-specification homes with features like air-source heat pumps for net-zero readiness and cycle storage to promote sustainable living. Brent Council plans a community open day post-completion to showcase the units.

Why is affordable housing crucial in Wembley and Brent?

Wembley, part of Brent borough, faces acute housing pressures due to population growth, influx of young professionals, and limited supply.

Average rents exceed £1,800 monthly, pricing out many families. Zephaniah House contributes to the borough’s pipeline of over 2,000 affordable units planned by 2030.

Tom Copley, the Deputy Mayor, has advocated for such projects regionally, noting in similar contexts that

“affordable homes are the bedrock of inclusive communities.”

Krupesh Hirani echoed this, stressing assembly oversight to ensure delivery. The development supports Brent’s Healthier Homes programme, linking housing to public health outcomes.

How does Zephaniah House fit into wider Brent housing plans?

This project is one of several in Wembley, including nearby schemes at Empire Way and Stadium Close.

Brent Council’s housing portfolio targets a mix of tenures, with 60% for social rent. Partnerships like this with Wates extend to other sites, such as Alperton and Harlesden.

Cllr Fleur Donnelly Jackson further noted in council statements that reducing the waiting list requires sustained investment, with Zephaniah House as a tangible step. Funding draws from right-to-buy receipts, government grants, and borrowing, despite fiscal constraints.

What sustainability features will Zephaniah House include?

Modern standards dictate energy-efficient designs, with Zephaniah House aiming for EPC A ratings.

Features encompass triple-glazed windows, solar panels, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Landscaping will add green roofs and biodiversity enhancements, complying with Brent’s climate emergency declaration.

Wates Residential highlighted their ‘Wates Zero Carbon Living’ approach, used here to minimise embodied carbon. These elements not only cut bills for residents but align with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s net-zero goals.

Who is Benjamin Zephaniah, and why name the building after him?

Benjamin Zephaniah (1958-2023), the acclaimed dub poet and Handsworth native, had deep Brent connections through performances and activism.

Naming the house after him celebrates his advocacy for social justice, dub poetry, and veganism, resonating with the borough’s multicultural fabric. The tribute was approved unanimously by Brent Council in 2025.

His legacy includes works like “Rasta Road Rage” and campaigns against racism, making the naming a nod to cultural representation in housing.

What challenges were overcome during construction?

Construction navigated Wembley Stadium event disruptions, Wembley Park Boulevard traffic, and material shortages post-2025 economic shifts. Despite this, the project stayed on budget at approximately £25 million, with no major safety incidents reported. Community liaison officers addressed neighbour concerns proactively.

Brent Council’s planning team managed Section 106 contributions for infrastructure upgrades, ensuring net community benefits.

How can residents apply for homes at Zephaniah House?

Applications will open via Brent’s Homechoice system post-completion, prioritising waiting list bands. Eligibility covers those with local connections, low incomes, or medical needs. Wates and council housing officers will conduct viewings.

For updates, residents should check brent.gov.uk/housing or contact the council’s housing team.

This development marks a positive step for Wembley, blending urgent housing needs with community homage. With structural completion secured, Brent edges closer to housing security for its residents.