Key Points
- JRL Group has secured a £68.4 million contract from Clarion Housing Group to construct 180 affordable homes in Brent, north London.
- The project is located at Stonebridge Park, near the existing Argenta House, following Clarion’s recent purchase of the site.
- Clarion acquired the land through Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP, a joint venture between Latimer—Clarion’s development arm—and partner Cervidae.
- The joint venture previously obtained planning permission from Brent Council for a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme opposite Stonebridge Park tube station.
- Planning approval was granted last November by Brent Council.
- The development comprises 88 homes for social rent and 92 homes for shared ownership.
- The scheme revives a previously stalled project near Argenta House, providing a clear path forward after Clarion assumed full ownership of the site.
Brent, (North London News) February 10, 2026 – JRL Group has been awarded a £68.4 million contract by Clarion Housing Group to build 180 affordable homes at Stonebridge Park in Brent, north London, reigniting a previously stalled development near Argenta House.
- Key Points
- What Is the Background of This £68.4m Contract?
- Why Did the Previous Scheme Stall?
- How Was Planning Permission Secured?
- Who Are the Key Players Involved?
- What Does the Development Include?
- Why Is This Significant for Brent’s Housing Market?
- How Does This Fit into Clarion’s Broader Strategy?
- What Role Did JRL Group Play in Securing the Contract?
- What Are the Next Steps for the Project?
- Broader Implications for UK Affordable Housing?
The appointment comes after Clarion Housing Group finalised its purchase of the key site, securing a route to deliver much-needed affordable housing opposite Stonebridge Park tube station. Brent Council approved the 100 per cent affordable scheme last November, with 88 homes designated for social rent and 92 for shared ownership. This milestone underscores ongoing efforts to address London’s housing crisis through strategic land acquisitions and partnerships.
What Is the Background of This £68.4m Contract?
The contract award marks a significant step for JRL Group, a construction firm with a strong track record in residential projects. As reported in initial coverage by construction industry specialists, JRL will deliver the full scheme following Clarion’s land acquisition.
Clarion Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, spearheaded the effort through its development arm, Latimer.
Prior to Clarion’s full ownership, the site was held by Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP, a joint venture between Latimer and Cervidae, a development partner.
This JV successfully navigated the planning process, obtaining approval from Brent Council last November for the entirely affordable project. The development’s location—directly opposite Stonebridge Park tube station—enhances its appeal for accessible housing in a high-demand area.
Why Did the Previous Scheme Stall?
The project near the existing Argenta House had stalled before Clarion’s intervention, leaving the site underdeveloped despite its prime position. According to details from the announcement, Clarion’s completion of the land purchase provided the necessary momentum to revive the initiative.
This move by Clarion Housing Group ensured a clear pathway for construction, addressing previous hurdles that had delayed progress.
No specific reasons for the earlier stall—such as funding issues or planning disputes—were detailed in the primary reports, but the JV’s prior planning success laid essential groundwork. Brent Council’s approval last November for the 180-home scheme signalled strong local support, focusing exclusively on affordable tenures. Industry observers note that such revivals are common in London’s competitive housing market, where land ownership shifts can unlock stalled sites.
How Was Planning Permission Secured?
Planning permission for the 100 per cent affordable housing scheme was granted by Brent Council last November, as confirmed across initial reports.
The Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP joint venture, comprising Latimer and Cervidae, drove this approval process before transferring full ownership to Clarion. The scheme’s design emphasises affordability, with no market-rate units, aligning with local authority priorities in Brent.
The development will feature 88 social rent homes and 92 shared ownership units, catering to diverse housing needs in north London.
Brent Council’s decision reflects broader trends in UK planning, where councils increasingly prioritise affordable housing amid rising demand. No statements from council officials were quoted in the core announcement, but the approval underscores the site’s suitability opposite Stonebridge Park tube station.
Who Are the Key Players Involved?
JRL Group, the appointed main contractor, brings expertise to the £68.4 million residential job. Clarion Housing Group, the client, operates through its development arm Latimer, which partnered with Cervidae in the JV that acquired and planned the site.
Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP facilitated the land deal and planning phase before Clarion took full control.
No individual names from these organisations were highlighted in the reports, maintaining a focus on corporate entities. Brent Council played a pivotal regulatory role by approving the scheme last November. This collaboration exemplifies how housing associations, contractors, and local authorities partner to deliver affordable homes in urban areas like Brent.
What Does the Development Include?
The project will deliver 180 affordable homes in total: 88 for social rent and 92 for shared ownership. Positioned near the existing Argenta House and opposite Stonebridge Park tube station, it promises excellent transport links for residents. As a 100 per cent affordable scheme, it addresses critical shortages in Brent, north London, where demand outstrips supply.
Details on exact specifications—such as unit sizes, sustainability features, or amenities—were not specified in the initial coverage. However, the emphasis on social rent and shared ownership aligns with government-backed models to support low- and middle-income households. Completion timelines were also unstated, though JRL Group’s involvement suggests efficient delivery.
Why Is This Significant for Brent’s Housing Market?
Brent, north London, faces acute housing pressures, making this 180-home scheme a vital addition. Clarion’s strategic purchase and JRL’s contract award revive a stalled project, boosting local supply of affordable units. The mix of 88 social rent and 92 shared ownership homes targets key demographics, from vulnerable tenants to aspiring homeowners.
In the wider context, such developments counter London’s affordability crisis, where average prices far exceed wages. Brent Council’s November approval highlights proactive local governance. Industry sources view this as a model for unlocking brownfield sites through JVs like Latimer and Cervidae.
How Does This Fit into Clarion’s Broader Strategy?
Clarion Housing Group, via Latimer, frequently partners on affordable schemes, as seen with Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP and Cervidae. Taking full ownership post-planning enabled this £68.4 million contract with JRL. The focus on 100 per cent affordability reflects Clarion’s mission to provide social housing at scale.
No direct quotes from Clarion executives were available in the reports, but the land acquisition signals ambitious expansion. This Brent project complements Clarion’s portfolio, emphasising stalled-site revivals. Shared ownership elements support pathways to ownership amid rising rents.
What Role Did JRL Group Play in Securing the Contract?
JRL Group was selected as the main contractor for the £68.4 million job following a competitive process, though specifics were not detailed. Their expertise in residential construction positions them well for the 180-home delivery. The firm’s involvement ensures professional execution near Stonebridge Park.
Reports attribute the award directly to Clarion Housing Group, post-land purchase. JRL’s track record likely influenced the decision, though no statements from JRL representatives were quoted.
What Are the Next Steps for the Project?
With the contract awarded and planning secured, construction is poised to commence, though no start date was announced. JRL Group will oversee building 88 social rent and 92 shared ownership homes. Monitoring by Brent Council will ensure compliance with the approved scheme.
Clarion’s full ownership removes prior barriers, promising steady progress. Stakeholders, including Latimer and Cervidae via the JV legacy, have paved the way. This development could inspire similar initiatives in north London.
Broader Implications for UK Affordable Housing?
This £68.4 million Brent project exemplifies partnerships driving affordable housing delivery. Amid national shortages, schemes like this—100 per cent affordable, council-approved—offer hope. The revival of stalled sites via JVs demonstrates effective strategies.
Experts anticipate ripple effects, with JRL, Clarion, and Brent Council setting precedents. Social rent and shared ownership models balance immediate and long-term needs. As London grapples with demand, such stories highlight progress.
