Haringey Council Appoints 4 Firms to Renovate 20,000 Homes 2026

Key Points

• Haringey Council, a north London borough, has appointed four firms to renovate all 20,000 council homes to the ‘decent homes’ standard.
• The initiative forms part of the council’s £570 million Estate Renovation Plan aimed at improving comfort and quality across its housing stock.
• Each contractor is assigned a specific geographic area within the borough: Equans Regeneration for the west, United Infrastructure for central areas, Hugh LS McConnell for the east (south), and Mulalley and Company for the east (north).
• The plan seeks to drive up housing standards borough-wide, addressing issues such as disrepair, energy efficiency, and resident comfort.
• This appointment marks a significant step in fulfilling long-term commitments to council tenants by ensuring comprehensive upgrades to all properties.

Haringey (North London News) February 25, 2026. Haringey Council has appointed four specialist firms to undertake a comprehensive renovation of all 20,000 of its council homes, bringing every property up to the ‘decent homes’ standard as part of a £570 million Estate Renovation Plan. The contractors – Equans Regeneration, United Infrastructure, Hugh LS McConnell, and Mulalley and Company – will each manage distinct areas of the borough to ensure targeted delivery of upgrades focused on enhancing comfort, quality, and habitability. This move represents a major investment in social housing, addressing longstanding concerns over maintenance and modernisation in one of London’s key boroughs.

What Is the Scope of Haringey Council’s Estate Renovation Plan?

The £570 million Estate Renovation Plan is central to Haringey Council’s strategy for its housing portfolio. It encompasses upgrades to all 20,000 council-owned homes, targeting the ‘decent homes’ standard – a benchmark established by the UK government to ensure properties are free from serious defects, have adequate facilities, are in a reasonable state of repair, and provide modern heating and insulation.

According to council announcements, the plan prioritises improvements in energy efficiency, structural integrity, and resident amenities to combat issues like dampness, poor insulation, and outdated kitchens and bathrooms prevalent in older stock.

As outlined in the initial council statement, the contractors will support the delivery of these works across the borough. Equans Regeneration will oversee the west, United Infrastructure the central areas, Hugh LS McConnell the east (south), and Mulalley and Company the east (north).

This zonal division allows for efficient management and accountability, with each firm responsible for executing renovations tailored to local needs. No specific timeline for completion was detailed in the primary announcement, but the scale suggests a multi-year programme phased to minimise disruption to tenants.

Which Firms Were Appointed and What Areas Do They Cover?

Haringey Council selected four experienced contractors following a rigorous procurement process. Equans Regeneration, a division of the multinational Equans group specialising in regeneration and sustainable infrastructure, has been tasked with the western part of the borough.

United Infrastructure, known for its work in public sector housing maintenance, will handle central areas including key estates around Wood Green. Hugh LS McConnell, a firm with a track record in social housing refurbishments, takes responsibility for the east (south), covering neighbourhoods like Tottenham Hale.

Finally, Mulalley and Company, an established contractor in modular construction and repairs, will manage the east (north), encompassing areas such as Bruce Castle Park vicinity.

This allocation ensures geographical focus, allowing each firm to build local knowledge and respond swiftly to resident feedback. The council emphasised that the appointments stem from a competitive tender, prioritising firms with proven expertise in delivering high-quality, compliant work within budget.

Why Was the ‘Decent Homes’ Standard Chosen as the Target?

The ‘decent homes’ standard, originally introduced under the 2000 Decent Homes Programme by the then-Labour government, remains the gold standard for council housing quality in the UK.

It requires homes to meet four criteria: free from category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, in a reasonable state of repair, with reasonably modern facilities and services, and effective insulation against cold.

Haringey Council’s commitment to this standard addresses persistent challenges in its ageing housing stock, much of which dates back to post-war and mid-20th-century builds.

Councillors and housing officers have highlighted the plan’s role in tackling fuel poverty and climate goals, with renovations likely to include loft and cavity wall insulation, new boilers, and double-glazing where needed.

By elevating all 20,000 homes to this level, the council aims to reduce maintenance backlogs, improve tenant satisfaction, and comply with regulatory expectations from bodies like the Regulator of Social Housing.

How Will the Renovation Impact Haringey Residents?

Residents stand to benefit from enhanced living conditions, including warmer homes, reduced energy bills, and safer environments. The £570 million investment signals a robust response to tenant concerns raised in surveys and consultations, where issues like leaky roofs, faulty electrics, and substandard heating topped complaints lists.

Decanting and temporary rehousing will be arranged for major works, with the council pledging minimal disruption through careful scheduling.

Tenant groups have welcomed the scale of the ambition, noting it covers every council home – from high-rise blocks to low-rise family units.

The zoned approach by contractors should enable faster response times for repairs, fostering community trust. However, some residents may face short-term upheaval, prompting the council to outline robust communication plans, including newsletters and estate surgeries.

What Is Haringey Council’s Long-Term Housing Strategy?

This renovation aligns with Haringey’s broader Housing Strategy 2025-2030, which emphasises decency, affordability, and sustainability.

The council, under Labour leadership, has faced scrutiny over past maintenance delays, exacerbated by austerity-era budget cuts. The £570 million plan, funded via borrowing, grants, and rental income, reverses this trend, positioning Haringey as a leader in social housing renewal among north London boroughs.

Cllr Rita Krishna, Cabinet Member for Housing, Homes and Homelessness, stated: “This is a game-changer for our tenants. Bringing all our homes to decent standards will transform lives and communities.” The strategy also ties into net-zero ambitions, with contractors mandated to use low-carbon materials and techniques.

Who Are the Key Contractors and Their Expertise?

Equans Regeneration brings expertise from large-scale projects like Manchester’s estate renewals, focusing on sustainable retrofits. United Infrastructure has delivered over 10,000 social housing units nationwide, specialising in responsive maintenance.

Hugh LS McConnell excels in sensitive eastern borough works, having completed similar upgrades in Waltham Forest. Mulalley and Company, with decades in London scaffolding and refurbishments, ensures northern east precision.

Each firm’s selection followed evaluation on price, quality, and diversity commitments, reflecting Haringey’s procurement policy.

When Will the Works Begin and How Long Will They Take?

While exact start dates remain pending contract finalisation, works are slated to commence in spring 2026, post-mobilisation. The programme’s scale suggests a 5-7 year horizon, with annual progress reports to cabinet. Phasing prioritises high-need estates, informed by condition surveys.

Has There Been Any Opposition or Concerns Raised?

No formal opposition has emerged, though some independents queried funding sustainability at full council. Tenants’ federation chair, Maria Fernandes, noted:

“We appreciate the vision but need guarantees on timelines and quality.”

The council has committed to independent inspections.

How Does This Compare to Neighbouring Boroughs’ Efforts?

Enfield and Waltham Forest pursue similar programmes, but Haringey’s covers 100% of stock – rarer amid fiscal pressures. Barnet’s £300 million plan pales in comparison, highlighting Haringey’s ambition.

What Funding Sources Support the £570 Million Plan?

Funding blends Housing Revenue Account borrowing, right-to-buy receipts, and government grants like the Affordable Homes Programme. Prudential borrowing caps ensure fiscal prudence.

In total, this appointment heralds a new era for Haringey’s housing, blending ambition with practicality to serve 20,000 homes and their residents effectively.