Sadiq Khan Celebrates Haringey’s 1,000 Council Homes at Wingspan Walk

Key Points

• Haringey Council has completed 1,000 homes at council rent, marking a significant milestone in affordable housing delivery.
• Mayor of London Sadiq Khan visited the Wingspan Walk scheme in the borough on Friday, 30 January, to celebrate the achievement.
• The event included Haringey Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet, Deputy Mayor for Housing Tom Copley, Haringey’s youth leaders, and local MPs Catherine West and Bambos Charalambous.
• Wingspan Walk features 272 high-quality, energy-efficient homes, transforming a former disused brownfield site into a vibrant, green residential neighbourhood.
• The scheme received £43.5 million in City Hall funding and is built to Passivhaus standards, with all homes allocated to residents on Haringey Council’s housing register.
• Haringey’s housebuilding programme is the second biggest in the country for social rent homes and aims to deliver at least 3,000 council homes by 2031.
• Wingspan Walk is located close to Tottenham Hale station and includes new entrances into Down Lane Park, 74 additional trees, and shrubbery to support wildlife.
• Construction uses responsibly sourced, environmentally friendly materials, featuring high insulation, triple glazing, and heat recovery ventilation for low running costs.
• Other completed projects include Walter Tull House in Tottenham Hale (131 homes), Nilgun Canver Court in Wood Green (80 homes), and Watts Close in Tottenham (first zero-carbon development).
• Each development meets high standards and incorporates enhanced green spaces and biodiversity improvements for community benefit.

Haringey, London (North London News) – January 31, 2026 – Haringey Council has reached a landmark achievement by completing 1,000 homes at council rent, with Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joining local leaders and residents to celebrate at the flagship Wingspan Walk scheme today. The event highlighted the borough’s award-winning housebuilding programme, recognised as the second largest in the country for delivering social rent homes, and on course to build at least 3,000 council homes by 2031. This milestone underscores Haringey’s commitment to tackling the housing crisis through high-quality, sustainable developments.

What Made the Celebration at Wingspan Walk Significant?

The gathering at Wingspan Walk brought together key figures to mark the completion of 272 homes in one of Haringey’s largest schemes. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, was joined by Haringey Council Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet, Deputy Mayor for Housing Tom Copley, Haringey’s youth leaders, and local MPs Catherine West and Bambos Charalambous. They met families already benefiting from these energy-efficient homes, emphasising the real impact on local residents.

Wingspan Walk stands out for its transformation of a disused brownfield site, supported by £43.5 million in funding from City Hall. All homes in this Passivhaus-standard development are allocated exclusively to those on Haringey Council’s housing register, ensuring priority for those in greatest need.

The scheme’s proximity to Tottenham Hale station enhances connectivity, while new entrances into Down Lane Park, 74 additional trees, and wildlife-supporting shrubbery boost the local environment.

As reported in the official Haringey Council release, Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, said:

“Located close to Tottenham Hale station, Wingspan Walk provides new entrances into Down Lane Park, with 74 additional trees planted on the site and shrubbery that will improve the landscape and support wildlife.”

This statement highlights the dual focus on housing and green space enhancement.

How Does Haringey’s Housebuilding Programme Rank Nationally?

Haringey’s programme has earned national acclaim as the second biggest in the country for building social rent homes. It is on track to deliver at least 3,000 council homes by 2031, a ambitious target amid ongoing housing pressures in the capital.

The council’s efforts reflect a strategic push to address affordability, with all new homes let at council rents to keep costs low for tenants.

The Wingspan Walk project exemplifies this scale, comprising 272 homes built to exceptional standards. Responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly materials feature throughout, including high insulation, triple glazing, and heat recovery ventilation systems. These Passivhaus principles ensure low running costs and comfortable living conditions year-round.

Cllr Peray Ahmet further elaborated on the construction ethos:

“Responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly materials are being used in the construction of this Passivhaus scheme, which delivers exceptional energy efficiency, ensuring low running costs and a comfortable environment through features like high insulation, triple glazing and heat recovery ventilation.”

Her comments, drawn from the council’s announcement, underscore the scheme’s sustainability credentials.

Which Other Landmark Projects Has Haringey Completed?

The council’s portfolio includes several standout developments that have bolstered the 1,000-home milestone. Walter Tull House in Tottenham Hale delivered 131 homes at council rent, providing much-needed accommodation in a high-demand area. Nilgun Canver Court in Wood Green added 80 homes, further expanding options for local families.

Watts Close in Tottenham holds particular distinction as the council’s first zero-carbon development, setting a precedent for future builds. Each project adheres to high construction standards, prioritising quality and resident wellbeing.

The official statement notes:

“The council’s programme has seen a number of landmark projects completed across the borough, including Walter Tull House in Tottenham Hale delivering 131 homes at council rent, Nilgun Canver Court in Wood Green providing 80 homes and Watts Close in Tottenham – the council’s first zero carbon development.”

This comprehensive list demonstrates the breadth of Haringey’s achievements.

Why Are Green Spaces and Biodiversity Improvements Prioritised?

Every new Haringey development integrates enhanced green spaces and biodiversity measures to benefit the wider community. At Wingspan Walk, landscaping improvements extend beyond housing to foster a thriving ecosystem, with trees and shrubbery attracting pollinators and wildlife.

This approach aligns with broader environmental goals, ensuring new neighbourhoods contribute positively to the borough’s ecology.

“Each new development is built to high standards and, where possible, seeks to deliver enhanced green spaces and biodiversity improvements that benefit the whole community,”

states the Haringey Council release, reflecting a holistic vision for urban living.

The involvement of youth leaders at the event signals a forward-looking commitment, engaging younger residents in housing and sustainability discussions. MPs Catherine West and Bambos Charalambous’s presence reinforces cross-party support for these initiatives.

What Role Did City Hall Play in Wingspan Walk?

City Hall’s £43.5 million investment was pivotal in realising Wingspan Walk, turning brownfield waste into a vibrant residential hub. Deputy Mayor for Housing Tom Copley attended to affirm this partnership, highlighting London’s mayoral priorities.

This funding forms part of wider efforts to boost social housing across the capital, with Haringey’s progress serving as a model. The Passivhaus design not only minimises energy use but also future-proofs homes against rising costs and climate challenges.

Sadiq Khan’s participation, as detailed in the event coverage, celebrates not just numbers but tangible community gains. His attendance alongside Cllr Peray Ahmet emphasises collaborative governance in action.

How Does This Milestone Address London’s Housing Crisis?

Reaching 1,000 council homes directly confronts the acute shortage of affordable rentals in North London. With homes at council rent, the scheme shields residents from market volatility, offering stability in high-pressure areas like Haringey.

The programme’s trajectory to 3,000 homes by 2031 positions Haringey as a leader, potentially inspiring other boroughs. Families met at Wingspan Walk shared stories of relief, having secured decent, efficient housing close to transport and amenities.

Neutral observers note the council’s consistent delivery across sites like Tottenham Hale and Wood Green, building trust through results. This milestone arrives at a critical juncture, as housing waits lengthen amid population growth.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for Haringey’s Ambitions?

Sustaining momentum towards 3,000 homes will test resources, from funding to land acquisition. Brownfield transformations like Wingspan Walk require navigating planning hurdles, yet Haringey’s track record suggests resilience.

Maintaining Passivhaus and zero-carbon standards demands investment, balanced against affordability mandates. Community buy-in, evident in youth and MP involvement, will prove vital for ongoing support.

Cllr Peray Ahmet’s leadership, praised in coverage, focuses on integration—housing intertwined with parks and ecology. As Haringey presses forward, this 1,000-home mark stands as both celebration and springboard.

Broader Implications for North London Housing

Haringey’s success ripples into neighbouring boroughs, showcasing scalable social rent models. National second-place ranking elevates its profile, potentially unlocking further grants.

The event’s diverse attendees—from Mayor to local youth—symbolise inclusive progress. Wingspan Walk’s features, from triple glazing to park access, set benchmarks for quality.