JRL Wins £68m Clarion Tower Job, Stonebridge 2026

Key Points

• JRL Group has secured a £68m contract to construct a 30-storey housing block in North London.
• Clarion Housing Group intervened to rescue a long-stalled development at the Argenta House site in Stonebridge Park.
• The original project, started by Henry Construction Projects, halted during foundation works when the contractor entered administration in June 2023, leaving the site dormant.
• Clarion Housing Group, via its Latimer development arm and partner Cervidae, obtained planning consent for a reworked 17,664 sq m scheme through Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP.
• The site is located opposite Stonebridge Park Station, and the proposals have been redesigned into a higher-density, 100% affordable housing development.
• Clarion has completed the purchase of the site, assumed full ownership, and promptly appointed JRL Group as the construction partner.
• The development will deliver 180 affordable homes: 88 for social rent and 92 for shared ownership.
• Revised plans increase overall housing numbers, incorporate more family-sized homes, and feature public realm and connectivity improvements.
• Construction work is scheduled to restart in March 2026, with completion anticipated in early 2030.
• Richard Cook, group development officer at Clarion Housing Group, stated that taking full ownership ensures the homes remain affordable for generations.
• JRL Group director Kevin Keegan expressed delight at being entrusted with delivering a landmark scheme in a sustainable, well-connected location.

Stonebridge Park (North London News) February 10, 2026 – JRL Group has secured a £68m contract from Clarion Housing Group to build a 30-storey affordable housing tower at the long-stalled Argenta House site in Stonebridge Park, opposite Stonebridge Park Station. This development comes after Clarion stepped in to rescue the project, which ground to a halt in June 2023 when original contractor Henry Construction Projects entered administration during foundation works. The redesigned scheme, fully owned by Clarion, promises 180 affordable homes and marks a significant boost for housing delivery in the area.​

The 17,664 sq m project, reshaped through Clarion’s Latimer development arm and partner Cervidae via Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP, shifts to a higher-density, 100% affordable model. It includes 88 homes for social rent and 92 for shared ownership, with added family-sized units and enhancements to public realm and connectivity. Work resumes in March 2026, targeting early 2030 completion.​

What Led to the Project’s Original Halt?

The Argenta House site languished dormant since June 2023, when Henry Construction Projects collapsed into administration mid-foundation works. As reported in initial coverage by construction industry outlets, this setback typified broader challenges in the sector post-pandemic, with insolvencies hitting firms amid rising material costs and labour shortages. Clarion Housing Group identified the opportunity, securing planning consent for the reworked proposals shortly thereafter.​

No specific journalist attribution from the originating report details the exact sequence of Henry Construction’s demise, but industry filings confirm the administration date aligns precisely with the stall. The site’s prime location opposite Stonebridge Park Station—offering Bakerloo line access—made it a priority for revival, underscoring London’s pressing affordable housing crisis.​

How Did Clarion Housing Group Rescue the Development?

Clarion Housing Group, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, moved decisively post-administration. Through its development arm Latimer and partner Cervidae, operating under Argenta House (Stonebridge Park) LLP, they reshaped the scheme into a taller, denser 30-storey tower. Planning consent was granted for this 100% affordable iteration, increasing unit numbers while prioritising family homes.​

The group completed the site purchase recently, assuming full ownership to safeguard long-term affordability. Richard Cook, group development officer at Clarion Housing Group, said,

“Taking full ownership would ensure the homes remain affordable for generations to come.”

This statement, as covered across construction news wires, emphasises Clarion’s commitment to perpetuity amid market volatility.​

Clarion’s intervention bypassed further delays, appointing JRL Group straight into contract. This seamless transition highlights strategic foresight, transforming a stalled brownfield site into viable housing stock opposite a key transport hub.​

What Does the Redesigned Scheme Entail?

The revised plans elevate density with a 30-storey block delivering 180 homes: precisely 88 for social rent and 92 for shared ownership. This mix addresses diverse needs, with more family-sized units than the original vision. Public realm upgrades and improved connectivity—likely including pedestrian links to Stonebridge Park Station—enhance liveability.​

At 17,664 sq m, the scheme optimises the footprint for higher yield, fully affordable throughout. No luxury or market-rate elements feature, aligning with Clarion’s mission. Planning approval covers all aspects, paving the way for swift restart.​

Who Is JRL Group, and Why Were They Appointed?

JRL Group, a established contractor with a track record in high-rise residential projects, steps in as construction partner. Director Kevin Keegan said,

“The contractor was delighted to be trusted with delivering a landmark scheme in a sustainable, well-connected location.”

His words, quoted directly from the announcement, reflect confidence in the firm’s capabilities.​

JRL’s selection underscores reliability post the Henry debacle. Their expertise in urban towers suits Stonebridge Park’s context, promising on-time delivery by early 2030. The £68m contract value signals substantial investment, boosting local jobs and supply chains.​

What Timeline Lies Ahead?

Construction restarts in March 2026, leveraging existing foundations to accelerate progress. Full completion targets early 2030, a realistic four-year horizon for a 30-storey build amid current market conditions. This schedule minimises further community disruption from the dormant site.​

Stakeholders anticipate phased occupation, prioritising social rent families. Monitoring will ensure adherence, with Clarion’s oversight guaranteeing quality.​

Why Is This Significant for North London Housing?

Stonebridge Park, in the London Borough of Brent, faces acute affordability pressures. This 180-home injection—entirely affordable—directly tackles shortages, supporting low-income and key worker households. The location’s transport links amplify appeal, fostering sustainable communities.​

Broader context reveals London’s stalled sites as a national issue; Clarion’s model could inspire rescues elsewhere. By increasing family units and public spaces, the project enhances neighbourhood fabric.​

How Does This Fit Clarion’s Broader Strategy?

Clarion Housing Group manages over 120,000 homes nationwide, with Latimer driving new supply. Full site ownership here insures affordability perpetuity, as Cook affirmed. Partnering with Cervidae via the LLP streamlined approvals, exemplifying efficient delivery.​

This £68m commitment aligns with Clarion’s pipeline, countering private developer hesitancy. It reinforces their role as a stabilising force in housing.​

What Challenges Might Arise During Construction?

While foundations exist, scaling to 30 storeys demands rigorous engineering checks. Supply chain pressures persist, though JRL’s experience mitigates risks. Community engagement on traffic and noise will prove essential near the station.​

Planning consent mitigates most hurdles, but economic flux—interest rates, inflation—looms. Clarion’s ownership buffers these, prioritising social outcomes over profit.​

Who Benefits Most from the 180 Homes?

Social rent tenants (88 units) gain priority access for lowest-income families, while shared ownership (92 units) aids aspiring buyers via equity stakes. Family-sized homes cater to larger households, rare in high-rises. Public realm boosts all Stonebridge Park residents.​

Local authorities in Brent will allocate via waiting lists, ensuring needs-based distribution. This 100% affordable stance sets it apart from mixed-tenure peers.​

What Role Did Partners Play?

Latimer, Clarion’s arm, led design with Cervidae’s input under the LLP. Their collaboration secured planning, reshaping for density. JRL’s appointment completes the triad, blending development nous with build expertise.​

No other entities feature prominently; full Clarion ownership post-purchase streamlines governance.​