Overview

The Somers Orchard project came about after we removed cladding from the Horatia and Leamington towers following the Grenfell fire tragedy in 2017.

While removing the cladding, we uncovered issues with the original 1960s concrete construction of the two buildings.

After finding those issues, we immediately put in safety measures, relocated residents and started looking into future options.

To strengthen the buildings, we’d have needed to carry out major repair works which would’ve amounted to roughly £86m.

There was another option

Because of this, our council’s cabinet agreed to another idea in Feb 2022: take down the two towers and redevelop them into newer, more sustainable and more affordable housing.

From the beginning, we committed that these new plans would include at least 272 socially rented homes – matching the same number in Horatia and Leamington.

We’ve put together two plans which, together, form the Somers Orchard project.

The plans are to build 566 new homes and green spaces in the Somerstown area. Specifically across these three sites:

1. The former Horatia and Leamington House towers.
2. The Melbourne Place car park site.
3. The Gibson Centre site (the old Brook Club on Sackville Street).

The first application, which is now approved, will provide 319 affordable homes across three buildings. The second application, also now approved, will see up to 247 build-to-rent homes in one high-rise building.

Not only will the homes replace the Horatia and Leamington towers, but they’ll be more affordable, more efficient, and more accessible to everyone in the community.

They’ll also see wider neighbourhood improvements to the Somerstown area, including open spaces like public and collective gardens, courtyards, play areas and communal roof terraces.

 

You can view the full plans here.

The public were able to comment on the plans on our website until 18 March, 2024.

We’ve listened to you and the Somerstown community throughout the entire design process to make sure these plans reflect what local people actually want and need.

Through several, free community events we’ve put on over the past couple of years, we committed to getting your thoughts as often as possible.

After each event, we listened to everyone’s feedback and developed the plans into what they are today. Check out these videos from each event!

2021 – Somerstown May Fayre

Watch time: 1 min 15 seconds

2022 – Party for Somerstown

Watch time: 3 mins

2023 – Somerstown Spooktacular

Watch time: 2 mins

We wanted to brighten the boards surrounding the deconstruction site of the towers in Somerstown.

That’s why we created the Somerstown Street Gallery in November 2020.

It was a community art project that brought together local artists, schools, community groups and charities to fill the boards with amazing and vibrant art.

Watch our video from the project below.

Watch time: 4 mins

We submitted the applications on Friday 15 December 2023, and the planning authority approved them in August 2024. Check out the full news story here.

You can also view the full plans here.

In February 2026 we announced we are seeking a contractor to deliver the first phase – aiming to be completed by 2030.

 

Email the team and we can help to answer any questions you have on the project.