Teachers who feared high housing costs would force them out of London have moved into new rooftop flats thanks to help from Hammersmith and Fulham Council .
The dozen homes on Edward Woods Estate in Shepherd's Bush had been built as luxury penthouse apartments under the previous administration, but a series of problems meant it was not possible for the accommodation to be occupied.
Rather than lying empty, they will be lived in by teachers working in the borough, who will pay social rent to the council.
Cabinet member for housing Lisa Homan said: “We had inherited a very expensive project that wasn’t capable of getting the money back that was spent on it. We have turned what was a bit of a mess into something that is quite a good idea.”
First step towards addressing housing issue
Science teacher Lois Hale has now moved into one of the two-bed flats built above Norland House, Stebbing House and Poynter House.
The 28-year-old, who teaches at Phoenix High School in White City used to live in a studio flat in north London. She said: “This flat is so much better. It’s lovely.
“I’m expecting a baby now and the extra space has made that possible. We thought we would have to leave London to start a family but we don’t have to now. We have the space we need. It’s great.
“I used to cycle an hour each way to get to school, now I can walk in less than half an hour. It’s made a massive difference.”
Maths teacher Naomi Bell is also 28 and teaches at the same school. She has moved in with her husband Nathan and said: “It’s a lot bigger and has an amazing view and location.
“We were in a studio flat in north Acton before. We really enjoy living in the new flat and are really grateful.”
Cllr Homan added: “Our schools depend on having fantastic teachers that give our children the best possible start in life.”
“The London housing crisis is making it increasingly difficult for many teachers to work in the borough, so we wanted to take this first step towards addressing that.”
