Brooke House, a 15-storey women-only apartment building, is currently under construction in Acton and expected to be completed by 2026. Once finished, it will be the first development of its kind in the United Kingdom, offering 102 affordable flats for single women, including transgender women.
Who is behind the development
The project is led by Women’s Pioneer Housing, a long-established organization that has provided housing for women since 1920. They are working in partnership with L&Q, one of the UK’s largest housing associations. Together, they aim to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for women who face housing insecurity.
Why this building is being created
Brooke House is being developed in response to growing concerns around gender-based inequality in housing. Single women are more likely to face poverty, homelessness, and domestic abuse. Many are also disproportionately affected by the gender pay gap. Ealing Council, which governs the area, has reported that more than 600 single women are currently waiting for safe accommodation. This development will directly help to meet that urgent need.
Replacing outdated and unsafe housing
The new building will replace older, unfit flats that date back to the 1930s and 1970s. These properties were no longer suitable for modern living. Brooke House will offer high-quality homes built with women’s specific needs in mind, including features like private balconies, well-lit communal areas, improved ventilation, and accessible design for older women and those going through menopause.
Who is eligible to live there
The flats are reserved for single women, including transgender women. Men will only be allowed to live there if they are the partner of a tenant or an adult child inheriting the tenancy. This policy ensures the building remains a secure and empowering space designed around the needs of women.
A model for the future of social housing
Brooke House is more than just an apartment building. It is a statement about equity, safety, and the right to dignified living conditions. As the housing crisis deepens across the UK, this women-first model could serve as inspiration for future developments aimed at supporting vulnerable groups.
Brooke House represents progress in rethinking how housing can serve communities. By centering women, especially those affected by abuse, inequality, or financial hardship, the development offers hope and opportunity. If successful, it could pave the way for more inclusive housing solutions across the UK.
