About the Organisation
HYELM was founded in 1926, and intended to provide affordable accommodation and a community to young employees in London (Hostel for Employees of Limited Means).
Today HYELM provides 125 units of accommodation at our Old Street site. We are a registered social landlord and charity, providing affordable accommodation (no more than 80% market rent) to young people aged 18-35 years old. 74 of our units are allocated for keyworkers.
Tenants live at HYELM up to a maximum of 5 years whilst they establish themselves in their careers and prepare for move on. We continue to foster a safe, community feel through the facilities provided (communal areas, on site housing staff, building security features) and through regular comms, consultation and community social events.
Request details:
Following the sale of assets in North London, HYELM purchased a site in Colindale, LB Barnet, with the intention of redeveloping it.
The plans included demolishing the existing buildings and constructing new ones ranging from 3 to 16 storeys to provide 102 residential units (Use Class C3) and 499 sqm of replacement commercial floorspace (Use Class A3/B1a/D1/D2). The development also included associated soft and hard landscaping, ancillary refuse and recycling storage, car parking, wheelchair parking, cycle parking, and servicing arrangements.
The scheme was divided into two main residential areas: Blocks A & B contained 76 HYELM cluster-style units designed specifically for young professionals working and living in London, while the 26 intermediate units in Blocks C & D were intended for sale to another housing association.
Development of the site was paused during 2020/2021 due to the pandemic. Subsequently, several factors prevented the project from progressing, leading HYELM to reconsider its plans. These factors included increased construction costs and the impact of the Building Safety Regulations 2022 on designs and planning processes. While HYELM remains committed to growth as a vital housing resource, it lacks the necessary resources to develop the site.
The demolition of the site has been completed. As previously noted, the original design and layout were tailored specifically for HYELM, making it a co-living model that is not easily adaptable to other accommodation models.
Therefore Hyelm are seeking pro bono support with the following alternative design options:
- Assess the impact of the Building Safety Regulations.
- Explore options for the site, including seeking a development partner, obtaining grant funding, or selling with a view to developing elsewhere.
- Determine the best use and future of the site and this asset, taking into account:
- Building safety requirements, specifically a second stair core.
- The provision of self-contained units instead of co-living clusters.
- Plans and designs suitable for the private development/buy-to-rent market.
- Plans and designs for an affordable housing program that meet GLA requirements and standards.
Timeline:
04.30.2025