On this page you will Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the Former Brunel Family Contact Centre (Happy Hub) and the Bayswater Children's Centre.

You can also view our Building New Homes for Westminster leaflet about the project.

  • Building much-needed affordable homes is a top priority for the council. We’re looking at how we can provide much-needed housing and amenity to deliver our Fairer Westminster aims.

    Increasing the supply of genuinely affordable homes is a top priority for Westminster City Council. With demand for housing at an all-time high and over 7,000 people on the Council’s waiting list, we are working to provide the new homes the city needs. With demand for homes so high, families can wait significantly more than ten years for a home that meets their needs

    The council is committed if new homes are built, that at at least 50% will be affordable and 70% of those at social rent levels.

  • Yes, the council has engaged with residents about a community hub at the Former Brunel Family Centre.

    The Community Hub is now open and is called the Happy Hub ran by Happy Lizzy. The Hub will be housed in the centre while options for new housing are considered and will provide a range of services to support the community where they live.

    The council has appointed Happy Lizzy to run the Hub for the next three years. You can read about the operator in the council's press release.

    The council has also made a commitment that if a scheme was to progress, that a hub will be delivered to ensure a continuity of service as part of the proposals.

  • To help the Council with this assessment work we have appointed organisations with expertise in architecture, project management and planning. Led by Westminster Council Officers, these teams have tested whether sites are suitable for new housing, the estimated costs and the potential benefits to residents and the City. Recommendations were presented to the Council's Cabinet in February that approved budget spend to further explore the opportunity to deliver new homes with extensive consultation and design development. It is important to state this work does not mean that new affordable housing projects will proceed at Brunel or other areas in the city.

    If the council is to proceed to further develop the housing opportunity at Brunel, only following in depth consultation and engagement on future possible options will the council decide on next steps. 

  • The Council is exploring the future opportunities of the Former Brunel Family Centre (Happy Hub) site. In addition, the council is also exploring the opportunities of including Moulsford House, Polperro House and the Bayswater Children's Centre within any future proposals. The council has initially engaged and will continue to engage  with all residents of Moulsford and Polperro House. The council will also be listening to and keeping neighbouring residents of the Brunel Estate informed and consulted about the project.

  • The former Brunel Family Centre (Now Happy Hub) is located on the Brunel Estate. The map below shows the location of the Former Brunel Family Centre (Happy Hub).

     

    A map is also below that includes the Housing Opportunity Area highlighted in orange.

     

  • At this early stage the council is speaking to residents on the doorstep and via appointments about the project.  We have been and continue to want to understand how residents feel about their neighbourhood, and their community.

    The council want to work with local people at Brunel to understand your views and test a range of options to ensure that any proposals meet the needs of residents and the community. We particularly want to have expressions of interest to work with local people at Brunel through initial engagement channels such as a strategic stakeholder group or capacity building training. You can find out more on our register your interest page and our Building New Homes for Westminster booklet.