Noele Gordon House wins Best Retirement Scheme at Housebuilder Awards

A major win for affordable later living as Noele Gordon House, delivered by Populo Living for the London Borough of Newham, takes home Best Retirement Scheme at the Housebuilder Awards 2025. The award recognises the impact of this innovative 100% affordable later-living development in East Ham, designed by Mæ Architects and built by Hill Group UK, which sets a new benchmark for high-quality, accessible housing for Newham residents in later life.

Created on the site of the former Hartley Centre, Noele Gordon House provides 75 bright, contemporary homes all offered at London Affordable Rent levels for existing Newham tenants. Situated in the heart of East Ham, every apartment is designed with flexibility, light and accessibility in mind, giving residents the space and comfort to live independently while staying connected to their community. A ground floor NHS health centre, communal lounge and rooftop terrace help bring neighbours together and support wellbeing in later life. The scheme draws on Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) principles, prioritising social connection, natural light, and generous shared spaces. Mæ's empathetic design makes the most of the views, with each home benefiting from a private balcony or terrace overlooking the surrounding streetscape or inner courtyard. These thoughtful touches work together to create a welcoming, inclusive, and bright environment.

Noele Gordon House represents a significant milestone in Newham’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality homes that meet residents’ needs at every stage of life. For Populo Living, it’s another example of how collaboration and careful design can deliver lasting social impact, and we’re proud to see that effort recognised nationally.

Huge thanks to our brilliant project partners – Currie & Brown, Alan Baxter Ltd, Planning Potential, SILVER DCC, and Synergy Construction & Property Consultants LLP – for their role in bringing this award-winning scheme to life.

Read more about the HAPPI Principles on our blog here.