Howells has completed Uncle Wembley Gardens, a significant build-to-rent (BTR) development in Brent, London, delivering 256 rental homes on a previously constrained site located behind the High Street. This latest project forms the second phase of BTR development on the site following a 2020 scheme and is situated within a short walking distance of two major transport hubs: Wembley Central and Wembley Stadium stations. The proximity offers direct and convenient links to central London, enhancing the area’s appeal for renters.

The development comprises two eight-storey buildings designed by Howells in collaboration with HUB, Bridges Fund Management, and Realstar. Inspired by the architectural language of Erich Mendelsohn, the design employs warm white brick with horizontal banding, dark ribbon glazing, and metal detailing. This aesthetic is intended to be appreciated at speed, referencing the dynamic movement alongside the Chiltern mainline railway that the buildings border. Each structure rises from corbelled brick bases, with apartments organised around a central core. The residences include one, two, and three-bedroom units, each featuring exposed concrete columns internally and recessed balconies, reinforcing a tactile and robust architectural character.

The development focuses not just on the buildings themselves but also on enhancing the surrounding environment. Landscaped areas include a walled garden and co-working pods, bolstered by mature trees that provide natural shade at the entrances. Additional communal amenities include roof terraces that offer elevated views, while duplex apartment residents overlook a podium garden and children’s play space. This thoughtful integration reflects the scheme’s role within the broader regeneration strategy for Wembley, linking Wembley Park with the town centre and contributing to the area’s urban renewal. The development team also included JJ Rhatigan, Circle Development, Max Fordham, Whitby Wood, and UBU Design, underlining the multidisciplinary effort behind the project.

Uncle Wembley Gardens complements the neighbouring UNCLE Wembley development, formerly Chesterfield House, which was completed in 2020 by Maccreanor Lavington and features two taller towers of 21 and 26 storeys offering 239 homes. That development, also operating under the UNCLE brand by Realstar, provides a broader mix of amenities including a fitness studio, Zen Zone meditation space, rooftop terraces, and an indoor basketball court, aiming to offer a lifestyle-driven rental experience. Together, these schemes represent a concerted investment in providing high-quality rental homes in Wembley, emphasising both architectural quality and community-oriented facilities.

Notably, Wembley Link — the umbrella name given to the newer Howells project — includes a 19.5% allocation of affordable housing, reflecting its contribution to addressing local housing needs within London’s competitive rental market. Its Art Deco-inspired towers, evoking the style of 1930s landmarks such as Wembley Arena, add a distinctive character to the area and have been shortlisted for the 2025 Housing Design Awards. This recognition highlights the development’s architectural merit and its alignment with Brent Council’s wider regeneration objective under the Wembley Housing Zone initiative.

UNCLE Wembley and its subsequent phase both offer a range of rental homes that blend design innovation with lifestyle conveniences such as co-working spaces and communal green areas, reflecting evolving demands in urban living. The projects’ location near key transport links ensures that residents have efficient access to central London, appealing to a broad demographic including professionals and families. By revitalising a once-overlooked backland site behind Wembley High Street, these developments contribute significantly to the transformation and vibrancy of the Wembley town centre precinct.

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Source: Noah Wire Services