Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE officially opens Noele Gordon House

Noele Gordon House – Newham’s ground-breaking affordable later living development welcomes first residents

The London Borough of Newham has officially opened Noele Gordon House (NGH), the borough’s first affordable later-living facility, launched by Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz.

Delivered by Populo Living, Newham’s wholly owned housing development company, the project represents a major milestone in the council’s commitment to address housing needs for older residents while freeing up under-occupied homes.

Built on the vacant site of a disused community centre, Noele Gordon House comprises 75 high-quality homes – 55 one- and 20 two-bedroom apartments, with the two-bedroom apartments offering space for carers or family to stay overnight. The homes are offered at London Affordable Rents for existing council tenants, or less if their current rent is lower. The ground floor includes a state-of-the-art NHS health centre, ensuring residents have easy access to vital services.

Official Opening

The official opening took place on the morning of April 4th 2025 with the ceremony performed by Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz. The gathering, in the main Noele Gordon House common room – where residents can meet and socialise – the event confirmed Noele’s name in a lasting tribute in East Ham, where she was born in 1919.

“Noele Gordon was a trail-blazer who smashed the glass ceiling. My role model, watching her on TV, anything she was on.  Noele exuded glamour and professionalism. When she died 40 years ago, I cried. I’ve still got the newspapers from her funeral. A lady, the likes of we’ll never see again.” – Maria Brabiner, Salford, one of Noele’s biggest fans

The Noele Gordon Archive, originally devised by the Crossroads Fan Club with Noele’s late agent Michael Summerton and supported also by Paul Greenfield with his share of Nolly’s archive, was created to celebrate and promote Noele’s work. The archive had always hoped that one day, somewhere, a lasting memorial to Nolly would be created.

Noele Gordon House exceeds those expectations greatly. And those who knew her note that Noele would be more than delighted to have a building in East Ham bearing her name.

“For over twenty year many of us have kept Noele’s memory in the public eye, and now, thanks to Populo Living and Newham Council Noele has a fitting and lasting tribute to her in the town that saw her first perform on stage aged just 2 and a half! We’d like to mention the people who over the years have really made sure Noele was kept in the spotlight; Paul Greenfield (Noele’s neighbour and friend), Michael Summerton (Noele’s agent), Maria Brabiner, Julie Robb, John Kavyo (Xrds Fan Club), Lynn ‘Tigg’ Boyce, Michael Garrett (Xrds Fan Club) and in recent times Paul O’Grady who often mentioned her on Radio 2 and of course Russell T Davies for the wonderful award winning three part drama Nolly for ITV.” – A Noele Gordon Archive spokesperson

Later living design best practice

Appointed by Populo Living, Mae Architects undertook the building’s design, embracing the Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI) principles to create a space that promotes well-being, independence and community for residents aged 55 and over.

The design prioritises social connectivity, combatting loneliness and promoting community with a communal residents’ lounge and a rooftop terrace. These spaces foster a sense of belonging among residents, many of whom are downsizing from larger council-managed homes, leaving behind family and friend networks. All flats benefit from balconies with views of either the surrounding streetscape or the inner terrace, giving residents access to both communal and private outdoor amenity space.

With the number of people aged 65-79 expected to increase by nearly a third in the next 40 years*, NGH addresses many issues around later living housing, both personally around isolation and community, and for the council in freeing up under-occupied family housing stock. As an affordable scheme, NGH reflects Newham’s policy ambitions to improve later living housing and provide more and better quality affordable homes. As such it is an exemplar of what a forward-thinking local authority can achieve, especially when delivered by its own property company with profits reinvested in housing.

The project’s successful delivery underscores Populo Living’s expertise in managing complex housing initiatives that align with Newham’s broader housing strategy, as designed by Mae and constructed by main contractor Hill Group.

“Noele Gordon House is a landmark development for Newham, reflecting my administration’s unwavering commitment to providing affordable, high-quality housing tailored to the needs of older Newham residents. By prioritising community, accessibility, and sustainability, this scheme sets a new standard for later living accommodation in London.

“What’s more, Noele Gordon House exemplifies how local authorities and their partners can address the evolving housing needs of diverse populations. By delivering purpose-built, affordable homes for older residents, Newham is paving the way for smarter housing strategies that maximise community resources and promote intergenerational equity.” – Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE

A name rooted in local heritage

The building’s name pays tribute to East Ham-born TV star Noele Gordon, celebrated for her iconic role as Meg Mortimer in Crossroads, among a career of accomplishments, including being the first woman to interview a Prime Minister. Noele’s legacy of breaking barriers resonates with the ethos of this innovative development and the spirit of East Ham’s residents.

Stakeholders involved in the delivery

The transformation of the former Hartley Centre into Noele Gordon House is the culmination of a five-year process involving a multidisciplinary team contracted by Populo, made up of leading industry professionals.

“We’re proud of our role in delivering Noele Gordon House for Newham, on time and on budget and all affordable homes. Populo has now built several 100 homes for Newham residents with a pipeline of 1,000s more, and continues to work to create innovative solutions that address our national housing crisis. Noele Gordon House reflects this commitment to doing ‘housing’ better, bringing warm, high-quality and appropriate later living homes to the market.” – Deborah Heenan, CEO of Populo Living

Noele Gordon House Facts

• This purpose-built development delivered by Populo Living for Newham creates a new benchmark for later living housing in London
• Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE officially opens Noele Gordon House (NGH)
• The affordable later living scheme was delivered by Populo Living for Newham
• Includes 75 one- and two-bedroom apartments, a communal lounge and terrace and a new healthcare facility
• Provides much needed new affordable homes for Newham’s older residents to downsize into, managed by Newham

Key contributors to the project include:

• Architects: Mae
• Engineering: Alan Baxter Associates
• Contractor: Hill Group
• Project Management: Currie & Brown
• Planning: Planning Potential
• Consultants: Synergy

Populo Living is Newham Council’s wholly owned housing company. It works to deliver the council’s ambition to make Newham a home for everyone. Populo designs and builds better homes and places. Find out more about Populo Living and Noele Gordon House at their respective websites.

You can read what some residents think of Noele Gordon House at the Newham Council website.

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