Affordable Housing to Build Equitable Communities and Unlock Investment

As the UK continues to face a housing crisis, particularly for key workers struggling to access affordable homes near their workplaces, Slough is stepping up to offer real, lasting solutions. With strong transport links, a booming regeneration programme, and an established track record of delivering successful housing schemes, Slough is proving itself to be a powerful contender for investors seeking both impact and return.

The town has already seen several affordable housing projects successfully delivered, demonstrating strong demand and positive outcomes for residents and investors alike. At the heart of the regeneration is Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) (https://www.slough-thinkingforward.co.uk/) a joint venture between Slough Borough Council and Muse Developments, part of the Morgan Sindall Group. They are working together to build not just homes, but also create communities and deliver infrastructure to provide long-term value.

Local Homes for Local People 

SUR’s commitment to Slough’s future is already delivering results. Over 420 new homes have been built, including 165 affordable homes across 24 sites, tailored to local needs and thoughtfully integrated into their surroundings. Planning permission has been secured for Wexham South, and a submission has been made to build 33 new family homes at Haymill, comprising two, three and four-bedroom houses, 30 per cent of which will be affordable homes.

Novus Apartments, a development of 64 homes built on the site of the former library in the town centre, achieved a total sell-out, with 84 per cent of homes snapped up by first-time buyers, and nearly a third going to local residents to meet housing needs. Government-backed schemes like Help to Buy and First Homes played a key role, enabling those who work in and support the community to put down roots in the town centre.

Pat Hayes, Executive Director of Housing, Property, and Regeneration at Slough Borough Council says: “Affordable housing is a critical part of Slough’s regeneration story. Through our partnership with Muse Developments, we’re proving that it's possible to deliver high-quality homes that meet local needs, support key workers, and attract meaningful investment. There is both strong demand and a real opportunity here, not just to build homes, but to build a stronger, more connected community.”

Building for the Future 

North West Quadrant, adjacent to Slough Train Station and the town centre’s retail core, on the site of a former Thames Valley University campus, is an exciting opportunity to deliver a dynamic new neighbourhood of 1,600 new homes, including affordable homes for key workers, workspaces, retail opportunities, and public spaces, as well as delivering significant social value for the community.

Homes England – the government’s housing and regeneration agency – has bought the site from the council, and teamed up with MUSE to accelerate the development of the new sustainable neighbourhood, offering opportunities for young families, professionals, or downsizers. Importantly it will also add to the town’s economy, creating more footfall and increasing the amount of money spent locally, demonstrating how regeneration brings about a wide range of benefits. 

Key Workers at the Heart of GrowthProviding high-quality, affordable homes for key workers is not just a moral imperative, it’s a smart investment strategy. Slough is home to major employers in health, education, logistics, and tech, yet like many towns, it faces a growing gap between wages and housing costs. By helping essential workers live closer to their jobs, investors can unlock long-term economic resilience, support a more stable workforce, and meet a clearly defined demand. 

Slough’s strategic location, access to the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow, and ambitious regeneration pipeline make it a prime area for scalable affordable housing developments. Not only does this create thriving, balanced communities, it also drives footfall to local businesses, supports public services, and generates consistent returns for developers through sustained occupancy and value growth. In short, investing in affordable housing for key workers in Slough is a win-win, delivering social impact today and economic gain for years to come.