YMCA | Finalist Best Supported Housing Development

We are delighted that our YMCA Wimbledon, the first phase of our blended living scheme for Thornsett and YMCA St Paul’s Group, is a finalist at the Inside Housing Development Awards 2025 in the Best Supported Housing Development.

YMCA Wimbledon is a landmark supported housing development that redefines the standard for integrated living. Completed in 2024, Phase 1 provides 121 high-quality hostel rooms alongside a gym, café, mentoring and counselling rooms, and flexible social spaces, all within a complex urban site in the heart of Wimbledon. The scheme has been carefully shaped around residents’ needs, replacing an outdated building with a new home that offers dignity, stability and opportunity for people at risk of homelessness and exclusion.

“Their fresh vision and approach turned an unviable project into an exciting scheme that was delivered on time and on budget… DLA took us on a journey from concept to completion, and we would thoroughly recommend them.”

— Richard James, Chief Executive, YMCA St Paul’s Group

“DLA’s quality design proposal was a game changer… The ‘cloisters’ concept captured the spirit of YMCA and delivered a modern, uplifting home for our residents.”

— Mark White, Senior Development Manager, YMCA St Paul’s Group

Phase 2 – Wimbledon Works: 135 New Homes Powering Social Impact

The second phase, Wimbledon Works, now on site and due for completion in September 2026, adds 135 private apartments (studios to three-bedroom homes) whose sales will directly fund the supported accommodation next door. Over 70% of the homes are dual-aspect, many are duplexes, and all are designed for low operational energy use through air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and passive thermal strategies. The project targets BREEAM ‘Very Good’ and a 75% carbon-emissions reduction, with biodiversity gains through green roofs, bat and bird boxes, and a landscaped communal courtyard.

“We are extremely pleased to have been involved in the design and delivery of this very important community asset. Hearing directly from residents about the life-changing impact of the new facilities was humbling. We believe we have delivered a future-proof, highly sustainable facility while supporting Wimbledon’s next generation of first-time buyers through Phase 2.”

— Alejandro Carrejo Garcia, Associate Director, DLA Architecture

About the Award

Supported housing plays a crucial role in society, providing homes that enable individuals to thrive and easing pressure on the NHS and care services. The Best Supported Housing Development – Urban category recognises completed or planned schemes that create desirable, safe, accessible, and well-designed homes, meeting current and future care and support needs. Developments may form part of multi-use or mixed-tenure projects.

YMCA Wimbledon sets a new benchmark for supported housing, demonstrating how thoughtful design, rooted in collaboration and care, can create life-changing impact for the people who need it most.

View the Project