Topping-out Ceremony Held for Delayed 55 West Tower

144 flats will be offered at London Living Rent

The West 55 project team celebrates topping out. Picture: MTVH

May 21, 2026

A topping-out ceremony has marked a long-awaited milestone at 55 West, the 144-flat development rising beside West Ealing’s Elizabeth Line station. The scheme, delivered by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH) with contractor HG Construction, is one of the borough’s largest 100% affordable housing projects. But while partners gathered on 14 May to celebrate progress, the development’s journey has been far from smooth, with years of delays, design disputes and community concerns shaping its path to completion.

The project, originally approved several years ago, has been repeatedly pushed back. Early construction stalled during the pandemic, and subsequent phases were slowed by supply-chain pressures, rising material costs and changes in the contractor team. Local residents have also raised concerns about the building’s height, its impact on the surrounding streetscape and the strain on local services. The tower, which will be one of the tallest structures in West Ealing, has been the subject of ongoing debate about the scale and character of new development along the Elizabeth Line corridor.

Despite these challenges, MTVH and HG Construction say the topping-out marks a turning point. The main structure is now complete, allowing work to move into the internal and finishing stages. When finished, the scheme will provide 144 flats at London Living Rent, offering a more affordable option in a borough where private rents now average more than £2,000 a month. Although this is not the same tenure as Social Rent housing, the units will be substantially cheaper than those let privately. The development also includes a communal roof garden and two flexible commercial units at ground level, intended to bring new activity to the station frontage.

The building is finally moving towards completion. Picture: MTVH

Representatives from MTVH, HG Construction, the Greater London Authority and Ealing Council attended the ceremony, emphasising the importance of partnership working in delivering affordable homes on constrained urban sites. The project occupies a tight brownfield plot directly beside the railway, requiring complex engineering and coordination with Transport for London and Network Rail. HG Construction’s chief executive, Adam Quinn, described the scheme as “complex” and highlighted the challenges of building above a live Elizabeth Line station while maintaining safety and programme commitments.

MTVH Chief executive Mel Barrett said the milestone demonstrated what could be achieved through strong collaboration, even as the sector faces rising costs and acute housing need. He noted that the homes would benefit local people by providing high-quality, well-connected accommodation next to major transport improvements.