The Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Royal Hill Independent Living Service is in the running for the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Future Places Award.
The award recognises councils that creatively use their spending power to reduce carbon emissions, enable greater inclusion, and harness digital technologies.
Royal Hill Independent Living Service, which opened in July 2024, is the first of its kind in the borough.
It is a state-of-the-art, zero-carbon facility designed to meet the needs of its residents.
The service includes an environmentally friendly internal clean air system, a low carbon heat pump central heating system, and solar panels.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, cabinet member for health, adult social care, and borough of sanctuary, said: “It’s fantastic that our trailblazing Independent Living Service has been recognised as an example of what the future of supported living could be.
“Royal Hill is a testament to the council’s commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and dignity for all members of our community, and the vision that good health helps people live their best life.
“The scheme also sets the standard of what can be achieved through collaboration and a shared commitment to sustainability.”
The council’s in-house Greenwich Living Options (GLO) service has played a critical role in ensuring that Royal Hill delivers a high-quality, bespoke service that supports residents in achieving greater independence.
Councillor Majid Rahman, cabinet member for planning, estate renewal, and development, said: “It’s Our Greenwich mission for new development to benefit our communities and this facility does exactly that, by providing much needed accommodation while prioritising residents’ health and wellbeing.
“Royal Hill promotes independence and community resilience, reduces social isolation in the borough, delivers affordable homes, works towards our carbon neutral ambition, and ensures equality of access for all.”
The development of Royal Hill involved substantial collaboration within the council and with partners across the borough, from the voluntary and community sector to developers with expertise in sustainability, to identifying the right care provider to manage the facility.
Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Winning an LGC Award has become one of the most sought-after accolades in local government, and after a record-breaking number of entries, to be shortlisted for this award is an achievement in itself.
“Partnership working has been key in making the service a reality, so I would like to thank our partner, Golden Lane Housing, and all the dedicated individuals who have worked tirelessly on bringing it to life and making it such a success.”
The LGC Awards showcase the finest examples of innovation and quality services delivered by councils on a daily basis.
The ceremony will be held on the evening of June 11, 2025, at Grosvenor House, London.
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