Royal Hill Independent Living Service shortlisted for LGC Future Places Award

The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been shortlisted for a Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Award for its innovative home for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. Royal Hill Independent Living Service is the first of its kind in the borough and opened in July 2024.

The LGC Future Places Award recognises councils using their spending power to work creatively with new suppliers to reduce carbon emissions, enable greater inclusion, and harness digital technologies.

Aimed at improving the lives of residents and helping to foster a sense of community and belonging, every element of the state-of-the-art, zero carbon facility in Greenwich was designed to meet the needs of the people who will call it home. The service also 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, whilst teams from our Place and Growth directorate have worked hard to identify the right site for the service, and ensure a robust procurement process to select a developer with the skills and expertise to build it. 

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 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 11 June 2025 at Grosvenor House, London.

If you are affected by a learning disability and find it hard to cope in your day-to-day life, the council has services to help you.