A multi-million pound project that will deliver almost 150 new homes in Brent has moved a step closer to realisation after a housebuilder was announced.

Wates Residential will take control of the scheme at the Knowles House in Harlesden, which will provide homes for some of the borough’s “most vulnerable residents”.

The council is investing £24 million into the project, which will be built on the site of the former Anansi Nursery and Westbrook Community Centre.

It will offer 92 homes for temporary accommodation and 57 for independent living and Wates, which also worked on the developments in Wembley Park, hopes to have completed construction by December 2021.

The council will also enter into an employment partnership with Wates, which seeks to create a “lasting legacy” for the region by offering job opportunities.

This could include apprenticeships in trade and management roles, while the organisations will also aid ex-offenders and work with Brent schools.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, deputy leader of Brent Council, said: “The redevelopment of Knowles House is a key part of our plan to provide better quality accommodation for residents in need of housing, but the benefits of this project don’t end there.

“In Wates, we’ll be working with an organisation that understands our values as we seek to ensure job and training opportunities for local residents, particularly for our unemployed, and ensure that everyone involved in the project is paid at least the London Living wage.”