Earlier in 2026, two 'New Towns' were shortlisted for construction in Greater London, as part of an ambitious Government scheme. But things are already getting complicated. Here's the lowdown.
What exactly is the New Towns Programme?
This riverside brownfield site in Thamesmead could become one of seven 'New Towns' across the UK. Image: Kleon3 via creative commons
Introduced by the (then fresh-faced) Labour government, the New Towns Programme is an ambitious project to emulate the post-war building boom that saw the creation of Stevenage, Harlow, Milton Keynes and many more. In all, 32 new towns were built. The UK, says the government, is suffering from a "chronic shortage of housing" "[that] is not only blighting countless lives but also hampering economic growth and productivity."
With the potential of building up to half a million homes, the New Towns programme is touted as the biggest housebuilding project in half a century. The Government claims that every new town will be "designed for modern, everyday life — with neighbourhoods that people can easily get around without a car, shared green spaces and vibrant high streets."
