For many in Gibraltar, the name “Gib V” rolls off the tongue more naturally than “Sir William Jackson Grove.” Mention it to a local, and they’ll know exactly which housing estate you're talking about - a well-established development in the Westside area, near town, schools, and Ocean Village. But where did this name come from? Why does it persist despite the estate having an official, more formal name? The answer lies in Gibraltar’s modern housing history and the government’s multi-phase initiative to provide affordable homes for its growing population.
We take a look at the origins of the name “Gib V,” the legacy of Gibraltar’s public housing programme, and what became of the earlier phases: Gib I through Gib IV.
The Origins of "Gib V"
Sir William Jackson Grove was developed in the early 1990s as the fifth phase of the Gibraltar Government’s affordable housing initiative. Officially, it was launched under the title “Gibraltar Government Housing Scheme - Phase V,” but in everyday speech, it became simply “Gib V”; short for Gibraltar Five.
Over time, this shorthand became so commonly used that even official communications and property listings adopted the term. Ask an estate agent or a taxi driver, and “Gib V” will immediately bring to mind the cream-coloured apartment blocks of Sir William Jackson Grove, stretching just west of Bayside School as far as Harbour Views, and close to Ocean Village.
But to understand why that name stuck, we need to go back to where it all began - the first four phases of the scheme, each representing a step in Gibraltar’s housing evolution.
Gib I – Glacis Estate
The first major wave of post-war affordable housing came in the form of Glacis Estate, developed in the 1960s. Located in the North District, jon land previously housing post-war prefabs, Glacis was among the earliest large-scale residential projects aimed at tackling Gibraltar’s pressing housing shortage.
The estate featured modest apartment blocks designed for working families. While the architecture was basic by today’s standards, Glacis marked a huge improvement over the cramped and dilapidated housing many Gibraltarians had lived in up to that point. It offered stability, security, and a sense of community - a model that future phases would try to build on.
The very first towers under construction in Glacis. Left of image is the old prefabs (known as Los Baracones) and at the bottom of the image Phase 1 of Laguna
Gib II – Lathbury Barracks Area (Now Demolished)
The second phase, known locally as Gib II, took a slightly different form. Rather than being a new build, it involved the conversion of military housing at Lathbury Barracks, located in the South District, not far from the Europa Point area.
These buildings were originally designed to accommodate British military personnel and their families. As the military presence in Gibraltar was scaled down, the government repurposed the barracks to create temporary public housing.
Gib II served an essential, if transitional, role - a stopgap measure during a time when the need for affordable accommodation far outstripped supply. However, the buildings were never intended for long-term civilian use. Over time, most of them were demolished, and the area has since been redeveloped, with little trace remaining of the original Gib II structures.
Gib III – Varyl Begg Estate
The third phase saw a return to dedicated residential construction. Varyl Begg Estate, located on the newly reclaimed land (later to be de facto known as Westside) just off Waterport Road, became known as Gib III. Built during the 1980s, this estate was larger and more modern than its predecessors.
Varyl Begg offered low- to mid-rise apartment blocks, some with balconies. Early images of Varyl Begg during construction shows it entirely surrounded by harbour water with a link road to Waterport Road. Its location made it particularly popular with families and older residents alike.
While not as expansive or centrally located as Gib V would later become, Varyl Begg demonstrated the government’s growing confidence in urban planning and its commitment to improving quality of life for ordinary Gibraltarians.
Varyl Begg Estate almost entirely surrounded by water
Gib IV – Laguna Estate (Phase 2)
Gib IV brought the focus back to the North District with the second phase of Laguna Estate, situated near Devil’s Tower Road and Winston Churchill Avenue and named after The Lagoon, a body of water that had been enlarged for defensive purposes during the Great Seige. Constructed in the late 1980s to early 1990s, this expansion added much-needed capacity to a densely populated area and complemented the original Glacis Estate built decades earlier.
Laguna’s concrete architecture and high-rise format reflected the design trends of the time - functional, efficient, and capable of housing large numbers of families. Though it may not have had the same level of finish as later developments, it succeeded in its mission: to provide affordable, long-term housing for the local population.
Today, Laguna remains one of Gibraltar’s most recognisable public housing estates, home to several generations of Gibraltarians.
Gib V – Sir William Jackson Grove
By the time Gib V was developed in the early 1990s, Gibraltar’s housing strategy had matured significantly. Named after Sir William Jackson, Governer of Gibraltar in the 1970s and 80s, the estate was one of the most ambitious projects of its kind.
Situated on the ever expanding reclaimation areas and near to Ocean Village, Sir William Jackson Grove combined convenience with community planning. The development featured several blocks with central courtyards, playgrounds, designated parking, and proximity to schools and shops. The local Safeway (Nnow Morisons) was built next door for added convenioence. By this point, Government's thinking had turned towards home ownership and the flats were offered for sale at subsidised rates to eligible Gibraltarian applicants, reinforcing the estate’s role in the government’s ongoing efforts to promote home ownership and reduce overcrowding. Today, Sir SWilliam Jackson Grove remains the only one of the 5 schemes in which properties can be bought leasehold (albeit with residency restrictions in place).
Unlike earlier phases, which had simpler names, the formal naming of this phase - after a notable figure - may have contributed to the persistence of its nickname, Gib V. The local shorthand was quicker, easier, and consistent with the language people had used for decades.
A Lasting Legacy
The name “Gib V” represents more than just a phase number. It captures a moment in Gibraltar’s social and architectural history - a time when the government made a determined push to raise living standards and support local families.
Though modern developments like Hassans Centenary Terraces, Beach View Terraces, and Mons Calpe Mews have added to Gibraltar’s residential landscape, the legacy of the Gib I–V housing schemes lives on. These developments laid the groundwork for the Gibraltar we see today: a tightly-knit community with strong local identity and (in the case of Gib V) an easier route to homeownership.
Today
Today Gib V still offers affordable routes to homeownership for ordinary working families. They are well prportioned, well maintained and most have balconies and parking too.
Check out this affordable 2 bed on the 5th floor of Hibiscus Court, offered to the market exclusively by Richardsons and at just £260,000 and is a great first step on the ladder for a couple earning a combined £46,800pa with a 10% deposit - something that is definately in reach for most local first time buyers.
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