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Go ahead for redevelopment of three Woolwich estates

 
Three estates in Woolwich are a step closer to being completely rebuilt after the Woolwich Estates Renewal project got further backing from the Council at a Cabinet meeting this week.

While major work on the three estates – Connaught, Morris Walk and Maryon Road/Grove – is some way off, the decision by Councillors means that more detailed project planning can now get underway and preparations can be made for the demolition of the existing estates.

The aims of the redevelopment are:

  • To build a mix of affordable homes to rent and buy, as well as some homes to buy at market prices.

  • To redesign the estates so that they have a better layout with public spaces, communal areas and improved accessibility.

  • To improve the quality of life for residents with new homes which are energy efficient and built to the highest modern standards.

  • To make sure that the estates’ residents are supported by quality local services and community facilities.

Residents' survey

The Council agreed in principle to the redevelopment of the estates back in February 2006. Since then, housing officers have been talking to current residents about their housing needs – such as the size of their families, the type of home they prefer and where they would like to live.              

The information was collected through a Housing Needs Survey. Nearly nine out of ten people responded. The overwhelming majority of residents were in favour of the proposals.

The project affects just over 1,000 homes. After last night’s decision, the next stage is for the Council to put together detailed plans to rehouse people while the work is underway and to buy back homes from approximately 100 leaseholders across the three estates.

The work will be carried out in phases, but the aim is for tenants to start being rehoused next summer (2008). All of the current residents have been kept up-to-date with progress so far through dedicated newsletters, public meetings on their estate, individual surveys and local drop-in surgeries. Further detailed consultation will take place throughout 2008 and the phasing of demolition will be dependent on the detailed redevelopment plans which come about as a result of this.

Benefit to the community

Cllr Peter Brooks, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: "Regeneration is stepping up a gear in Woolwich. What’s so exciting about this project is that it specifically benefits the people who already live here. Local communities, particularly those whose homes and day-to-day lives are at the heart of a redevelopment area, are always integral to the successful regeneration of any town.

"We’ve still got a lot of work to do and we will be working closely with residents to support them as much as possible throughout this period of change. I am confident that the final outcome will really benefit our residents and will be a major asset to Woolwich."

Find out more about the regeneration of Woolwich.

20 December 2007

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