Moorlands Estate, London Borough of Lambeth

Moorlands - A Pioneering Partnership

Over the years the inner city council estate of Moorlands in Brixton had become run down and dangerous. Drug dealers and squatters had taken over the estate making the lives of local residents intolerable.

Working with partnership with HTA Architects, Lambeth Council, police and local residents, MHT set out in 1998 to create better living spaces and a safer environment for residents. Since then, the 500 home estate has gone through intensive major physical works to create better living spaces and safer environments for local residents. The geography of the estate was dangerous and unappealing, so many homes have literally been "turned around". Front doors were moved to face the street, homes rebuilt, private gardens created, community cooperatives formed and security cameras installed. Completed in April 2003, Moorlands is one of MHT's greatest success stories. The estate has been transformed into a thriving community - a place where residents feel safe and want to live.

Developing Moorlands

The estate layout was re-modelled over five years and completed at the end of 2002. By changing some of the homes round, so that the front door replaced the back door, the maze of pedestrian routes which ran through the estate and resulted in tenants feeling insecure was simplified. At the same time, many tenants got bigger gardens. New roofs and windows, gutter repairs and replacements and improvements to kitchens, heating systems, and insulation were included in the plans for individual homes. We also installed CCTV around the estate. The works have made a massive contribution in reducing crime, as well as giving residents modern homes..

Currently work is underway to build a new community centre and 15 additional flats which will be completed in August 2008. This new development received £100k external funding for various eco measures. In September 2006, we granted the lease for a new convenience store on the estate, replacing the old store on the estate which had made way for new family homes. We also continued with plans for a new community centre at the heart of the estate, which is being developed in consultation with the local community.

Projects to enhance the quality of life for residents are ongoing and include many schemes for young people. Members of the estate's youth clubs and Golden Age Club have all contributed ideas for the space. The centre will link to the nearby nature garden which will be improved and enlarged.