Uniqueness

Each of our schemes is unique, tailored and appropriate to the surroundings and the people who live there.

• We develop designs that take into account local architecture and environmental concerns.
• We create individual community spaces that support neighbourhoods and help them to grow.
• We choose and work the right partners to deliver on our local aims.

CASE STUDY: Canalside - Addressing local concerns

Three of Hackney’s worst housing estates had suffered decades of under-investment. The five-storey blocks had no lifts, cramped flats, poor security, ancient electrics and outdated plumbing. Many units were vandalised or inhabitable.

When we took on the project of Canalside, we looked not only at the housing, but also at the types of people living there. We saw that many of the residents here were disadvantaged or vulnerable; lone older people , single parents , young people with mental or substance misuse problems and people with low spoken or written English skills.

We tailored our plans for the regeneration to take account of the unique needs of these residents.

• YoH! (Youth of Haggerston) is a Canalside-funded project, working directly with young residents to develop their skills and focus their energies positively.
• ‘Sons and Daughters’ improves long term community sustainability by reserving 42 homes on the same estates for residents’ sons and daughters.
• 35 secure cycle parking lockers are let to residents to store their bikes safely away from opportunistic thieves.
• New amenity space is being delivered, including sports and picnic areas, communal gardens and a community centre.
• Communal satellite TV provides world channels such as ‘Turksat’ for Turkish and Kurdish residents.

Shortlisted for the UK Chartered Institute of Housing “Excellence in Delivering Regeneration” Award 2006.