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News
Two new milestones for one of the biggest housing regeneration projects in Europe
8 June 2007
Ref: 5462
The massive regeneration programme which will transform one of the biggest housing estates in Europe has reached two important new milestones.
On Tuesday, the plan to develop the first phase of the Aylesbury Estate in South London was granted outline planning approval by Southwark Council.
And at the same time, Southwark Council started a series of visits to tenants' homes ahead of the demolition in phased stages over the next 15 years.
Tenants on the Red Lion Close block and part of the Bradenham will be visited individually by officers, who will ask them what kind of homes they would like to move into.
They are being offered the option of moving to a new housing association home, at locations near the current estate, or moving to an existing council property as part of the regeneration scheme.
The Aylesbury Referencing Team will be gathering key information including how many bedrooms people will require, the age and sex of all family members and whether they have any medical conditions. The team will also answer any questions they may have about the process.
Southwark Council will also start buying back homeowners’ properties in these blocks, beginning by conducting valuations during the coming weeks.
Once residents in both areas are rehoused, the first phase of the Aylesbury redevelopment programme will begin in Autumn 2008.
Around 260 new homes and the new Aylesbury Resource Centre designed by Levitt Bernstein Associates will be built here. The resource centre will replace the current Aylesbury Day Centre, and include outreach day services and a wide range of other disability services for adults with physical, neurological and sensory disabilities living in Southwark.
All tenants and leaseholders on the estate were recently given information kits that outline the rehousing and leaseholder policies. The packs - which were put together with the help of residents - will be updated as the regeneration programme progresses.
Cllr Richard Thomas, Southwark Council's executive member for regeneration, said: "This is another great step towards turning the new vision for the Aylesbury area into reality. The transformation will be a fantastic one, and I am pleased that so many residents are helping us drive things forward.
"This next phase means individual families will get to discuss their housing needs with council officers, and it reaffirms our commitment to creating an area local people want, and one they will be proud to live in. This referencing work will ensure that homes are built to a very high standard, with space, rooms and detailed features to meet residents' needs."
Notes for editors
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1. The Aylesbury Estate which lies to the east of the Walworth Road, and north of Burgess Park, encompasses 285,000 square metres and is home to over 7,500 people. On September 27 2005 Southwark Council’s executive committee made the decision to demolish the estate in stages and replace it with 2,200 homes for rent under housing association control and around 2,700 homes for sale or shared ownership. Existing facilities including the Aylesbury Day Centre, Tyke’s Corner childcare facility and the Aylesbury Health Centre will also be improved. This decision was supported by over 50 per cent of residents who responded to an extensive consultation programme.
2. Rehousing and leaseholder policies for the Aylesbury Estate were approved by Southwark’s executive committee on September 26 2006. The policies set out a framework for offering existing tenants and leaseholders accommodation that suits their needs. Tenants have the option of moving to new homes constructed for them by housing associations, or moving to an existing council property. The council will buy back leaseholders properties, and they will be offered compensation. There are also a range of options in place to assist leaseholders who cannot afford to move on their own.
3. Urban Initiatives (UI) are currently working on an area action plan for the rest of the estate. This is a 15-year framework which will guide the development of the new neighbourhood. UI is undertaking a substantial programme of consultation with residents and key stakeholders which will continue throughout the process. The eventual masterplan will include proposals for housing, transport, and green space, along with healthcare, education and community facilities.
