London,
12
October
2009
|
23:00
Europe/London

Demolition work begins for multi-million-pound Hackney regeneration estates

DEMOLITION work has begun on two Hackney housing estates undergoing a £150 million regeneration programme.

The Haggerston West & Kingsland estates are set to be knocked down and rebuilt, replacing just over 400 homes with 761 new flats and houses as well as a community centre, nursery, shops, and play facilities.

Residents, Council officers, local ward councillor Jonathan McShane, and Cllr Karen Alcock, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, all gathered on 13 October at Bryant Court, Kingsland Estate, to mark the occasion.

Debra Herring, Chair of the resident-led Estate Development Management Committee, said: “We have been waiting for this for a long time, and for the residents it’s a step in the right direction, showing that things are happening.”

The Haggerston West and Kingsland estates were formally transferred to London and Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q) last year from Hackney Homes, after tenants and residents voted in favour of the transfer in 2007. L&Q are leading the redevelopment of the estates, which will take place in two phases during the next few years.

Cllr Karen Alcock, Deputy Mayor of Hackney, said: “Hackney Council has pledged its commitment to providing 21st century housing for residents, and the start of demolition at Haggerston West and Kingsland is a milestone. It’s not just about value for money and masterplanning, but about new homes, schools, improved quality of life, and local people taking pride in their new community.”

L&Q Chief Executive, David Montague, said: “L&Q has been working closely with the London Borough of Hackney and local residents on this project since 2003 so the demolition ceremony was a great way of celebrating our progress to date.

“Redeveloping the Haggerston West and Kingsland Estates is a mammoth undertaking, but by listening to what residents want and with support from our local authority partners, the area has a bright and exciting future.”

The estates have also featured the eye-catching I Am Here art project where residents’ portraits decorate boarded-up windows, the idea and designs of a resident artist.

Last month the Government recently granted the Council nearly £10 million to build 115 homes on the Colville, Landfield, and Rendlesham House estates.