The physical regeneration of the estate started in March 2003 when Willmott Dixon Housing Limited started works on the first phase of 115 houses and flats. Contractors Durkan were also appointed to carry out refurbishment of existing properties not requiring demolition.
The regeneration includes:
- Demolition of 540 flats in poor repair and replacing them with 260 houses with gardens and 190 flats. These will be built in accordance with external and internal designs chosen by residents.
- Refurbishing 44 properties not requiring demolition. Work on these is now complete. Each property that has been refurbished now features; double glazing, a new kitchen and bathroom, modern heating systems, insulation and rewiring.
- Building 285 properties for private sale which will cross-subsidise the programme.
April 2004 saw the first handover of completed newly built dwellings within the first phase of 115 houses and flats. The new traditional style brick built buildings have made a positive impact on the estate. Each house has a garden and all the flats have balconies, which will add colour and enhance the sense of community. All properties have been built using good quality, sustainable materials and feature modern fitted kitchens and bathrooms, central heating and double-glazing.
Refurbishment of the 44 properties is now complete and phase 2 of Home’s highly successful regeneration programme comprising 106 flats and houses is progressing well. Residents starting moving into their new homes from November 2005 and will continue until March 2006.
One of the most important aspects of this project is an exciting new community centre that will be the centrepiece of the regeneration scheme. The £2.7 million Community Centre has had a generous donation of £330,000 from Harrow Council. It has been designed making use of state-of-the-art architecture with a modern reinforced glass entrance and a large reception that will be used for exhibitions. The centre will also offer a large multi-purpose hall that can easily be divided into two for a variety of sports and cultural activities, conferences and meetings. The plans also include changing and shower rooms, a large activity room that can be divided into two to offer a wide range of services, a learning resource, health promotion and a café.