Kidbrooke Regeneration
Kidbrooke SE3
Greenwich
Official Website: http://www.kidbrookeregeneration.info/
Greenwich Council:http://www.greenwich.gov.uk/Greenwich/YourEnvironment/Regeneration/DevelopmentAreas/Kidbrooke/
Developer: http://www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/property-developers/berkeley/developments/kidbrooke-village
Architect: http://www.lifschutzdavidson.com/

CABE/Design Council | Design Review (Masterplan & Phase 1): http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/http://www.cabe.org.uk/design-review/kidbrooke-masterplan
CABE/Design Council | Design Review (Phase 2): http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110118095356/http:/www.cabe.org.uk/design-review/kidbrooke-phase-2
CABE/Design Council | Design Review (Phase 3): http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/cabe/services/review/1/kidbrooke-ferrier-estate-redevelopment-phase-3-greenwich/
CABE/Design Council | Design Review (Phase 4): http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/cabe/services/review/1/kidbrooke-ferrier-estate-redevelopment-phase-4-greenwich/

Planning Application (Phase 2): http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/planningonline/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=62518
Planning Application (Phase 4): http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/planningonline/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=68991

Sustainability Statement (Masterplan): http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/documents/7844_5.pdf
Sustainability Statement (Phase 4): http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/documents/44999_76.pdf



Development Facts
£1billion
70 Acres
Demolition of the Ferrier Estate
Construction of 4,398 new mixed-tenure homes
Creation of 2,000 new jobs
Construction of Phase 1 started in Spring 2009


Ferrier Estate
Kidbrooke SE3
Greenwich
One of London's largest housing estates. Only smaller than Aylesbury Estate
Composed of eleven highrise blocks, and dozens of mid/low rise blocks
Completed in 1972


http://i42.tinypic.com/mafjao.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/15x4wo7.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/20zv9z4.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid6.jpg


Kidbrooke upon completion

Status: Demolition on some blocks has begun. Masterplan was approved by Greenwich Council in April 2009.

http://i40.tinypic.com/35ap4jo.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/711pgi.jpg




Phase 1
City Point
Status: Complete
Construction: 2009-2012

http://i39.tinypic.com/211ts0z.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/rb9toj.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/3xah0.jpg


Phase 2
Blackheath Quarter
Status: Under construction.


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2A.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2B.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2C.jpg


Phase 3
Village Centre
Status: Approved


http://www.imgplace.com/img403/8859/322vc.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img840/4721/37done.jpg


Phase 4
Meridian Gate
Status: Under Construction


http://www.imgplace.com/img46/38/711kidov.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img844/9264/534kidov.jpg


Context
Major regeneration projects in South East London

Aylesbury Regeneration: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=859444
Elephant & Castle Regeneration: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=496579
Greenwich Peninsula Regeneration:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=632984
Kidbrooke Regeneration: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=670786
Lewisham Regeneration: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=888804

http://i44.tinypic.com/2qmoyg8.jpg



------------------------------------

The project centres around the demolition of the Ferrier Estate, which is similar to the Tavy Bridge Estate in South Thamesmead and Aylesbury Estate in Walworth.

Ferrier Estate
* Built across 76 acres.
* Completed in 1970.
* Contains over 1,600 units.
* Home to over 6,000 in its heyday.

During Construction:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2615401834_75986bd368.jpg?v=1214546134

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2614571087_660ec0bc6e.jpg?v=1214546417

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2614571727_57f77e5043.jpg?v=1214546275

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2614575877_693defba83.jpg?v=1214546952


Upon Completion:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/373608469_38cd5d3c02.jpg

Looks good to me. Looks like there will be some midrises, good to see. Masterplans are exciting IMO.

Good,this area is an absolute shithole.

:)

The new proposal, in terms of massing/blocks, doesn't look much different to what's there already.

I'd need to see some proper renders, but it looks like rather than trying to erase the mistakes of the current estate, they are just going to store up the same old problems for 20 years time.

£750million?!

I think for that money it's absolutly ugly project

you havent even seen it

The new proposal, in terms of massing/blocks, doesn't look much different to what's there already.

I'd need to see some proper renders, but it looks like rather than trying to erase the mistakes of the current estate, they are just going to store up the same old problems for 20 years time.

my thoughts exactly. far too many repetitive blocks that clearly didnt work here in the 1st place.

Just rebuilding what it there already?

Anyway, those photos of the current estate under construction, it all looks very shiney and new doesn't it!

again the new development has too much green space that will become unused and a wasteland.. Those architectual sketches so loved in the proffesion are not really telling me much apart from being very vague.

The regeneration boards which have popped up around the estate:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2704334460_d250b7e87b_b.jpg

Any info on green credentials? By how much do the dwellings exceed Part L?

Let a couple of days go by and you probably won't even recognise that billboard, trust me, look at it's little neighbour to see what i'm talking about.

The new proposal, in terms of massing/blocks, doesn't look much different to what's there already.

Good. A lot of 60s/70s planning was very good, and the big aerial shot certainly shows that this is a well laid-out estate. If the buildings themselves are attractive then this could be a great project - and they're bound to look better than the current ones.

The regeneration boards which have popped up around the estate:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2704334460_d250b7e87b_b.jpg

I like this pic. :yes:

There is something quite sad seeing it contrasted to the images of when the estate was built - everything looked futuristic and shiny, it must have seemed so advanced considering what people had come from. Then fast-forward a few decades and it's a crumbling wreck and a social failure.

The massive sign signalling the regeneration says it all - big, shiny, modern, optimistic, out with the old - in with the new; it all seems strangely familiar.

The new proposal, in terms of massing/blocks, doesn't look much different to what's there already.

I'd need to see some proper renders, but it looks like rather than trying to erase the mistakes of the current estate, they are just going to store up the same old problems for 20 years time.I agree with this too.

To give an old fashioned anti tower Conservative view point (which is always popular on this forum...) this area does not need towers, but houses.

I can't say I'm that familiar with this particular area, I've been there once (I think) a long time ago and have no intention of ever going back. But I do know people who have come from this area, and its always been rough. Whether 100 years ago, 50 years ago or today.

People in these areas need to live in proper communities, not 21st century council estates dominated by towers. People need their own houses. I'm not talking about building huge detached 5 bedroom houses, but small terraced or semis and most important of all they should have their own gardens, not communal spaces.

People need their own space. When they have that, most will then want to look after that space and have pride in it. From that they will want bigger and better things for themselves. Give people a chance to take ownership of their lives including the right to purchase their own homes, and most people will.

Under the current proposals this is simply repeating the mistakes of the past time and time again. All it does is trap generations of people into a cycle that they can not get out of.

These lefty planners need to be put against a wall and shot for these poor plans. Or better still, throw them off one of their precious towers. It's not as if the lifts will work for too long in these towers once they're built. I can't imagine what it must be like taking bags of shopping or young kids up multiple flights of steps.

Houses are needed, not towers.

Hmmm I'm not sure if it's just a strictly tower problem - I'd go towards a character point of view. Instead of looking like a tower mass production factory if every one of them was given it's own identity and character quite different from the others, and same with the garden areas then perhaps residents can feel like they have their own spaces much more to take pride in instead of feeling that they're just another part of the big grey jigsaw. Mix shops and services in with the residential instead of segregating them.
I do like the central spine path on the concept drawings with the landmarks at each end; I feel it gives a focus to the area which the birds eye photos of the existing situation seem to lack.

This is a massing of the current estate (for more clarity than the aerial).

Overview:

http://www.jacobcarter.co.uk/Ferrier/sss.jpg

Roof Level:

http://www.jacobcarter.co.uk/Ferrier/f54.jpg

Cutaway of the basic layout:

http://www.jacobcarter.co.uk/Ferrier/yyu.jpg

Ive been up on the roof of a couple of those shithole blocks the sooner they go the better :)

Must nip down to the ferrier and take some snaps before they demolish it all. is there much still to see?

I love the old photos but hasn’t it aged badly? the problem with that sort of architecture is that it looks great without humans. As soon as you add them with all their ' individuality and untidiness, suddenly the place is messed up, bad curtains, no maintenance 'just let them rot there' attitude has made this experimental disaster. Robin Hood Gardens is exactly the same. It probably looked fab when it was built, but look at the state of it today.

I have wondered for some time what was happening in Kidbrooke and just never botherd to look so the posted pictures are the first I've seen of what they want to do. I can only agree with some of the other posts, all they are planning to do is rebuild the same estate but updated to current trends. So the corner laundrette becomes an alfresco cafe and the concrete is changed to wooden cladding? It's like putting a cherry on a turd.

Due to nearby Lewisham and Greenwich, Kidbrooke isn't going to be anything more then a commuter area so why not put the towers around the station, have one nicely done recreation ground and fill the rest with houses and small blocks of flats. The site needs to be broken up. People don't want to live on estates and no matter how pretty they look its the same thing that was there previously so why not just reclad that?

It has been reported in the Greenwich Time that the final plans for the Kidbrooke Vision have been submitted to Greenwich Council for planning permission.

It reads:
"The plans incorporate the comments of local residents and organisations who have been giving their views on the £1bn project during a year of public consultation."


For anyone interested, details of the final plan will be on public exhibition at the Kidbrooke Regeneration Project Office on:
- Friday 5th December (3pm - 8pm)
- Saturday 6th December (10am - 3pm)
- Wednesday 10th December (5pm - 9pm)

I agree with this too.

To give an old fashioned anti tower Conservative view point (which is always popular on this forum...) this area does not need towers, but houses.

I can't say I'm that familiar with this particular area, I've been there once (I think) a long time ago and have no intention of ever going back. But I do know people who have come from this area, and its always been rough. Whether 100 years ago, 50 years ago or today.

People in these areas need to live in proper communities, not 21st century council estates dominated by towers. People need their own houses. I'm not talking about building huge detached 5 bedroom houses, but small terraced or semis and most important of all they should have their own gardens, not communal spaces.

People need their own space. When they have that, most will then want to look after that space and have pride in it. From that they will want bigger and better things for themselves. Give people a chance to take ownership of their lives including the right to purchase their own homes, and most people will.

Under the current proposals this is simply repeating the mistakes of the past time and time again. All it does is trap generations of people into a cycle that they can not get out of.

These lefty planners need to be put against a wall and shot for these poor plans. Or better still, throw them off one of their precious towers. It's not as if the lifts will work for too long in these towers once they're built. I can't imagine what it must be like taking bags of shopping or young kids up multiple flights of steps.

Houses are needed, not towers.

I too agree... The 'new' layout is just a bunch of tower blocks in a different pattern. This is a huge area in terms of acreage: just build a dozen streets of decent terraced housing with gardens and a little high street by the station, job done. Why build 'yuppie' flats in a relatively remote suburban area with a bad reputation? No-one will want to live there... They will become the sink estates of the 22nd century. These people just want decent houses with a bit of outside space, and as long as they don't build McMansions, they'll get a much higher population density with terraces than tower blocks interspersed with windswept open spaces.

http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/planningpages/AcolNetCGI.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=59927

Application type: Outline Planning Permission
Date received: 17/11/2008
Registration date: 17/11/2008
Consultation start date: 17/11/2008
Earliest decision date: 17/12/2008
Target date for decision: 16/02/2009
Location: THE FERRIER ESTATE AND HARROW MEADOW, KIDBROOKE, SE3 (KNOWN AS KIDBROOKE MASTER PLAN).
Ward name: ELTHAM WEST
Sub area: Not available
Conservation area: ELTHAM GREEN
Listed building grade: Not available
Environmental assessment: Not available
Target recommendation date: 02/02/2009
Expected decision level: Not available
Easting/northing: 540977.350321879/175334.637942162
Statutory class: Not available

Proposal: A mixed use development comprising 4000 residential units, including 27,261 sqm of extra care accommodation to provide 303 flats (Class C3) and 29,498 sqm of non-residential uses comprising 4,855 sqm retail & leisure (incorporating up to 3,100 sqm retails Class A1 - A5 and up to 2,782 sqm leisure Class D2), 5,450 sqm office (Class B1), 4884 sqm community (Class D1), 5,911 sqm hotel (Class C1) 2,785 sqm supermarket (Class A1), 3,205 GP Surgery (Class D1) and 2,408 sqm replacement primary school (Class D1) including access, car parking and open space. In addition to the matters set out above, details of the access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of Phase 1 for 449 residential units and a multi use games area.

Please dont say that 'masterplan' has or will be approved? I agree with horizon911 and tubeman here. What a waste of time it would be to tear down 1960's blocks just to construct 2009 blocks that are essentially the same but in a different arrangement. People need their own space, as said, to care about and and maintain for their own - in the long run nobody cares about so called 'communal spaces'. eventually this will become a dogged wasteland as it is now if people dont have their own houses and their own gardens to look after.

Lets hope this type of so called 'regeneration' doesnt go ahead. If it does it will be back to square one by 2030.

What i don't get living near tavy bridge in thamesmead, that the estate is just as bad and more or less indentical, but they aren't knocking it down but instead refurbishing all the blocks and giving it a paint job. It's problem imho is it's separated from everywhere by a railway to it's north and a park to it's south.

i personally think creating communal gardens helps community more than everyone having their own individual garden. Growing up on an estate as a kid, the only place to play was in the park with other kids, rather than in my garden on my own.

i personally would build a load of mid rise 4-5 story blocks on a traditional street pattern mixed in with terraced housing and maybe a small cluster of high rise blocks around some shops and the station.

Berkeley’s £1bn London plan
http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3128618&c=1


http://www.propertyweek.com/Pictures/web/l/b/j/48_p07_Kidbrooke_pic.jpg

One of Britain’s most controversial regeneration projects – the proposed £1bn redevelopment of the Ferrier estate in south-east London – moved a step closer to fruition this week with the submission of a planning application from developer Berkeley Group.

The application to Greenwich Borough Council includes 4,000 homes and is set to be the UK’s largest residential scheme outside east London’s Olympic zone.

It includes detailed plans for a first phase of 449 homes – which is intended to kick-start development – and a masterplan designed by architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.

Greenwich council has sought to redevelop the Ferrier estate since 1999 and, despite its role as planning authority, is backing Berkeley’s masterplan.

The scheme also has the support of regeneration agency English Partnerships.

John Anderson, chairman of Urban Developments, a subsidiary of Berkeley Homes , indicated that construction could start next year regardless of market conditions.

The council is due to assess the application in January and Anderson told said that, following extensive public consultation, he was not expecting the government to call it in: ‘We expect to welcome the first new residents in spring 2010.’

Over a 15-year programme, the project will comprise 400,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a school, community and healthcare facilities, sports pitches and leisure facilities, a transport interchange and 124 acres of Green space.

I'm not sure why, but that picture made me cringe

It still looks like a council estate in the future. Not impressed by the bland architecture.

^^ Agreed... its dire!

I dont get it, will it still look like this:

http://i36.tinypic.com/11qtzyv.jpg

or have they changed design?

Yes, it'll still look like that.

Its the same design as was on the 'Public Information' pdf documents...
and the same design on the architect's website (http://www.lifschutzdavidson.com/)

The low-rise section shown in the render above is for a part of the project which is off to the right of that drawing.

Oh ok, thanks, i was beginning to think this scheme went completely lowrise.

The problem I have with developments in the 60's and this one is that parkland in most cases is wasted land that adds nothing to the people who live there, who never use it. Density is the problem here and nothing has been learned obviously.

I dont get it, will it still look like this:

http://i36.tinypic.com/11qtzyv.jpg

or have they changed design?


My bad... I've just had a look at the planning documents submitted to Greenwich. They have done away with the highrise element of the plans.
The focus seems to be on parkland and high density housing.

Here's some images from the planning docs:

http://i41.tinypic.com/snexar.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/211ts0z.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/rb9toj.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/3xah0.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2j45x87.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/18oqpf.jpg

Aerials from Eltham:

http://i43.tinypic.com/2v9pwra.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/35ap4jo.jpg


Labelled Map:

http://i40.tinypic.com/30kyvlj.jpg

The problem I have with developments in the 60's and this one is that parkland in most cases is wasted land that adds nothing to the people who live there, who never use it. Density is the problem here and nothing has been learned obviously.

the only problem before with open land was that it was patchy, more left over from the positioning of the buildings rather than considered a seperate entity, usually it was broken up into car park space, garages and multi level access routes. None of the houses opened out onto this space and so no one could tell if it was private or not and therefore not used. The space here looks like a decent park that could function under many uses. To banish the concept of urban open space because of major unrelated flaws in past urban design is a bit of a nuclear option.

Well the new scheme is very different to the one I saw earlier. So my opinion is a bit different now. Looking at the documents just posted LDS have approached this masterplan in a rather traditional manner. I don't mind it actually now, the fact that is predominately low rise is a better approach too. I'm still concerned with the architecture though. Too much of the same and its blandness is devoid of anything that makes you really want to live there. A range of decent architects work should be built here not just one architect so there is some variance in the ho hum style of buildings presently on display.

Yes true... this reminds me somewhat of Angell Town in Brixton; low-rise, nice quality, but not much variation in the architecture.

Phase 1
Eltham Green SE9
Greenwich

Autumn 2008: Submission of the Outline Masterplan planning application and detailed design of Phase One, Eltham Green.

Spring 2009: Detailed plans for Phase One approved by Greenwich Council.

Spring 2009: Phase One to start on site.

Summer 2010: Delivery of first homes in Phase One.

Summer 2012: Estimated completion of Phase One.



Phase 1 Map

http://i38.tinypic.com/2heiwwo.jpg




Phase 1 Aerial

http://i37.tinypic.com/jkj01u.jpg




Phase 1 Apartment Blocks

http://i35.tinypic.com/9a5r28.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/1x0d1.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/211ts0z.jpg




Phase 1 Apartment Block (Detail)

http://i35.tinypic.com/20uocp0.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/21e8bxg.jpg




Phase 1 Row Homes

http://i40.tinypic.com/rb9toj.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/3xah0.jpg




Phase 1 Row Homes (Detail)

http://i42.tinypic.com/2j45x87.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/18oqpf.jpg

If the whole scheme was made up of those terraced houses as shown in the above pics, this would be a very respectable scheme. Why can't the whole scheme be like this?

But, no. This is South London which means some lefty idiot wants to experiment with people's lives (which of course has never happened before...) and put in a mish mash of mostly high rise and low rise flats. It will create zero community and I feel sorry for those that will have to live in this unbearable estate.

I think there should should a law to say that the architects and planners responsible for developments such as these, should live on them.

I disagree... those terraced houses look as bad as the characterless post-war brick boxes found all over this country. They remind me of the cheap shitty brick houses with corrugated steel roofs that get built for people who live in shanty towns :puke:

The apartment buildings look much better.

I'm pleased to see the inclusion of back gardens, but I agree parts of it feels really post-apocalyptic, heavy and burdensome.

But what can we expect?

It just doesn't seem feasible to build a pretty row of detached house with their own front and back garden - certainly not in the name of affordable housing.

To that end these are that different to what was there previously.

I feel hugely luckly to have grown detached houses - hugely. Now I live in a flat. It looks like we'll all be living in flats - whatever our level of income.

If the whole scheme was made up of those terraced houses as shown in the above pics, this would be a very respectable scheme. Why can't the whole scheme be like this?

But, no. This is South London which means some lefty idiot wants to experiment with people's lives (which of course has never happened before...) and put in a mish mash of mostly high rise and low rise flats. It will create zero community and I feel sorry for those that will have to live in this unbearable estate.

I think there should should a law to say that the architects and planners responsible for developments such as these, should live on them.

i disagree entirely, i lived on an estate of flats, and in a terrace house. And the community spirit was much greater in the flats, especially amongst the kids who were really forced to hang together as they had no external private space of their own (a positive imho)!

A much better scheme, I quite like the minimalism of the architecture, nice, clean, it'll be good if the materials are top notch, towers were innappropriate for such a suburban location.

I actually like. Is this starting construction next year then?

Phase 1 starts construction next year. The current site is just grass fields.

The rest of the project can't begin until the estate is demolished... and most blocks are still inhabited.

Berkeley Homes submits plans for £1bn redevelopment of Greenwich council estate
17 December, 2008

By Martin Spring and Chloë Stothart
http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3130118&c=0


Three years after it was appointed by Greenwich council, Berkeley Homes has submitted a planning application for the £1bn redevelopment of a huge seventies council estate at Kidbrooke in south-east London. It will be the largest residential development in the UK outside the Olympic Games area.
Kidbrooke

The masterplan, by architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, for more than 4,000 homes over the 109ha site of the seventies Ferrier Estate has been compared by Cabe with seminal sustainable developments at Hammarby in Sweden and Freiburg in Germany.

The centrepiece of the medium-density development will be a new linear park 130m wide, with horseshoe formations of five and seven-storey apartment blocks opening off it on either side. The new housing will include private, social rented, shared equity, key worker, private rented and sheltered housing for older people.

Higher apartment blocks incorporating shops, community centre and health centre will be clustered around a new railway and bus station overlooking a public square development. And towards the perimeter of the site, lower three-storey houses will merge with the existing suburban housing beyond.

Berkeley Homes is to carry out the redevelopment in partnership with Greenwich council and the new national Homes & Communities Agency.

John Rowland Urban Design collaborated on the masterplan, with Barton Willmore as planning consultant, Faber Maunsell as structural and services engineer and Gillespies as landscape architect.

The outline planning application includes a detailed planning application for a first phase of 449 homes designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands to be delivered by 2010. The entire development is intended to be built over a 15- to 20-year period involving several architects.

CABE Design review
(http://cabe.org.uk/default.aspx?contentitemid=2938&refid=0&sl=)Kidbrooke Masterplan

Masterplan for 4,800 new homes, together with retail and leisure uses, office, hotel, supermarket, GP surgery, a new railway station, and a replacement primary school, on the site of the Ferrier Estate with detailed design for phase 1.

Review date: 23 December 2008
Lead designer: Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands
Client: Berkeley Homes
Local authority: London: Greenwich
Location: The Ferrier Estate and Harrow Meadow, Kidbrooke, London SE3.
Region: London
Categories: Housing, Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, Infrastructure

Introduction
We support the principles of access, scale, layout, use, landscape design and appearance set out in the outline application and we support the design of the detailed application for Phase 1 of the masterplan. We commend the developer and local authority for their positive collaboration, particularly for putting the appropriate planning policy in place at the beginning of the process and for appointing an integrated, urban design-focused design team. We feel that this sophisticated proposal will provide a strong framework for the future phases of development.

Kidbrooke has the potential to be an exemplar for sustainable suburbs and the re-development of local authority housing estates. It is in this context of enthusiastic support for the scheme that we offer the following detailed comments: a request that a robust framework for management of the open space should be embedded in any approval, a suggestion that the location of the extra care facility should be reassessed and a concern about the sustainability of the proportion of 1-bedroom flats proposed.

Sustainability
In spite of the fact that a development of only 30 years old is to be demolished to make way for this masterplan, we consider this scheme to be inherently sustainable. By providing a medium density development with the potential for stitching the disparate urban fabric together and incorporating green space for recreation and ecology, this scheme transcends the usual sustainable and eco tags. However we note that, within the mix of units, 29% of the homes will be one-bedroom flats and we question whether a higher proportion of larger units should be offered in order to promote a more stable and sustainable future community.

This scheme’s sustainability credentials are enhanced by an understanding the positive and negative aspects of the existing Ferrier estate. For instance, building on the original grid layout is intelligent; it not only maintains the good solar orientation but allows for the re-use of the existing services. It is essential that other negative lessons learnt about poor community cohesion and ineffective estate management are also heeded.

The robust management of the open space will be fundamental to its long term success and sustainability. We recommend that the local authority satisfies itself that an appropriate strategy is embedded in any planning approval.

Parkland/urban structure
We support the uncomplicated gridded form of the urban structure and the use of the green ribbon as a heart to the development. We feel that the conversion of Kidbrooke Park Road, from distributor road to park boulevard, is fundamental to the success of this structure. We support the proposals for treating the redefined road and its integration with the park including the concept of at-grade crossings and green space character areas. The engagement of the c-shaped edge blocks with the park appears to successfully define the boundaries between public and private realms. We welcome the phasing proposal that includes the adjacent area of parkland in each phase and suggest that trigger points should be embedded in any approval to ensure that works may not progress unless the appropriate landscape work has been completed.

We welcome, in general, the changes that have been made to terminate the park with more clarity at its northern end and integrate it better with the existing context to the south. However, although we support the relocation of the school to define the northern boundary of the park, we have reservations about the relocation of the extra care facility. We suggest that homes for older people might benefit from being located within the heart of a neighbourhood and close to its other amenities, rather than on a peripheral site.

We support the design principles of the hub; we think that the reduced height, the elimination of residential accommodation from its northern side, and the inclusion of 2-storey houses to better define the outer edges of the triangular plots, are all positive design changes.

Phase 1
We are confident that the detailed proposals for Phase 1 successfully demonstrate the robustness of the masterplanning principles. We welcome, in particular, the successful demonstration of the residential quality of a number of the masterplan typologies. We appreciate the efforts made to limit the use of long access corridors and single-aspect, north-facing flats. We support the use of maisonettes and would recommend that this be expanded to provide even more duplex units with individual entrances at ground level where possible. We feel the exploitation of levels to conceal parking and create a clear definition between the private courtyards and the public park works successfully.

While the loss of the park frontage for some residents of Eltham Green Road is unfortunate, we believe that, through the successful knitting of the proposed new housing into the existing urban fabric, this will be for the greater good of the whole community. We support the design changes that have developed clear and legible connections through from the existing housing to the park.

Conclusion
We support the planning application and look forward to seeing the detail of this masterplan as it develops over the coming years. We feel that it would be a positive move to have a variety of architectural practices working on the different phases as they come forward. It is essential that the green spaces are delivered at an early stage of development and that a clear management plan is in place to integrate the green spaces into the wider development. However, we suggest that the design team reviews the location of the extra care facility and the proportion of 1-bedroom flats.

The success of Phase 1 will also be dependent on the appropriate use of materials and the detailed design of the scheme to include the facades and landscaping. The local planning authority should be convinced that the development can be built to a high quality and may wish to apply conditions to ensure an appropriate level of control on design details. The CABE document Protecting Design Quality in Planning available from our website www.cabe.org.uk may be useful in this respect.

' We feel that it would be a positive move to have a variety of architectural practices working on the different phases as they come forward'

I think that say's alot. I find one architects vision, especially the stuff we have seen on here can make it look too much like an estate rather than a normal place to live. A variety of styles and architecture would really help make this place feel more ' real '

Demolition begins on Ferrier estate
March 2009
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/4183686.KIDBROOKE__Demolition_begins_on_Ferrier_estate/


DEMOLITION has begun on the deprived Ferrier estate in Kidbrooke as part of plans to revamp the area.

Nearly 2,000 1970s homes will be demolished and 4,398 new ones will be built, along with a shopping centre, a school and an NHS health centre.

The 15-year project is being led by Greenwich Council in partnership with developer Berkeley Homes.

Greenwich Council hopes to tackle social deprivation in the area by creating more open spaces and moving away from the previous inward- facing block design of buildings.

Councillor Peter Brooks, deputy leader of Greenwich Council, says the start of the demolition programme marks an important milestone for the community.

He said: “I know that local residents are very keen for this scheme to progress, so it's great news that the demolition work is now underway. “It's taken a lot of work to bring in the necessary investment.

“But we are now well on the way to creating a new urban quarter on the site of the old Ferrier Estate.

“One that will offer an attractive environment and high quality facilities for people who live, work or study here.”

Phase one of the development will consist of 449 houses and apartments, of which 220 are for private sale and 229 are affordable homes.

Building is due to begin in the spring, with the first tenants expected to move in early in 2010.



http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/resources/images/840249/?type=display

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/resources/images/840250/?type=display

... compared to the other £1billion scheme to the west of town, this doesn't get much attention here!


News articles:


Evening Standard
Estate plagued by crime to be demolished for £1bn rebirth
Ruth Bloomfield
07.04.09

A NOTORIOUS "sink" estate is to get a £1billion makeover in the biggest development in London since the Olympic park.
The Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke - used as the backdrop for the film Nil By Mouth - is being demolished and 4,000 homes built in its place.

Continued: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23672693-details/Estate+plagued+by+crime+to+be+demolished+for+1bn+rebirth/article.do




Evening Standard
Real chance to wake up from a Seventies nightmare
Rowan Moore
07.04.09

No sane person could fail to prefer the vision offered of the future Ferrier Estate to the dour and rat-infested reality now in place. But the big question is, will it really happen like this?
The future version proposes a new park, as well as semi-private courtyards for individual blocks of flats. It will have a mixture of tenures, of owners and renters, instead of the monoculture of council flats originally built. .

Continued: http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23672694-details/Real+chance+to+wake+up+from+a+Seventies+nightmare/article.do

Could the thread title be changed to:

Kidbrooke £1bn Regeneration | Greenwich | App
or
Kidbrooke £1bn Regeneration | Greenwich | Demo

As it has been approved, and demolition has started on sections of the estate:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/3409719462_67b576a4a2.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3390406178_b5530e83f5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3398426612_8fe0fbbe9e.jpg?v=0

More articles:


Property Week
Consent granted for £1bn redevelopment of notorious Greenwich estate
David Doyle
07.04.09

Berkeley Homes has gained planning consent for the £1bn redevelopment of one of London’s most deprived housing estates.

Greenwich Council has granted consent to Berkeley Homes’ and Southern Housing’s Kidbrooke masterplan for the Ferrier Estate, the council estate immortalised in Gary Oldman’s gritty biopic Nil By Mouth.

The partnership was given outline planning permission to develop 4,000 residential units at the 2,000 apartments estate and neighbouring Harrow Green sports areas.

The plans, revealed by Property Week last year, include 30,000 sq ft of leisure facilities, 60,000 sq ft of offices, 34,000 sq ft of shops and a 64,000 sq ft hotel.

The plans will now be referred to the Mayor of London’s office..

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3137988&c=1




The Career Engineer
New residential construction jobs could be created in London

07.04.09

Construction job prospects in London have received a potential boost after planning permission was granted to one of Europe's largest housing-focused regeneration schemes.

Greenwich Council will allow the redevelopment project to take place at the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, with the council and Berkeley Homes due to work alongside the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Southern Housing Group to deliver thousands of new homes.

Berkeley Homes' masterplan involves 4,000 mixed-tenure homes, commercial and retail space, a new school and new community and healthcare facilities.

It also incorporates new sports pitches and leisure facilities, a new transport interchange and eight hectares of public open space.

Commenting on the granting of planning permission, David Lunts, HCA's London regional director, said: "This is excellent news for the people of Kidbrooke, and brings us a crucial step closer to delivering this much-needed regeneration project that will improve the quality and choice of homes and facilities in the area."

HCA chief executive Sir Bob Kerslake recently welcomed the government's £170 million allocation for local transport projects..

http://www.thecareerengineer.com/static_content.cgi?record_type=news&record_id=19112270




News Shopper
Ferrier Estate revamp plans given green light

07.04.09

PLANS for a £1bn revamp of a deprived estate have been given the green light.

Greenwich Council has granted planning permission for a master plan for the regeneration of the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke.

The 15-year project being led by the council in partnership with developer Berkeley Homes, includes demolition of nearly 2,000 1970s homes and the building of 4,398 new ones.

A shopping centre, a school and an NHS health centre will also built.

The council hopes to tackle social deprivation in the area by creating more open spaces and moving away from the previous inward-facing block design of buildings.

Demolition began on the estate last month.

Councillor Peter Brooks, deputy leader of Greenwich Council, said: “This is an important milestone for the Kidbrooke area.

“It will finally bring about the long-term vision developed by Greenwich Council with the local community over many years, to transform the environment, and provide new homes and amenities that we can be proud of.

“We look forward to working with the developers and our housing partners.”

Phase one of the development will consist of 449 houses and apartments, of which 220 are for private sale and 229 are affordable homes.

Building is due to begin this spring, with the first tenants expected to move in early in 2010. .

http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/4273348.KIDBROOKE__Ferrier_Estate_revamp_plans_given_green_light/




The Architect's Journal
Greenwich approves £1 billion Ferrier Estate regeneration
By Christopher Sell
08.04.09

Greenwich Council has given the thumbs-up to Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands’ masterplan for the £1 billion redevelopment of the 1960s Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, south-east London

Under the plans – which represent one of Europe’s largest housing regeneration schemes – the existing sink estate will be demolished and 4,000 homes will be built. It will also include shops, offices, a school, a health centre, sports facilities and more than 50ha of open space.

Demolition of the estate has already begun, with the first residents expected to move in next year.

Landscape architect Gillespies is working alongside Lifschutz Davidson Sandiland on the masterplan.

The council has also given the go-ahead to the detailed proposal for phase one of the regeneration. This includes 449 houses and apartments – 220 for private sale and 229 affordable homes.

A spokeswoman for Berkeley Homes Urban Developments, project partner along with the Southern Housing Group and the Homes and Communities Agency, said: ‘The demolition is the first outward sign that the site is now underway and will be one of the biggest regeneration projects in the UK, outside of the Olympic Park.’.

http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/daily-news/greenwich-approves-%C2%A31-billion-ferrier-estate-regeneration/5200238.article




Builder & Engineer Online
Berkeley Homes gets green light for £1bn redevelopment of London estate

08.04.09

Berkeley Homes has received planning consent for the £1bn redevelopment of one of the most deprived housing estates in London.

Greenwich Council has granted planning permission for a master plan for the regeneration of the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, which was used as the backdrop for the film Nil By Mouth.

The 15-year project being led by the council in partnership with Berkeley Homes and Southern Housing, includes demolishing nearly 2,000 1970s homes and building 4,398 new ones.

There will also be shops, offices, a school, a NHS health centre, sports facilities and more than 50 hectares of open space.

Demolition has already begun with construction work due to commence this spring. The first tenants are expected to move in by early 2010. .

http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/general/berkeley-homes-gets-green-light-for-1bn-redevelopment-of-london-estate-3666.html




Bexley Times
Housing estate’s new lease of life

09.04.09

COUNCIL bosses have given the go-ahead for the re-development of a 1970s council block.

The master plan for the redevelopment of the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke was granted planning permission last Monday.

But detailed permission was only granted for the first phase of the development, which is due to start in June and last for approximately three years.

This will consist of 449 houses and apartments, with 220 for private sale and 229 as affordable homes.

Architects from the firm Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands drew up the masterplan that is due to be completed in 15-20 years.

This includes replacing 2,000 old homes with 4,000 new ones, with the first set to be ready in 2010. Also promised are approximately 300,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a new school, new community facilities, healthcare facilities, sports pitches, leisure facilities, a new transport interchange and eight hectares of new public open space.

Demolition work began last month - two years after Berkeley Homes bought the site in February 2007.

Greenwich council approved a compulsory purchase order in April 2007 for the £1billion regeneration plan..

http://www.bexleytimes.co.uk/content/bexley/times/news/story.aspx?brand=BXYOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbxy&itemid=WeED09%20Apr%202009%2009%3A50%3A59%3A300




regen.net
Kidbrooke plan approved
Susie Sell
09.04.09

One of Europe's largest housing regeneration schemes has been granted outline planning permission by the London Borough of Greenwich.

The scheme – which was ranked 31st in terms of investment required in Regeneration & Renewal’s Top 100 Regeneration Projects 2009 – plans to re-develop the 1960s Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, south-east London.

The project aims to replace the estate with 4,000 new homes, shops, offices, a health centre, sports facilities and more than 50 ha of open space.

Demolition started last month and the developers hope to start on phase one work in the summer. The first residents are expected to move in next year.

The redevelopment will be delivered by housebuilder Berkeley Homes and Greenwich council alongside their development partners the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) and Southern Housing Group..

http://www.regen.net/news/ByDiscipline/Housing/897743/Kidbrooke-plan-approved/

The Kidbrooke Regeneration website is now online: http://www.kidbrookeregeneration.info/

Two recent photos:

http://i43.tinypic.com/2wg6iy1.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2zqtn3a.jpg

Many thanks to those who have posted photos, especially the photos when the estate was new. Looks very 'Brave New World' or 'Clockwork Orange'. I have an unhealthy fascination with 60's and 70's Council estates, espacially those on a grand scale such as the Ferrier, Aylesbury, North Peckham etc. I have been out to the Ferrier a couple of times myself not long after it was used for exterior shots in Gary Oldman's film 'Nil By Mouth' from 1997.

Like a number of posters in this thread I also am of the belief that this area does not need towers or high density accomodation largely because its nowhere near any established town centre and its transport links are not fantastic. I agree that people need their own private open space and small balconies are not sufficient in providing this. This redevelopment seriously runs the risk of repeating the mistakes of the 60's & 70's. Tubeman's idea of terraced houses of a traditional nature with a small 'high street' leading up to the train station is spot on. This formula works as perfectly now as it did in the late 1800's. You don't see large swathes of Victorian terraced housing being demolished in London or elsewhere. Why haven't we learn't our lesson?

Good to see Ferrier estate is finally coming down. When i first moved to London 10 years ago i lived very close and made the mistake of taking a short cut through the estate from the station at Kidbrook. That was the first and last time i walked anywhere near as i nearly got mugged.

It would have been nice just to keep a couple of blocks of flats or a small part of the estate just for posterity - have it completely revamped and the new part developed around it.

Kidbrooke Park Road Block - Demolished
March 09 to May 09

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3504252640_86ed732444.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3515410704_86fe1a951b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3533395103_22dcd437bd_o.jpg

Mayor backs Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands' Ferrier Estate
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3142028&origin=BDweeklydigest
4 June, 2009
By Marguerite Lazell

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has given his approval for Lifshutz Davidson Sandilands' £1 billion redevelopment of the Ferrier Estate in south London.

The 4,000 home scheme, which was given the green light by Greenwich Council in April, will replace the 1974 estate, which as been described as the worst sink-estate in the capital. Of the homes, 38% will be affordable.

Announcing his decision yesterday, Johnson said: "This is another great example of pushing ahead with major development and infrastructure improvements to create jobs, support the capital’s economy and transform the quality of life for thousands of Londoners.

"For far too long the residents of this estate have suffered as a result of poor, ill-thought out design and planning. Now we have the chance to put that right. These plans clearly put people and communities first and signal an incredibly bright future ahead for Greenwich and its residents."

Lifshutz Davidson Sandilands' masterplan includes creating a new commercial and retail hub on the site, a new primary school and more than 50ha of open space.

The first phase will include 220 private homes and 229 affordable properties.

Alex Lifshutz said: "It's great news, the residents have been anxious about the amount of time it's taken, and finally it's a move forward.

"It's been a very harmonious process - it's a great scheme with the local authority and the developer coming together, thinking about what a suburb could be like, with great outdoor spaces and housing. We'll be starting to break ground in the next few months."





Boris Johnson approves £1bn Kidbrooke estate regeneration
http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/06/04/68392/boris-johnson-approves-1bn-kidbrooke-estate-regeneration.html
4 June, 2009
By Will Mann

London Mayor Boris Johnson has given the go-ahead for Berkeley Homes and Southern Housing’s 4,000-home regeneration of the notorious Ferrier estate in Kidrooke, south-east London.

The existing housing on the estate will be demolished and replaced with new-build residential, 38% of which will be affordable, plus 37,000m2 of commercial and shopping space, community facilities, a new primary school, and recreational space.

The £1bn scheme was approved by Greenwich council in April, and demolition work has already started.

The council began decanting people from Ferrier in 2006. Previously it was home to 5,000 people.

The estate also formed the backdrop for Gary Oldman’s film Nil by Mouth.

Kidbrooke Park Road Block - Demolished
March 09 to May 09

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3504252640_86ed732444.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3515410704_86fe1a951b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3533395103_22dcd437bd_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/3564223436_76aa8cd3ff_o.jpg

Elford Road Block - Demolished
February 09 to May 09

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3372366301_9e48ee2970_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3434517154_5dfbe0ec53_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3459392075_650290d48b_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/3533378943_5ced047c0e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3563003405_197d0e9578_o.jpg

ahh thats satisfying to see them being levelled ;)

More on Phase One

http://i40.tinypic.com/nl4bbp.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/5malgn.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/63ves3.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2hn9ovs.jpg

I wonder if the moat (or whatever it is) is a security measure? :)

I wouldn't be surprised! :lol:


Tudway Road Block - Demolished
March 09 to June 09

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3279082038_50947f69df.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3473/3365894888_1c95f9cc7b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3545/3390406178_b5530e83f5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/3408924623_2b0e7cfefe.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3575/3492615088_2114e067b7.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2456/3610670547_a1bff54434.jpg?v=0

coolio. We need more of the rowhomes though, or at least a bit more variety- is the design absolutely finalised?

I agree I think it should of been designed by a collection of architects breaking the monotony.

coolio. We need more of the rowhomes though, or at least a bit more variety- is the design absolutely finalised?

The design for Phase 1 (Eltham Green West) is absolutely finalised.

The massing and proportions of the rest of the project have been finalised, but are yet to be designed in detail.

HCA invests £32m in Greenwich housing projects
7 July 2009
http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3144327&origin=bldgdailynewsletter

By Joey Gardiner

Funding for developments, which will contain mix of homes for social and intermediate rent, shared equity and private sale, is part of plan to kickstart housing market

The Homes and Communities Agency's National Affordable Housing Programme will provide more than £32m for two major regeneration projects in Greenwich.

Just over £30m has been granted to the first phase of Kidbrooke, a regeneration project where 456 new homes will be created. The homes will be provided by Berkeley Homes and Southern Housing Group.

A further £2m was granted for the first phase of new housing delivered by Bellway Homes and London & Quadrant Housing Trust at Greenwich Peninsula. This funding will enable Bellway to start construction on the 229 homes that will be built at the Peninsula Riverside development.

This investment is part of the London programme to kick-start development activity during the housing market downturn.

These homes consist of a mix of social and intermediate rental, shared equity, discount market and private sale.

London mayor Boris Johnson, said: “This further funding from London's housing budget will deliver more urgently needed affordable homes, create jobs to support the capital's economy during the downturn and transform the quality of life for thousands of Londoners.”

David Lunts, HCA London's regional director, said: “Our new approach to investment and the flexibilities we are working with mean that London will benefit from a supply of new and affordable homes in high quality environments. This development activity will also keep hundreds of Londoners in much-needed employment.”

Work is planned to start on both sites by the autumn.

Redevelopment projects that have already benefited from HCA funding include Woodberry Down in Hackney, Holloway Road in Islington, Southwark's Aylesbury Estate and Hale Village in Haringey.

Hoardings are being put up around the Eltham Green West/Phase 1 site, which borders Sutcliffe Park:


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid3.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid4.jpg


Two bonus pics of 'London's Worst Estate':

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid6.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/kid5.jpg

^^ Perfect example of an estate that looks like it hasn't seen a paintbrush or screwdriver since it was completed. Such neglect. Its amazing how great it looked when it was nearing completion - so clean and neat. It won't be missed.

I just came across these on flickr that perfectly illustrates your point:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3859893574_2156eb2cf7_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2609/3859897240_bb5c958382_b.jpg

^^Yes, so many blame the architecture in cases like these. As far as I can see, there's nothing wrong with it, it's let down by little or no maintenance.

wow it looked ok back then, what year do you reckon 1968??

Nearly spot on...
the caption under both photos read: Scanned from a slide taken in 1969.

I wonder if anyone's done a study of social housing design affecting tenant wellbeing/family breakdown/literacy/crime etc? If all Victorian terraced housing, would it have been different...

Obviously if there are faults with the design of certain elements of housing design that can exacerbate crime (dark unlit corners and dead ends, hello streets in the sky) then that can be a factor. But the main reason is the fact the communities are simply not mixed; you put people of the same backgrounds financially or socially and places can degrade, because as soon as one person starts graffittting and it is not cleaned up, it sends the signal that it is acceptable and so the downward spiral continues. If local authorities had maintained these blocks by relentless cleaning and upgrading they would still look as good as they did when they were built. And why did they physically degrade so quickly? Because they were built with speed, cheaply and to very low standards by a bankrupt nation to house the bombed out after the war.

What style the architecture is in has no bearing, I've seen Victorian terraced housing in as such a bad state as modernist blocks. It's the make up of the communities that matters, which is why the idea of mixed neighbourhoods with people of different incomes, ownership and background is important, because it doesn't allow 'bad habits' to fester and grow.

^^Well said

Was this built in 1974 or the late 60's as English Partnerships say 1974?
Generally build quality for council estates were a lot higher than in the immediate postwar period of the 50's & early 60's.

It was constructed between 1967-1972.


This was written by a student of the architects who designed the Ferrier Estate:


Posted here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/2614575877/

It saddens me to write the first chapter of this mostly visual obituary of a failed scheme now facing demolition. I feel honour bound to say some words to defend some very hardworking architects, with whom I had the honour to work with as a young student. These people, most of them no longer with us, were hard working, sincere and conscientious and gave their best to a scheme they seriously believed would house generations of happy and satisfied residents.
The subject of disastrous housing schemes of this period has been endlessly discussed and dissected by some very able writers and critics and I don’t feel this is right place to repeat various views which are already well known.
However, I would like to address a few words to Flickr viewers who often write vitriolic comments about this and similar estates, when they see some sad and depressing photographs of these decaying estates facing demolition and immediately start attacking ‘Planners and Architects’ for committing these atrocities against the human race.
Again, this is an understandable first reaction and with the benefit of the hindsight it is easy to say and admit that some very serious mistakes were made in the housing development of this period.
If you were living in the middle of ‘Jerusalem’ when it was being built and the new, spacious houses were being occupied by happy people delighted by these new estates, you would have found it difficult to believe that in not so distant a future such a sad outcome could have been remotely possible.
All I would like to say here is that there are a huge number of factors which influenced the outcome of these large housing schemes, a very dubious concept in its own right. The factors like political and social environment at the time of inception and occupation, financial controls with ‘sticks’ and ‘carrots’, the importance of choosing the appropriate residents, day to day management and maintenance, sufficient finances for maintaining and if necessary, eliminating the ‘failure’ as they become apparent and encouraging residents to actively take over the management of their own environments, were hardly understood by most of the bureaucracies involved in the whole process.
The examples exist of identical or near identical schemes where one has turned out to be a winner in most respects and the ‘identical twin’ had to be demolished because it was considered to be a complete failure and intensely hated by the occupants.
It would be nice to think that some understanding of these issues is available and grasped before ‘off the cuff’ insults are scattered at only one or two parties concerned.

Kidbrooke Regeneration Begins
http://www.greenwich.co.uk/news/1892-kidbrooke-regeneration-begins/
15 September 2009

http://www.greenwich.co.uk/images/kidbrooke.jpg
From left to right: Tom Dacey (Southern Housing Group), Sir Bob Kerslake (Homes and Communities Agency), Tony Pidgley (Berkeley Homes), Cllr Chris Roberts (Greenwich Council)



Yesterday saw the ground breaking ceremony for the huge regeneration project taking place in Kidbrooke.

Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council, joined Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Homes and Communities Agency, Tom Dacey, Chief Executive of Southern Housing Group, and Tony Pidgley, Chairman of The Berkeley Group at the former Ferrier Estate for the official start of the project.

The first phase of the project, boosted by a £30million cash injection from the HCA, will deliver 449 houses and apartments with the first residents expected to move in next year. Of the first 449 properties, 220 are for private sale and 229 will be affordable homes. When completed, the regeneration will have created 4,000 new mixed-tenure homes in total.

Cllr Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council, said: “It’s excellent to see the progress that’s being made in building the first homes of the new Kidbrooke development. This is an exciting moment for the Council, and for local residents, who have given consistent backing to the Council’s vision for transforming the area, creating a better environment and improving the quality of life.”

David Lunts, London Regional Director of the Homes and Communities Agency said: “Kidbrooke is exactly the kind of transformational project that the HCA was established to support and is a scheme which is at the heart of the HCA’s commitment to supporting regeneration in London. The partnership will be working to transform the estate into a vibrant neighbourhood with new affordable homes, fantastic parks and open space, a new community building and improved travel links.”

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/ferrier1-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/ferrier2-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/ferrier3-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/ferrier4-1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/ferrier5-1.jpg

Coinford bags groundworks job on £1bn Kidbrooke scheme
6 October 2009
http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3150352&c=0

By Emily Wright

Contractor wins work for Berkeley Homes regeneration project in south-east London

Surrey-based contractor Coinford Construction has been awarded the groundworks and road package for Berkeley Homes on the £1bn Kidbrooke regeneration scheme in London.

The regeneration scheme is to be delivered by Berkeley Homes which is working with Greenwich Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Southern Housing Group.

The project that will take around 20 years to reach completion and will deliver some 4,000 private and affordable homes, a 100 acre public park, a health centre, community facilities and shops, plus improved and accessible public transport.

The floor slabs for sections of Phase 1 are currently being laid:

http://i36.tinypic.com/34evnsg.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2inara.jpg

This is a model of Phase One, which is under construction in the photos posted above:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/4074956370_6d0c475e6c_b.jpg


Plus a model of the whole site. The far extremities (Phase One and Phase Two) have been designed in detail. The middle of the masterplan is yet to have its design finalised:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/4074954738_38e0991636_b.jpg

A cutaway of a unit:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/4074192861_fb750c1a9e_b.jpg

Phase 2
Blackheath Quarter SE3
Greenwich
http://onlineplanning.greenwich.gov.uk/acolnet/planningonline/acolnetcgi.gov?ACTION=UNWRAP&RIPNAME=Root.PgeResultDetail&TheSystemkey=62518

Autumn 2008: Submission of the Outline Masterplan planning application and detailed design of Phase One, Eltham Green.

Spring 2009: Detailed plans for Phase One approved by Greenwich Council.

Spring 2009: Phase One starts on site.

Autumn 2009: Detailed plans for Phase Two submitted to Greenwich Council.

Summer 2010: Delivery of first homes in Phase One.

Summer 2012: Estimated completion of Phase One.




Kidbrooke Regeneration map

http://i41.tinypic.com/711pgi.jpg




Phase 2 Images


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2A.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2B.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2C.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2D.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2E.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2F.jpg

The new plans are certainly better than the original ones, at least the towers have gone. But are there seriously going to be 3 storey town houses in the middle of this development? Who exactly is going to live in the town houses? I presume they will be private dwellings, so who would want to live in the middle of a major estate such as this...? Kensington it's not.

I go back to a comment that I made earlier in this thread, people need houses with their own private gardens. The amount of land in this scheme is immense and I am sure it would've been possible to build some streets of nice terraced houses for all the residents.

How will this estate be any different to the previous one? I am sure abandoned supermarket trolleys and needles will be littered everywhere soon enough.

^^ I agree that this scheme will not work in the long term and is a complete waste of money, time and energy. As it has been already mentioned, the scheme relies too heavily on multi-dwelling buildings and communal open space exactly like the Ferrier Estate that it's replacing. Remember how wonderful the Ferrier looked upon completion? Yes this will look great too but for how long? Terraced or semi-detached houses with private gardens is what is needed here. It is too suburban for anything else and too far from an established town centre shopping area.

There are streets of terraced housing... except they are three storeys, as opposed to the traditional two:

http://i40.tinypic.com/rb9toj.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2j45x87.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/18oqpf.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/P2E.jpg

There are streets of terraced housing... except they are three storeys, as opposed to the traditional two:Do you really think the current residents will be allowed to live in them, of course not?

Many residents have been rehoused in the Eltham area.

Even still, many will move from the Ferrier estate into the regenerated sections.

Remember, there will be more new housing units than there were in the Ferrier Estate.

Given the location of the site, I don't think it would be right to make it a 'suburban' development full of semi-detached dwellings:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/SouthEastLondonmap.jpg

One of the highrise towers is being encased in the white sheet of death:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2709/4178021187_905a080655_o.jpg

Scaffolding is also climbing up a second tower. The other 9 towers are still occupied.

Not much fanfare surrounding the demolition of this estate at all... compared to other estate demolitions you often see. A slow, quiet death for 'London's Worst Estate'.

The floor slabs for sections of Phase 1 are currently being laid:

http://i34.tinypic.com/2inara.jpg

I do not understand how it is still possible to construct houses without basements, particularly in this age when sustainability is important. I am not sure this is an improvement on what there is/was, other than that if will look fresh and new.

The houses are in a very low-lying area and next to the River Quaggy flood plain... so I think they decided that basements there wouldn't be wise.

The area for Phase 2 is currently under demolition. It is the first section of the estate to come down:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier2-2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier1-2.jpg

These two tower blocks will be the first to come down:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier4-2.jpg


The block in the foreground will be the third. The other 8 tower blocks are still occupied:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier7.jpg

The construction of Phase One (Eltham Green Quarter) continues at full pace. Unfortunately, they've put up tall green hoardings so you won't see anything for a while:

http://i48.tinypic.com/2pri7ie.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2vx0o79.jpg

The blocks on Pinto Way are the first to be demolished:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier8.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier6-1.jpg

Two more shots of Pinto Way blocks under demolition:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier3-2.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier5-2.jpg

^^Great pics SE9!
:applause:

It's good to this end of SE London getting a bit of tender love! Once this e+c, Lewisham and other areas get the same treatment, perhaps other Londoners will quit their "sarf london" bollocks :)

Indeed!
All the focus is on East London at the moment because of the Olympic Park. However, its South East London that is currently having more money spent on it in terms of regeneration.

The next decade should see the demolition of three of the largest estates in the city: the Ferrier Estate, Aylesbury Estate and Heygate Estate.

The major (multi-billion) regeneration schemes include: Elephant & Castle (£1.5bn), Kidbrooke (£1bn), Aylesbury (£2.5bn), Lewisham (£1bn) and the Greenwich Peninsula (£5bn).

Its impressive given that this large amount of regeneration work is concentrated within three boroughs: Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich... with a combined population of 762,500.

Indeed!
All the focus is on East London at the moment because of the Olympic Park. However, its South East London that is currently having more money spent on it in terms of regeneration.

The next decade should see the demolition of three of the largest estates in the city: the Ferrier Estate, Aylesbury Estate and Heygate Estate.

The major (multi-billion) regeneration schemes include: Elephant & Castle (£1.5bn), Kidbrooke (£1bn), Aylesbury (£2.5bn), Lewisham (£1bn) and the Greenwich Peninsula (£5bn).

Its impressive given that this large amount of regeneration work is concentrated within three boroughs: Southwark, Lewisham and Greenwich... with a combined population of 762,500.

All should improve the image of SE, and s london as a whole. I mean, i told a girl that i go uni with who lives in north london that i live in streatham, and she was like "oh man you live in the rough end of london" :ohno:

Although streatham can be rough in parts, the truth is, nothing ever happens where i live, the worst is like someones car getting keyed, or damaged. Even where my grandad lives in peckham and runs a shop, nothing ever happens really. She was even ignorant about the good things about Brixton (nightlife, music venues and etc).

These projects are vital to the national and international image that south london has, and its great to see that someone cares...although that Boris Johnson really has made the e+c scheme complicated over nothing:bash:

All should improve the image of SE, and s london as a whole. I mean, i told a girl that i go uni with who lives in north london that i live in streatham, and she was like "oh man you live in the rough end of london" :ohno:

Although streatham can be rough in parts, the truth is, nothing ever happens where i live, the worst is like someones car getting keyed, or damaged. Even where my grandad lives in peckham and runs a shop, nothing ever happens really. She was even ignorant about the good things about Brixton (nightlife, music venues and etc).

These projects are vital to the national and international image that south london has, and its great to see that someone cares...although that Boris Johnson really has made the e+c scheme complicated over nothing:bash:

typical north london prats!

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/Ferrier%20Estate/ferrier3-2.jpg

Curious colours the residents painted their front rooms in!

Well with the estate being so grey and drab on the outside, I don't blame them for brightening things up indoors!

Some of the terraced units in the under construction Phase One emerging from the hoardings:

http://i49.tinypic.com/1zmceip.jpg


Ongoing demolition of the blocks at Pinto Way:

http://i45.tinypic.com/jj90e1.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/jjxngm.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/5z1bsx.jpg


The next high-rise block to be demolished will be Sterling House on the far-right:

http://i45.tinypic.com/e6zqyr.jpg

Does anyone know when Berkeley homes will actually put details of the first phase on their website?

There were details on the official website (http://www.kidbrookeregeneration.info), but its currently down for maintenance.
Currently, the info on Phase 1 in previous pages in this thread are the best you'll find anywhere.

CABE Design Review (http://www.cabe.org.uk/design-review/kidbrooke-phase-2)
Kidbrooke Phase 2
Greenwich
Phase 2 of the masterplan for redevelopment of the Ferrier Estate, including 629 new homes. Designed by Scott Brownrigg and PRP.
16 December 2009
Planning reference: 09/2269/R
Tagged with: Design review | Housing | London | National panel

http://www.cabe.org.uk/files/imagecache/Large/webimages/Kidbrooke_12435_web.jpg

We reviewed the masterplan for this scheme on 23 December 2008.

Summary
We remain supportive of the approved masterplan for Kidbrooke and we are pleased that our two reservations about the masterplan – the location of the extra care block and the low proportion of larger family homes – have been addressed. However, we are disappointed that the level of quality in the detailed resolution and architectural response of phase 2 is significantly lower than what was submitted for phase 1 and appears to be a dumbed down version of the sophisticated and ambitious masterplan. We have concerns about the detailed resolution of the C-shaped blocks with the park edge, the lack of clarity between house fronts and backs along the southern edge of the site, the resolution of the “urban house” typology, the residential quality of the apartments and the lack of landscape proposals for the park. We do not support the planning application in its current form and recommend that these issues should be addressed before the application is determined.

Site layout
We maintain our support for the urban design principles of the masterplan, which provide a robust framework for the future phases to come forward. We welcome the relocation of the extra care block to a more central location in the heart of the new neighbourhood.

However, with the development of a revised layout to accommodate more houses, which we support in principle, a lack of clarity between front and backs of houses along the southern boundary of phase 2 has developed. The houses to the north of Weigall Road are effectively accessed from the north through their back gardens, which will decrease street activity on Weigall Road and reduce the level of natural surveillance on both Weigall Road and the new parallel road to its north. While the Weigall House type has been developed with consideration of access from the rear with a lobbied back door provided, the rear doors to the town house type are patio doors to the dining room, which are impractical for regular use as the main entrance.
Houses

We welcome the exploration of a new residential typology and support the intention to investigate the potential for a hybrid between the traditional house and an apartment. However, we have serious reservations about the single-aspect, deep-plan nature of the house, which is not offset by appropriate increased floor to ceiling heights. We question whether a top-lit bedroom is acceptable in a new-build situation and are also concerned about the quality of daylight and privacy to the bedroom facing the light-well. Furthermore the light-well appears too small to be really usable.

We are disappointed by the way the house types turn the corners. We are pleased that the flank elevations include windows that provide overlooking but the elevations are poorly composed and proportioned. The hierarchy of primary and secondary streets is unclear from the way in which the corners have been treated.

Apartment and extra care apartment blocks
The undercroft car park along the park edge is screened by the edge of the park but this has created an awkward excavated space between the car park and park edge, which is much less successful than the terraced treatment proposed for this typology in the masterplan and a potential management and safety issue. The engagement of the C-shaped blocks with the park appears less well resolved in phase 2 than in the masterplan typology study or the comparable blocks submitted as part of phase 1.

We support the use of maisonettes with individual entrances at ground level but although certain streets have been well activated by this, others are lined only with refuse stores and car park ventilation grills. It is also disappointing that, while the masterplan typology studies and the phase 1 examples show sophisticated internal block layouts that maximise the number of dual aspect flats and limit the number of flats accessed from each circulation core, the design of the phase 2 apartment blocks has reverted to an arrangement of long central corridors with predominantly single-aspect flats. The architectural treatment of the apartment blocks, is banal and generic in comparison to what was proposed for the apartments in phase 1.
Landscape design

We welcome the phasing proposal that includes the adjacent area of parkland in each phase and suggest that trigger points should be embedded in any approval to ensure that works may not progress unless the appropriate landscape work has been completed. However, we are disappointed that the landscape design for the first phases of the new park does not appear to have progressed from the landscape and public realm strategy that was submitted as part of the outline application.

The robust management of the open space will be fundamental to its long term success and sustainability. We recommend that the local authority satisfies itself that an appropriate strategy is embedded in any planning approval.

Sustainability
In spite of the fact that a development of only 30 years old is to be demolished to make way for this masterplan, we consider this scheme overall has the potential to be inherently sustainable. By providing a medium density development with a range of housing typologies and the potential for stitching the disparate urban fabric together and incorporating green space for recreation and ecology, this scheme transcends the usual sustainable and eco tags. We welcome the increase in the proportion of larger units and the mix of different typologies proposed within phase 2, which will help to promote a more stable and sustainable future community. However, we are disappointed that the team is committing only to Code for Sustainable Homes level 3, which we do not consider to be sufficiently ambitious for a scheme of this significance.

Conclusion
While we maintain that the approved masterplan is robust, we have many reservations about the detailed resolution of phase 2, which we do not believe has developed the principles of the masterplan as successfully as phase 1. Regrettably, many of the qualities that made phase 1 exceptional have been lost and the sophisticated thinking behind the masterplan has been diluted. This scheme is not yet good enough and we cannot support the planning application as it stands.

All should improve the image of SE, and s london as a whole. I mean, i told a girl that i go uni with who lives in north london that i live in streatham, and she was like "oh man you live in the rough end of london" :ohno:

Although streatham can be rough in parts, the truth is, nothing ever happens where i live, the worst is like someones car getting keyed, or damaged. Even where my grandad lives in peckham and runs a shop, nothing ever happens really. She was even ignorant about the good things about Brixton (nightlife, music venues and etc).

These projects are vital to the national and international image that south london has, and its great to see that someone cares...although that Boris Johnson really has made the e+c scheme complicated over nothing:bash:

Quite agree - this part of the world is long overdue for an image overhaul. Given the look on peoples faces (typically anyone who live in Kent) when I tell them I live in the Borough of Lewisham, I may as well have annouced that I reside in a skip. Really makes me so annoyed as it does have a lot going for it.

Good to read CABE's comments on this scheme - I think it is really important to keep standards high on this one. Corner cutting and poor design will result in this development being seen in a very poor light in a couple of decades time. And who comes up with these renders? Looks like a cover from The Watchtower magazine.

^^ Oh dear, haven't i seen this proposal before? Oh yeah, those buildings look exactly like a million buildings that have been built around London over the last decade, bland, bland, bland :ohno: However, i guess anything is an improvement over what was there, its just that i went uni at the university of east london in beckton, and all the flats around north woolwich, custom house and those areas had flats exactly like these, and the way everything looked the same kinda brought down the areas, gave it the feeling of not quite being in London. But at least its progress, and its good to see regeneration in this area :cheers:

Uncler- Lewisham has a lot of potential, what with convoys wharf and regeneration in new cross/deptford, and those two areas also happen to have a lot going for them, i was in new cross the other day at the old deptford police station just down from new cross station, great arts space!

Article on Cabe's design review posted above:



Cabe blast triggers new plans for Ferrier
13 January 2010
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=3156131&origin=BDdaily

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/Pictures/468xAny/m/c/l/EMP_Ferrier_estate_web.jpg

By David Rogers

The developer behind a £1 billion regeneration scheme in south-east London is reworking its plans for the second phase of the development after Cabe savaged the planning application.

Berkeley Homes has already begun demolishing the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, with work on Carey Jones’ first phase comprising more than 400 homes now on site.

But in a design review, Cabe described the second phase, designed by Scott Brownrigg and PRP, as having an “architectural response significantly lower than what was submitted for phase one” adding that it appeared to be a dumbed-down version of Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands’ “sophisticated and ambitious” 4,000-home masterplan.

A planning application for the second phase went in to Greenwich Council last autumn. Berkeley is hoping it will be approved at the end of next month.

The second phase involves building 629 new homes, but Cabe said it had “serious reservations” about the quality of houses proposed, saying the designs for the apartment blocks were too boring.

It said: “The architectural treatment of the apartment blocks is banal and generic in comparison to what was proposed for the apartments in phase one.”

Cabe also complained that the landscape design had “not progressed” from that submitted as part of the outline application.

The chairman of Berkeley’s urban renaissance arm, John Anderson, said he had instructed the architects to provide more details of phase two, ahead of a further presentation to Cabe at the end of the month.

He added: “We need to get more detail to Cabe. The only thing I’m disappointed with is their comment about ‘dumbing down’. That is far from the truth.”

The reworked application will also be presented to the Kidbrooke design review panel, chaired by Alex Lifschutz.

I'm still worried about the dead garden spaces between the buildings will look just as useless as they did around the old estate, I hope a landscape proposal tries to something more than just plant trees and lay down grass mounds and bring some sense ownership to the area.

The first tower block is now under demolition. The second tower block (on the left) will start demolition shortly.

The largest sink-estate demolition London has ever seen is now fully underway:

http://i47.tinypic.com/5un13t.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/1e5sm0.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2hzhgtu.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/1z33p7c.jpg

I noticed this on the train home today. The beginning of the end for one of South London's most notorious and crime-ridden estates.

Could they do not have done some sort of controlled explosive demo on these taller elements, I wonder. I'd be curious to know how they decide on the best method to demolish buildings.

People still live in close vicinity to the blocks which are being demolished, so a controlled implosion isn't feasible.

A construction update rather than a demolition update this time. The first units in Phase One (Eltham Green Quarter) are now nearly structurally complete:

http://i50.tinypic.com/54y4gn.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2l6lqx.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/20tqdtv.jpg

A (very quick) photo update from today, I'm nowhere near as clued up about this as SE9, but seeing as I have a front row seat to it everyday thought I should start making myself useful... only had my camera phone on me today... zoom is hardly wonderful...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2751/4401768911_408f987f83.jpg

^ Nice one, shows that one tower has disappeared from view, and another is awaiting demolition.

This is the scene today, with the first tower cut down to size, and the second tower having started demolition:

http://i44.tinypic.com/ohqq9f.jpg



First units of Phase One topped out yesterday:

http://i42.tinypic.com/14447ys.jpg


It looks as if the development will include solar panels on each house:

http://i41.tinypic.com/292wuo4.jpg

i think its already topped out, its already 2010 lol

That's what too little sleep does!

great thread SE9 - just moved to SE3 myself from W14 (people look at me strangely - I might have well have moved to Brussels they say....) and will have to swing down Kidbrooke Park Road and have a nose around. Lots going on round here with the Lewisham schemes and Greenwich Peninsular. I shall start reporting.

jimbo, a big warm welcome to lovely, gritty South London!

Ferrier estate plans win approval for second phase
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/5078615.KIDBROOKE__Ferrier_estate_plans_win_approval_for_second_phase/)
23 March 2010

Permission has been granted for the next stage in the regeneration of a notorious housing estate.

Greenwich Council has approved the second phase of Kidbrooke’s Ferrier Estate redevelopment project.

Topping out of the first buildings in the £1bn redevelopment by Berkeley Homes recently began and now construction will move on to another 710 homes.

Deputy leader of Greenwich Council Cllr Peter Brooks said: “The council's vision for Kidbrooke, shared by local residents, is to create new homes fit for the 21st century.

“Phase Two of the Kidbrooke regeneration project will enable us to take a huge step towards that vision, providing a valuable mix of housing suitable for the local community."

Overall, the plan will see around 4,000 homes built on the site, along with a new school, community, healthcare and leisure facilities.

Some groups have criticised the project, pointing out that there will not be enough affordable homes.

Chairman of the Ferrier Residents Action Group, Nick Russell, said: "There were 1,740 rented homes on this estate.

"What is now being provided is 437 normal rented homes plus 303 special elderly units. It's a short fall of 1,000."

A council spokesman responded to Mr Russell by saying: "The Ferrier estate was made up of 1,732 socially rented homes, together with 174 leasehold or freehold.

"The masterplan for the Kidbrooke redevelopment includes outline approval for 4,000 homes in the Kidbrooke area - 1,525 affordable homes - along with the provision of community and social facilities for the area.

"Phases 1, 2 and 2A have since been given detailed planning approval. Further phases will be presented in due course bringing the total for the Kidbrooke masterplan to 4,000 homes (1,525 affordable).

"There are three further sites to come forward in the wider Kidbrooke area that will provide the balance of affordable homes."

The second phase deals with the western section of the estate and will provide three to four storey family housing and apartments overlooking a new landscaped park.

This will complement the 449 homes from phase one.

The Ferrier estate was built in 1974 but over the years has become run-down and heavily vandalised while its residents have suffered huge problems with pests including rats and mice.





Construction work reaches new milestone on south London development
Career Structure (http://news.careerstructure.com/article/view/residential/19689478/construction-work-reaches-new-milestone-on-south-london-development/)
25 March 2010

Construction work is set to begin on the second stage of a major redevelopment in South East London after Greenwich Council granted its approval.

The council has given the go-ahead to construction jobs to build 710 new homes on the Ferrier Estate in Kidbrooke, following the topping off last week of the first stage of this development, during which 449 homes were erected.

This is part of Berkley Homes' £1 billion Kidbrooke regeneration project, which entails construction work on 4,000 new homes in total, 300,000 square feet of commercial space and new communal amenities, including a school and sports and leisure facilities.

Peter Brookes, deputy leader of Greenwich Council, commented: "The council's vision for Kidbrooke, shared by local residents, is to create new homes fit for the 21st century.

"Phase Two of the Kidbrooke regeneration project will enable us to take a huge step towards that vision, providing a valuable mix of housing suitable for the local community."

The council was also awarded £4.2 million of government funding last autumn to build 47 homes across Greenwich and then a further £1.78 million in January to build 16 more homes in the borough, with these projects helping to fuel construction recruitment in the area.








Permission granted for Phase Two of Kidbrooke Regeneration
Easier Property (http://www.easier.com/68305-permission-granted-phase-two-kidbrooke.html)
19 March 2010
Following the successful topping-out of Phase One last week, Greenwich Council last night granted approval for Phase Two and Two A of the Kidbrooke Regeneration, the £1bn redevelopment of the Ferrier Estate in South East London by Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) Ltd.

Working in partnership on one of the largest residential regeneration schemes in Europe, Berkeley Homes and Greenwich Council will now continue their work with their development partners; The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Southern Housing Group to deliver the second phase of the project.

After extensive consultation and planning the second phase at Kidbrooke, designed by architects Scott Brownrigg and PRP, will consist of a total of 710 new homes. Phase Two, situated on the western half of the masterplan, will provide three to four storey family housing, apartments overlooking a new landscaped park and ExtraCare homes. This will complement the 449 homes of Phase One and provide a mix of much needed private and affordable homes in the area. Phase Two A is situated on the eastern side of the Masterplan and consists of larger family housing and two four storey apartment blocks.

The regeneration at Kidbrooke will create a mixed-use development, including a community of 4,000 new mixed-tenure homes, approximately 300,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, a new school, new community facilities, integrated healthcare facilities, sports pitches and leisure facilities. It will also include a new transport interchange and eight hectares of new public open space, in a Masterplan designed by architect Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands.

John Anderson, Chairman of Berkeley Homes (Urban Renaissance) Ltd comments:

“We are delighted that Greenwich Council has granted planning permission for Phase Two and Two A at Kidbrooke and it represents significant progress for everyone involved After a successful topping-out of Phase One last week, Berkeley Homes and its partners can continue to build upon the much needed regeneration of this area. The committee’s unanimous decision to approve Phase Two and Two A shows that there is local support for this scheme and we are excited about continuing to turn the Kidbrooke dream into reality.”

Cllr Peter Brooks, Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council, said, "The Council's vision for Kidbrooke, shared by local residents, is to create new homes fit for the 21st century. Phase Two of the Kidbrooke regeneration project will enable us to take a huge step towards that vision, providing a valuable mix of housing suitable for the local community."

Richard McCarthy, Architectural Director, Scott Brownrigg comments: "This has been a hugely collaborative process, involving ongoing dialogue with CABE, HCA, Greenwich Council, GLA, the Kidbrooke Design Review Panel and the local community. All had a positive influence on the final proposals. The key challenge for us in developing the Masterplan was to increase the proportion of larger family homes. The introduction of dual aspect, courtyard and mews house typologies helped provide higher density accommodation without resorting to a flatted development. By providing a range of medium density housing typologies, with a strong relationship to the new green space for recreation and ecology, the design promotes an inherently stable and sustainable future community."

Roger Battersby, MD of PRP architects comments on the ExtraCare homes: "We are delighted to have achieved a unanimous planning approval for this exemplar housing project for older people. Our design for the ExtraCare housing meets many of the aspirations and recommendations of the HAPPI report published in December last year. It will set a new standard for high quality retirement housing at the heart of a regeneration programme.”

The total number of new homes to be built in the Kidbrooke area will be approximately 4,800, of which 4,000 are being developed through the Kidbrooke Regeneration scheme.

The first two towers, which have stood for 40 years, have now been reduced to stumps:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/F1040302.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/F1040308.jpg


Now a third tower block, Sterling House, is under demolition:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/F1040327.jpg

Construction of the new three-storey terraces continues:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/F1040360.jpg


First sight of the apartment blocks appearing above the hoardings:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/F1040331.jpg

The first 4 units of the new regeneration are now externally complete:

http://i39.tinypic.com/2d8rvxh.jpg

The first few rows of terraces are now complete. Each 3 storey block is one home. The blueprint for estate-regens to come?

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/green6-1.jpg

Most is still under construction:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b281/SE9/green5-1.jpg


The apartment-block sections of this phase are also under-construction.

Hats off to them for at least attempting to make things look more interesting with the different colours of brick etc. It's, obviously, such an improvement on what went before, I really hope many more estates around the country are redeveloped in this way.

On a related note, more hoardings have gone up around the Heygate Estate. Not sure whether this is the start of something serious, such as demolition (finally), or just a false start....

Great pics... these look a lot better than I thought they would. They look quite Dutch (as in a decent new Dutch housing development, which there aren't many of) and I agree with CroydonTown, it's nice too see some variation between the individual units & their positioning.

Greenwich Council wins compulsory purchase right on Ferrier Estate homes
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8189444.KIDBROOKE__Greenwich_Council_wins_compulsory_purchase_right_on_Ferrier_Estate_homes/)
30 May 2010
A COUNCIL has won the right to buy homes on a sink estate without the owners’ consent.

Greenwich Council says negotiations will continue with people whose homes and businesses it needs to buy in order to complete the mammoth £1bn Ferrier Estate regeneration project.

So far, it has bought 129 of the Kidbrooke estate’s homes and needs to acquire a further 45.

Following a public inquiry in January, permission has been granted by the Government Office for London for Compulsory Purchase Orders to be issued on the remaining properties if necessary.

The project will see the 1974 estate torn down and replaced with more than 4,000 new homes and businesses.

Nick Russell from the Ferrier Residents Action Group, which has raised problems with the scheme including a lack of affordable housing, said some property owners had been holding out for a better deal.

He said: “Unfortunately the council offer doesn’t make it possible for some people to remain homeowners in the immediate area.

“This decision means the council can force their way through now.”

Council leader Councillor Chris Roberts said: “I fully understand that some homeowners and leaseholders have concerns over selling their homes, and am pleased that we were able to find a negotiated solution in the majority of cases.

“Those affected by the compulsory order have exercised their right to put their case to an independent inspector at a public inquiry, and the outcome has been to support the council’s proposals.”

"The council now looks forward to concluding its negotiations over the remaining property purchases."

The 3rd tower block is now completely demolished. 8 more to go.

http://i45.tinypic.com/4sclk7.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2vk0zkn.jpg

The row-homes continue construction. The first apartment block is now starting to take shape.

http://i47.tinypic.com/2zflqn7.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/125ni50.jpg

Much appreciated updates, SE9.
It's such a relief to see this come down, I hope to God this new scheme will end up better than the last.

I'm sure almost anything they do will be better than what's presently there.

Demolition continues on the estate. Where towers stood are now piles of rubble. Most towers still stand though.

http://i26.tinypic.com/2vacdh3.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/jr2zhg.jpg

Edit

A look at the construction progress.

http://i29.tinypic.com/27xm6b7.jpg


The first completed units:

http://i30.tinypic.com/6sf7o2.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/qr0wer.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/2vxmvdz.jpg


The extent of the current construction:

http://i30.tinypic.com/2d9tlzl.jpg


The first of the apartment-blocks, under construction:

http://i27.tinypic.com/xcqcqr.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2i8urlt.jpg

Wonderful job, it looks extremely pleasant and I get the feeling that these buildings will never look as oppressive or (hopefully) run down as their forebears. A model of how regeneration should be approached, bravo.

And bravo to SE9 for keeping us updated - these projects might not have the bells and whistles of the skyscrapers, but to my mind, they are even more important for London.

As one of the largest residential-projects in Europe, it deserves its own thread. Its no trouble to keep it updated :)


Every new property comes with two solar-panels:

http://i25.tinypic.com/34tbgvo.jpg


The desolate Ferrier blocks. Few residents remain now:

http://i27.tinypic.com/2n0rgna.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/nf1p2s.jpg

Hi there ...


I am an undergraduate architectural student and i am planning to write an essay on the Ferrier Estate, Kidbrooke...

I am going to be looking at it in two parts and then correlating my findings and opinions to suggest why the decision to regenerate the area was made ...

I am wondering if they would be some useful information available that i could use for my research ....


My initial essay plan is as follows :

Part 1 : Social Environment Analysis:
Unemployment, local amenities, crime / violence, infamous publicity, racial discrimination
Part 2 : Architectural/Urban Form Analysis:
Visual Aspects, Enclosure / Isolation, Elevated Walkways, Narrow Passages, etc ...
Any help would be very much appreciated ...

Thanks

Chris Haynes

Hi there ...


I am an undergraduate architectural student and i am planning to write an essay on the Ferrier Estate, Kidbrooke...

I am going to be looking at it in two parts and then correlating my findings and opinions to suggest why the decision to regenerate the area was made ...

I am wondering if they would be some useful information available that i could use for my research ....


My initial essay plan is as follows :

Part 1 : Social Environment Analysis:
Unemployment, local amenities, crime / violence, infamous publicity, racial discrimination
Part 2 : Architectural/Urban Form Analysis:
Visual Aspects, Enclosure / Isolation, Elevated Walkways, Narrow Passages, etc ...
Any help would be very much appreciated ...

Thanks

Chris Haynes


Infamous Publicity / Crime examples:


Kimberley 'could have been saved' - 1984
- Four year old girl who was tortured and killed at the hands of her stepfather, at the Ferrier Estate.
The Glasgow Herald (http://news.google.co.uk/newspapers?id=ODc1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=O6YLAAAAIBAJ&dq=ferrier-estate&pg=5950%2C3469129)


Prince Michael launches anti-burglary initiative - 1999
- Prince Michael and the 'British Security Industry Association' start a property-marking initiative at the Ferrier Estate, due to its notoriety as a 'burglary blackspot'
The Herald (http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/50060606.html?dids=50060606:50060606&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+22%2C+2000&author=&pub=The+Herald&desc=Father+killed+to+save+daughter%2C+jury+told&pqatl=google)


Father killed to save daughter, jury told - 2000
- Father who shot his son-in-law dead on the Ferrier Estate.
The Herald (http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/smgpubs/access/50060606.html?dids=50060606:50060606&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Feb+22%2C+2000&author=&pub=The+Herald&desc=Father+killed+to+save+daughter%2C+jury+told&pqatl=google)


Was this ordinary block of flats in south London home to an academy of terror? - 2001
- Mass terror cell / terrorist 'training school' found in the Ferrier Estate
The Independent (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/was-this-ordinary-block-of-flats-in-south-london-home-to-an-academy-of-terror-630134.html)


14-year-old girl raped - 2003
- 14 year old girl gang-raped in the Ferrier by teenagers.
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/lewgreen/440405.14yearold_girl_raped/)


Man suffers attack while going home - 2003
- Man stabbed in the face at the Ferrier Estate.
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/lewgreen/438324.man_suffers_attack_while_going_home/)


Gang jailed after knife attack - 2008
- Six members of the 'Ferrier Boys' gang left a man fighting for his life after a stabbing attack.
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/2396856.gang_jailed_after_knife_attack/)


Ferrier Boys - posing with handguns
-DbyiGcKMIw

Ferrier Boys
39276izy02o



Visual Aspects:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=ferrier+estate

More images of the scheme have been unveiled:


Phase One: The section that's currently under-construction - fully complete by 2011

http://i34.tinypic.com/t9h20j.jpg


Phase Two: Start construction in winter 2010

http://i36.tinypic.com/o01gfa.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/i56g7p.jpg

- ExtraCare apartments, wheelchair friendly:

http://i38.tinypic.com/10gg37d.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/22xruf.jpg


Phase Three:

http://i37.tinypic.com/2w1v3nq.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/zmfalj.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/fcjgjr.jpg

It looks really nice, and the quality of those first completed houses is good, BUT will the residents of the new estate look like those pleasent middle class families in the images, or will they fill it with gang banging freeloading dross that was in the old estate.
Sadly i've seen it before, when they rebuilt 2 notorious estate in Walham forest ( Chingford Hall and Beaumont), the house that replaced the old tower blocks were very pleseant, but then in moved the scum that occupied old estates, and both are now virtual " no go" areas again, thanks to teenage ponses who have seen too many 50 cent movies, and think they are big gang bangers ( the only consulation is that both gangs form the respective estates hate each other and shoot each other on a regular basis).

I really love the new terraces. I hope that the same design can be replicated elsewhere, they look like they would be very successful for regeneration schemes nationwide.

Worth noting that the scheme won the 2010 Happi Award:



2010 PROJECT HAPPI WINNER
Kidbrooke Extra Care Housing
London SE3
http://www.hdawards.org/archive/2010/winning_schemes/happi_winners/kidbrooke_extra_care_housingt.php

http://www.hdawards.org/archive/2010/winning_schemes/happi_winners/kidbrooke/thumbs/image_1.jpg http://www.hdawards.org/archive/2010/winning_schemes/happi_winners/kidbrooke/thumbs/image_1.jpg http://www.hdawards.org/archive/2010/winning_schemes/happi_winners/kidbrooke/thumbs/image_2.jpg

Architect
PRP Architects

Developer
Berkeley Homes

Contractor
Berkeley Homes

Planning Authority
London Borough of Greenwich

Kidbrooke Extra Care is the cornerstone of the second of five phases in the £1bn redevelopment of Greenwich’s Ferrier Estate delivering London 4000 new homes.

With 170 apartments, the scheme might have followed the design orthodoxy of large extra care schemes whose long double-banked corridors and oversized communal areas make them feel institutional. Not here. The layout will foster discrete communities of neighbours who will more easily know each other and the route to their homes. Apartments cluster round five access cores which are naturally lit and offer a quiet lounge and a large communal balcony at each level. The arrangement also maximises the number of apartments with more than one aspect, and this is enhanced by staggers in the external walls to create more windows.

Apartments at 70-84 m2 trounce expectations. A majority have three habitable rooms with the flexible third for use as bedroom (for carer or visitor), study or dining space thanks to a sliding partition. All have a balcony or terrace big enough to accommodate a table and chairs and plants, helping to maximise exposure to direct sunlight and its benefits to ageing minds and bodies.

This appealing mix of extra space, flexible accommodation, generous day lighting and access to sunshine were key recommendations in the 2009 HAPPI report, a prescription based on practice from across Europe on how to house an ageing population in comfort. It’s no coincidence. Senior management from both client and architect were part of an expert panel reporting to researchers. The influence of ideas borrowed from the best schemes on the Continent is evident in the scheme’s dramatic foyer. This double height space has a hotel-like concierge’s desk with the meeting area styled as a library and café. The entrance hall envelops the village hall, for use by the wider community, as well as a cinema and fitness centre.

The arrangement is intended to act as an interface between the extra care residents and the wider community. A first floor access deck serves additional facilities for residents who become passers by in the broader community as they move within their secure accommodation. The space is designed to become the village hub, allowing residents a securely managed space where they can mingle with the wider community.

It looks really nice, and the quality of those first completed houses is good, BUT will the residents of the new estate look like those pleasent middle class families in the images, or will they fill it with gang banging freeloading dross that was in the old estate.
Sadly i've seen it before, when they rebuilt 2 notorious estate in Walham forest ( Chingford Hall and Beaumont), the house that replaced the old tower blocks were very pleseant, but then in moved the scum that occupied old estates, and both are now virtual " no go" areas again, thanks to teenage ponses who have seen too many 50 cent movies, and think they are big gang bangers ( the only consulation is that both gangs form the respective estates hate each other and shoot each other on a regular basis).

Too true. You could move them into Strata and they'd still create a no go ghetto within months. Its how some people want to live. Unfortunately, others like us have to put up with it and live next door.

The project centres around the demolition of the Ferrier Estate, which is similar to the Tavy Bridge Estate in South Thamesmead and Aylesbury Estate in Walworth.

Ferrier Estate
* Built across 76 acres.
* Completed in 1970.
* Contains over 1,600 units.
* Home to over 6,000 in its heyday.


What happened to all the other units??

?

The units of the Ferrier Estate were constructed between 1968-1972.

The first demolition on the estate was in 2009.

The Ferrier comprised of 1910 homes, with a total resident population of over 6,000 - Larger than Glasgow's 'Red Road (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Red_Road_flats_1.jpg/800px-Red_Road_flats_1.jpg)' projects.

People have now moved into the first completed units of Phase 1:

http://i55.tinypic.com/mmwfhs.jpg


Construction of the apartment blocks and other units continues:

http://i54.tinypic.com/33vjhaw.jpg

Excellent news! Thanks as always for the great updates, SE9.
I can't wait for this to be completed, and I hope to God it never reverts back to how it once was.

People have now moved into the first completed units of Phase 1:

http://i55.tinypic.com/mmwfhs.jpg



Whilst obviously an improvement from before, i've no doubt these new builds suffer from the same problem all new builds seem to suffer from...terrible sound insulation..

Honestly, all takes is for you to fart in these houses, and your afraid the neighbours will complain about the noise...

From an aesthetic point of view, the old brick terraced houses were pretty bad, but for sound insulation and privacy, they were great..

Excellent news! Thanks as always for the great updates, SE9.
I can't wait for this to be completed, and I hope to God it never reverts back to how it once was.

Neither can I. It'll be interesting to see how Phase 1 integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood; road hierarchy and so forth.

Its one thing seeing the project in maps and visualisations, but another when its made reality.

So far, from what I've seen, I'm confident that the project will be viewed as a success when fully complete.

Speaking to the first few residents who've moved in from the old Ferrier, they're very happy with their new accommodation.

http://i56.tinypic.com/rr32hg.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/wmeett.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/2hqgk87.jpg

Thanks for the updates and pics SE9. Have been following this thread keenly from Australia as i've had a wander around the Ferrier a number of times when I was living in London.

No problem.

They've paused with demolition at the moment... the 3 vacant towers have been pulled down, but the other 8 are still inhabited.

Everyone moving into the new houses told of how good their new accommodation is, compared to what they expected.

The remaining occupiers are said to be owner occupiers unhappy with what they are being offered for thier homes. Don't know if this is true but what could you afford to move into if you are selling something on Kidbroke Park Estate.

They look very Swedish/Scandinavian which is a good thing in my opinion. My only criticism is there is too much open space. What council tenants need more than open spaces is to be swamped with middle class housing to wipe out any notion of social isolation or being different from the rest of society.

There are parks in the area it is not necessary to provide for more in the redevelopment. That's my take on social engineering. :cheers:

They look very Swedish/Scandinavian which is a good thing in my opinion. My only criticism is there is too much open space. What council tenants need more than open spaces is to be swamped with middle class housing to wipe out any notion of social isolation or being different from the rest of society.

There are parks in the area it is not necessary to provide for more in the redevelopment. That's my take on social engineering. :cheers:

But those parks offer alternatives for the youths on the estate to hanging around/doing nothing/getting bored/causing trouble. Greenwich council provides programmes and sports sponsorship schemes here.

It would be a lot worse if all that surrounded Ferrier was more housing instead of playing fields.

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i185/wessex810300/Parksparksparks.jpg

I agree you do need some parks but it seems like they have been added for the point of making the place very green. If you look at the map the areas in blue are unnecessary with the presence of the other parkland.

It wouldn't matter so much if it was a private development but to swamp out the area as a council estate it needs as many private tenants as possible! That way the children of the private and public housing will mix from an early age (primary school) and the negative 'you must respect me' (load of cobblers) culture will disappear.

This development will see an increase of parkland, and an increase in the amount of housing units.

Compared to the Ferrier Estate, the 'Kidbrooke Regeneration' is basically more units of housing at a higher quality, and at a higher density, to allow for more parkland.

Greenwich Ferrier Estate tenants 'unfairly evicted'
BBC News (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11500538)
8 October 2010

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49423000/jpg/_49423920_49423919.jpg
Residents in part of south London have said they are being unfairly evicted by their local council, which is redeveloping their housing estate.

Tenants on the Ferrier Estate have been sent letters by Greenwich Council threatening them with eviction but they say they have nowhere else to go.

Resident Yvonne Harris said she was "scared" by the letter.

The council said it risked losing £21m in grants if it did not begin work on that part of the estate by March 2011.

A Notice of Seeking Possession (NOSP) was sent from the council to 78 council tenants.

The council said 14 of the households had already been rehoused, and a further 15 had indicated they would take up newly built homes on the estate.

Tenants 'reassured'

Greenwich Council has been emptying and demolishing the estate since 2004, as part of a plan to create 4,000 new homes.

But many of those tenants affected say they still have no suitable alternative accommodation.

Ms Harris told the council: "You haven't offered me anything and I haven't turned anything down."

"Why are you taking me to court?" she added.

A Greenwich Council spokesman said: "We risk losing £21m in government grants towards the extra-care elderly persons' scheme if we do not start on site by March 2011.

"We wish to reassure tenants that we are doing all we can to find them suitable alternative accommodation in good time."

The Tenants Services Authority, which regulates affordable housing, said it would investigate the eviction.

Article in Hong Kong's only English language newspaper:

Village like no other
The Standard (http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?we_cat=16&art_id=103789&sid=29924158&con_type=3&d_str=&fc=7)
October 14 2010

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/newsimage/20101014/5_2010101319232425793King01.jpg
Hong Kong investors will have the exclusive opportunity to preview one of London's latest and most significant landmark regeneration projects ahead of their counterparts in Britain. That is because Kidbrooke Village by British property developer Berkeley Homes is holding its international sales launch in Hong Kong this weekend.

The development, spread over a 109-hectare site, will create a new village community offering homes and 300,000 square feet of commercial and retail space.

It also incorporates a new school, community facilities, integrated health- care facilities, sports grounds, leisure options, a new hotel, cycle paths, open space and parkland, and a transport interchange for easy connections with central London.

Neighboring Greenwich and Blackheath, each boasting their own identity and style, add a unique appeal to the project.

The first phase, called City Point, will include a total of 220 studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

Private gardens and open spaces characterize these stunning homes overlooking the award-winning Sutcliffe Park wetland nature reserve with its tranquil lake and 14 hectares of existing parkland, offering residents an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor life.

Facilities for residents also include a gymnasium and dedicated concierge service.

The project's location is another prime draw, as it offers the convenience associated with central London as well as the luxury of green open spaces.

Kidbrooke Village benefits from excellent transport links to the rest of London and beyond. The regeneration of Kidbrooke Village will include the creation of a new transport interchange which will further enhance access to road and rail links that currently provide direct access to London Bridge, 15 minutes away.

Trains also run directly to Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Victoria, linking with the London Underground network as well as the Docklands Light Railway, giving easy access to the City and Canary Wharf.

An exhibition on the development will be held this Friday to Sunday between 11am and 7pm at the Tian and Di rooms, 7th floor, Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Central.

It was constructed between 1967-1972.


This was written by a student of the architects who designed the Ferrier Estate:

Close, but far too quick to build an estate of that size.

Speaking to a project officer who was on the Ferrier project who still works at the council. He worked on stage 1 and mentioned that construction had just started on stage 2 in 1971/1972 and that he was on the project until 1974 when the estate opened. Work on stage 1 according to the status reports had begun in early 1968 and took somewhat longer to build. The last blocks of flats were completed and open in early 1974.

The estate was built in two phases and cleared for construction by the planning department in 1968 and 1970 respectively. The estate was formerly open in 1974 according to Greenwich Council.

Most of the construction photos (including the pictures of the bird on one of the flats) were taken around 1971-1973 as he also took pictures of Thamesmead Stage 1/2 construction which was taking place around the same time.

The first residents moved in around 1972 and the bulk between 1973 and 1975, many being relocated from the Glyndon Road, Borough, Old Kent Road clearance areas.

The school, however was opened and in use slightly earlier.

So that makes it 35 years between the estate being completed, and the first units being demolished.

Less than 25 years between the completion of the estate, and the first serious murmurings about demolishing it.


One of the new roads of the regeneration:

http://i54.tinypic.com/vor8qw.jpg

Greenwich Council accused of 'bullying tactics' over Ferrier Estate evictions
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8624241.KIDBROOKE__Greenwich_Council_accused_of__bullying_tactics__over_Ferrier_Estate_evictions/)
8th November 2010
Greenwich Council has been accused of “bullying tactics” after 29 households were threatened with court action if they do not vacate their homes.

The court orders were delivered last week to families in the Ferrier Estate’s Gallus Square area, giving them a Woolwich County Court date of November 16 and threatening to hit them with the council’s legal costs.

Kidbrooke’s rundown estate is being demolished and rebuilt in a £1bn regeneration project, with around 1,500 households already moved out since 2004 and scattered around the borough.

But the Ferrier Residents Action Group says Greenwich Council is forcing out more families so the next phase of work can start by March - the deadline to claim £21m in Homes and Communities Agency funding.

Chairman Nick Russell said: “This is the first time the council has used bullying tactics.

“At the heart of the problem is the lack of suitable homes for the residents to be decanted into.”

The residents' group was set up by the council at the start of the project as a steering group. But vice-chairwoman Jean Hunt said it was now being treated by the local authority as "grit in their shoe".

She said: “Greenwich Council have been diabolical all the way through this - absolutely diabolical.

"People feel like they have to accept whatever they’re offered to avoid court. Some families are being reduced to tears.”

David Terry and his 62-year-old wife Carol, who has just undergone chemotherapy for lymphoma and recently broke her hip, have agreed to move to temporary accommodation in Dando Crescent but still received a court order last week.

Mr Terry, a 62-year-old maintenance engineer said: “The last thing we want to do is pick up and start moving now.

“We’ve had nothing in writing but were told everything would be withdrawn if we accepted this property.

“I can’t see why we’re being treated like this.”

The couple will only be able to see their new home on November 15 - the day before they are due in court.

Another family told News Shopper they had been sent a court order even though they agreed to move out into different accommodation one year ago.

Just 80 new affordable homes have been built in the project so far around Sutcliffe Park and Mr Russell warned these properties they more cramped than the current ones and too expensive for many families.

He said: "In the meantime at a time of high need for affordable housing, nearly 1,500 Ferrier Estate homes now stand empty. Less than 300 households remain in occupation.

"The estate now resembles a ghost town."

Leader of Greenwich Conservatives Councillor Spencer Drury has also been highly critical of the council's approach.

He said: "Labour has mishandled this process from the very beginning and now we find that the demolition appears to be simply a charade to suggest work has started when in fact no rebuilding is taking place.

"Labour have refused to discuss the issue when Conservative Councillors have raised it and are now rushing through evictions to ensure a final deadline can be met. "

The Tenants Services Authority is currently investigating the council's actions.

A council spokesman said: "To date, over 1,400 tenants have been rehoused and existing tenants will be prioritised for the new homes."

He said: "Greenwich Council recognises the concern and anxiety that tenants feel when they receive a Notice of Seeking Possession, and we have a dedicated rehousing team on the estate which is giving the highest priority to working with the tenants who have been served with notices.

"Each tenant has already had an assessment of their individual housing needs and we are committed to ensuring that all tenants are offered alternative accommodation that meets their needs.

"Under our rehousing policies tenants are entitled to two offers of suitable alternative accommodation.

"We are confident that we will meet all residents’ needs without the need for repossession, which would only be used as a last resort.

He said that work was underway on the first three phases of the regeneration for which planning approval has been given.

http://i53.tinypic.com/vdmtjq.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2edawlu.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/ace7nm.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/vor8qw.jpg

This one really reminds me of a Canadian town :cheers: love it

Well its a world away from the past, and good in my opinion. I think a variation in materials would be good though.

http://i52.tinypic.com/vpat12.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/33tmm2g.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/24nibgk.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/33137l3.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/2411fyc.jpg

Cheers! I like the regeneration more and more! I do have one question though. Any idea if they are going to build a new sports/ leisure centre? I used to go to the old one every week to play badminton, but it was the first thing to go. Sad day for me, but it will be all for the best by the looks of things.

pity about the fake bamboo.

Cheers! I like the regeneration more and more! I do have one question though. Any idea if they are going to build a new sports/ leisure centre? I used to go to the old one every week to play badminton, but it was the first thing to go. Sad day for me, but it will be all for the best by the looks of things.

I haven't seen any plans for a new leisure centre. I guess its because of the new Eltham Centre, which was designed to replace all the leisure centres in that area of Greenwich (Meadowside, Eltham Pools etc).

Looking at the pictures it's hard to believe its the same area I walked across to Thomas Tallis School once a week!

I applied to Thomas Tallis School when I was 10, they wouldn’t let me in because I lived on the wrong side of the A2 :bash:

Also Thomas Tallis is being completely rebuilt isn't it? Might be complete now actually, I remember seeing a lot of building work going on there not too long ago.

And thanks SE9 for the info. I do seem to remember that now. Sad for me, Eltham is in the wrong direction, I'm stuck with the Arches down in Greenwich from now on :ohno:

I applied to Thomas Tallis School when I was 10, they wouldn’t let me in because I lived on the wrong side of the A2 :bash:

Also Thomas Tallis is being completely rebuilt isn't it? Might be complete now actually, I remember seeing a lot of building work going on there not too long ago.

And thanks SE9 for the info. I do seem to remember that now. Sad for me, Eltham is in the wrong direction, I'm stuck with the Arches down in Greenwich from now on :ohno:

Well I was actually an Eltham Green pupil, but had to go to Thomas Tallis for A-level IT one day a week.

Well done for making it through one of London's worst schools. (Eltham Green = 19% of students achieving five GCSE C-grades or better).

Thomas Tallis school is getting a revamp as part of the regeneration. They are currently constructing the new school building, whilst the old building remains in use. Once the new building is complete, equipment will be transferred and the old building demolished. The new building will be ready for September, the start of the next academic year.

The school will include a gymnasium designed for use by British Gymnastics and the British Judo Association. It will also be recognised as a 2012 Olympic training base camp.

Here's a recent pic of the construction work:

http://media.brogangroup.com/media//upload/projects/health_education/Thomas_Tallis_School/BBCL_Thomas_Tallis_580(8).jpg

Well done for making it through one of London's worst schools. (Eltham Green = 19% of students achieving five GCSE C-grades or better).

I'm talking 24 years ago, so I guess things might have changed quite a bit! I made it out with a decent set of A-levels, and 10 O-levels!

...

I'm talking 24 years ago, so I guess things might have changed quite a bit! I made it out with a decent set of A-levels, and 10 O-levels!

My dad was probably teaching English at Thomas Tallis when you were there. :)

Well I was actually an Eltham Green pupil, but had to go to Thomas Tallis for A-level IT one day a week.

Crown Woods KO1 Eltham Green:bash:

Crown Woods KO1 Eltham Green:bash:

Thats fighting talk! I'll have to meet you outside the chippy on Eltham High Street if you arent careful :P

My brother was a Crown Woods pupil!

Ahh, Crown Woods versus Eltham Green... a feud between the two largest schools in London, running strong for 3 decades at least!

Some more photos from today:

http://i52.tinypic.com/15nx7p1.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ivh3z4.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/2q1e781.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2qkldea.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2aahte9.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/11azyvr.jpg

I like them alot! It's gone from absolute shit to good quality London housing not seen since the 19th century. So where do the peasants live now??

Most of those 3-storey terraced houses are occupied by former Ferrier residents! A while back, I was speaking to the mother of a family who had just moved into one of those houses from the Ferrier. She was very pleased with her new place, and said she would recommend any Ferrier resident to transfer to the Kidbrooke Village development.

Some have scattered to other estates in Greenwich Borough, mostly in the Eltham area.

Updated map of the scheme:

http://oi53.tinypic.com/fmjsbp.jpg

Do they really need a new park there? By the looks of it that part of London is already one big park. What London needs is density not more open space. At least not in the suburbs.

Do they really need a new park there? By the looks of it that part of London is already one big park. What London needs is density not more open space. At least not in the suburbs.

That's what I was thinking, I might be wrong, but I think the new development is denser than the last. It looks it from above. It pretty much is one park really, with Greenwich Park + Blackheath to the northwest.

A lot of the fields you see there on the left are private fields for schools and a big private leisure centre. Also compared to the previous estate, this is much higher density at ground level. All the tower blocks were/ still are as they haven’t all been demolished yet, surrounded by green open space. Minus this greenery which is about to be filled in, and excluding all the fields to the left which are mostly privately owned, It really isn't like one big park. Greenwich and Blackheath yes, but Blackheath to Sutcliffe Park is separated by a lot of housing.

Ha, Sorry, I didn't mean it literally that it was like one big park, I know it isn't lol I just mean those two parks dominate the landscape, I can see the housing in the picture above :)

There was a lot of unused green space around the tower blocks Mr Bricks, so maybe it isn't actually any greener than before, just implemented better.

Most of those 3-storey terraced houses are occupied by former Ferrier residents! A while back, I was speaking to the mother of a family who had just moved into one of those houses from the Ferrier. She was very pleased with her new place, and said she would recommend any Ferrier resident to transfer to the Kidbrooke Village development.

Some have scattered to other estates in Greenwich Borough, mostly in the Eltham area.

Thanks for the reply. This is definitely the best regeneration scheme in London.

http://i859.photobucket.com/albums/ab153/carlofred/800px-Kidbrooke_Regeneration_Ferrier_Estate_Phase_1_Eltham_Green.jpg

I'm impressed by the new terraced/townhouse-style housing in particular.

I'm pleased they have at least three storeys, which adds some sense of scale and density IMO, and the construction looks to be of a good quality too (although I haven't seen it in person). The decision to mix in charcoal and darker coloured brick houses with the standard lighter brick houses prevents visual monotony, and the warm tones look good even under grey skies. I think the black window fittings and guttering work particularly well.

I've never understood why in a country with our kind of climate (read: frequent grey, leaden skies) we use so much bare concrete... :lol:

I'm impressed by the new terraced/townhouse-style housing in particular.

Me too. It's like something you'd find in the Netherlands rather than over here.

Just a shame it only covers a small portion of the site.

whats with the ill fitted net blinds? my pet hate..council housing standard?

Do they really need a new park there? By the looks of it that part of London is already one big park. What London needs is density not more open space. At least not in the suburbs.

That aerial above is deceptive. All those green-spaces (excluding Blackheath and Sutcliffe Park) are private sports fields. They include the playing fields for John Road School, Riverston School and Kidbrooke School.

There are few public parks in that part of south-east London, as shown by the map below. The rest of the area is almost entirely built up, although the dense foliage of S.E. doesn't make it seem that way:

http://i51.tinypic.com/wwj98n.jpg

Same area:

http://i53.tinypic.com/10cjcm0.jpg

Zoomed out:

http://i55.tinypic.com/2my7lsx.jpg

When I saw the pictures I thought someone had posted some development from the Netherlands. I was very sceptical on how this was going to turn out but it looks really good. I love town houses , they make sense and the tones are nice to.

I like the colour of brick they've chosen for Phase 1. Warm tones even under dull skies.

Plans for third phase of Kidbrooke Village to go on public display
News Shopper (http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/9014120.Plans_for_third_phase_of_Kidbrooke_Village_to_go_on_public_display/)
7 May 2011

PLANS for the third phase of the Ferrier Estate regeneration project will go on public display next week.

As part of a £1 billion regeneration project, the former Ferrier Estate is set to be transformed.

Proposals for work on the village centre of Kidbrooke Village will be displayed on Thursday (May 12) and Friday (May 13).

The village centre will become the commercial hub of the entire project with a supermarket, shops, hotel, community facilities and new transport facilities all included in the plans.

Taking place in four phases, the build is being delivered by Berkeley Homes in partnership with Greenwich Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Southern Housing Group.

Many of the completed homes in phase one are now occupied, with more apartments expected to be delivered by the summer, and phase two has also started on site.

The public exhibitions will be held at the Kidbrooke Regeneration project office (former Meadowside leisure centre) in Tudway Road, from 3pm to 8pm on Thursday and from 12pm to 5pm on Friday.

The three terraced-housing styles for Phase 2:

Left - White/wood exterior, four storeys, flat roof, with roof-balcony.

Middle - White/brick exterior, four storeys, pitched roof.

Right - Three story version of middle design.

http://i56.tinypic.com/53qohj.jpg

Very recent video of the Ferrier Estate, as it appears now:

W3Vf79a4-4w

Impressive stuff! I'm amazed at what a good job they are doing. Same goes for you SE9! :cheers:

Impressive stuff once again.

More townhouses should be built in these regeneration projects; they're high density, they look good, and they create a functional and attractive streetscape.

They're also one of the things London used to do best.

This is really turning in to an excellent scheme. All the designs are quality and they've got the balance right between variety and consistency. Thanks for the updates.

No problem. I believe that this scheme should be the blueprint for other large estate-regenerations across the country.

No more "half-hearted" schemes like the North Peckham "regeneration".

Photo by space2cre8 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/space2cre8/) on flickr:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5733933169_b57f254ef3_b.jpg



- For reference, the buildings to the bottom-right of the picture are the apartments currently under construction (Phase 1). [Photo (http://i52.tinypic.com/2qkldea.jpg)]

- The buildings to the left of the picture will be next to start construction (Phase 2).

- The 'clear coloured' buildings are ones that are yet to have their design finalised.

Construction update:

http://i54.tinypic.com/23r26ph.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/epkwmd.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/sgmxxg.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/etw7fc.jpg

The old and the new:

Ferrier

http://www.imgplace.com/img856/171/18kv3.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img560/6445/94kv4.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img163/121/64kv5.jpg


KV

http://www.imgplace.com/img804/7655/96kv.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img94/3932/40kv1.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img850/7315/13kv2.jpg

They could replace every large scale housing estate in London with these higher density designs, bring in a profit, alleviate the housing shortage and calm society's shortcomings!

In alot of way's its a far more traditional way of housing high density.

No problem. I believe that this scheme should be the blueprint for other large estate-regenerations across the country.

No more "half-hearted" schemes like the North Peckham "regeneration".


SE9, agreed. It certainly bodes well for all future regenerations.
I understand that they are starting the construction of Phase 2 at BlackHeath Quarter (SE3).

Pardon my ignorance. Is this part of the Ferrier Estate?

I have a strong interest in Phase 2. Appreciate if you could post a few pics on the progress of Phase 2.

Thanks! :)

what a fucking relief.. the disaster of the 60s is slowly being undone :)

Natural materials, references to traditional architecture in the designs, permeability of the site to pedestrians, human scale... its not rocket science - makes you wonder what the fuck they were thinking in the 60s with their social housing "revolution".......

PS: ^^^^I doubt its higher density than the previous scheme and thank god for that!

Natural materials, references to traditional architecture in the designs, permeability of the site to pedestrians, human scale... its not rocket science - makes you wonder what the fuck they were thinking in the 60s with their social housing "revolution".......

PS: ^^^^I doubt its higher density than the previous scheme and thank god for that!

As far as density goes, you never know. The previous estate had vast areas of green space. Weren't the blocks in huge squares around green space.

To make these schemes stack up financially, usually these schemes ends up with a greater number of units.

SE9, agreed. It certainly bodes well for all future regenerations.
I understand that they are starting the construction of Phase 2 at BlackHeath Quarter (SE3).

Pardon my ignorance. Is this part of the Ferrier Estate?

I have a strong interest in Phase 2. Appreciate if you could post a few pics on the progress of Phase 2.

Thanks! :)

Hi there, Blackheath Quarter/Phase 2 will be built on ground that the old Ferrier Estate once occupied. It'll be around the area that Pinto Square and Lebrun Square of the estate stood.

I sold my camera lenses recently, so I'll start taking photos again once I buy new ones!

Video from BBC London News: Ferrier estate transformed into art gallery (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-15378492)

The main blocks of the Ferrier Estate all now have massive green banners saying they will be demolished in early 2012. Sorry I don't have any pics, but it looks like this is going to be the end for the vast majority of the site.

This is such a heartwarming story ... I'm welling up!

Bravo, bravissimo.
Repeat with Heygate, Aylesbury, ...

Faster, please!

God I hope it's by controlled implosion ... I haven't seen one in London since the Cathall Road twin towers, Leytonstone in 2002

osOEaV1oIQ0

The main blocks of the Ferrier Estate all now have massive green banners saying they will be demolished in early 2012. Sorry I don't have any pics, but it looks like this is going to be the end for the vast majority of the site.

Here's a pic of one of them, from the Kidbrooke Kite (http://www.kidbrookekite.co.uk/2011/12/welcome-to-kidbrooke-village-10-months.html):

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/8687/telemann.jpg

Cheers :)

Recent pic's really makes quite a stunning contrast between the 60s monstrosities and the actually rather well designed new development. I cannot envisage that those original buildings ever looked good, maybe on the drawing board.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3240/2614575877_693defba83_z.jpg
By Iqbal Aalam (http://www.flickr.com/photos/iqbalaalam/)on Flickr

Looked not too bade in the 70s

Phase 4
Kidbrooke Park Road SE3
Greenwich

Winter 11/12: Submission of the detailed design for Phase 4.



Overview: Phase 4 buildings in white

http://www.imgplace.com/img46/38/711kidov.jpg

CGIs

http://www.imgplace.com/img845/3054/162kidov.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img545/8026/113kidov.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img844/9264/534kidov.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img713/8656/565kidov.jpg

the balconies and window size look good. Not convinced by the repetitive nature of the architecture though over such a wide area with such large open spaces, might appear visually impenetrable

Phase 3
Village Centre SE3
Greenwich

Winter 11/12: Submission of the detailed design for Phase 3.


http://www.imgplace.com/img403/8859/322vc.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img840/4721/37done.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img528/4426/133vc.jpg

More new homes approved at Kidbrooke Village regeneration
What New Homes (http://whatnewhomes.com/2012/01/18/more-new-homes-approved-at-kidbrooke-village-regeneration/)
18 January 2012
Award-winning developer Berkeley Homes is celebrating, following Greenwich Council’s approval of its plans for Phases 3 and 4 at its Kidbrooke Village regeneration scheme in south-east London.

Phase 3 will be known as Village Centre and will provide 983 new homes as well as more than 170,000 sq ft of retail, commercial and community space, including a supermarket, hotel and healthcare facilities, together with a new central square and a new transport hub centred on the existing Kidbrooke station. Phase 4 features 1,260 more new homes.

Berkeley Homes began work in 2009 to demolish the 1,900 old homes on a run-down and notorious estate and replace them, in a 20-year project, with around 4,800 new homes and new affordable homes, along with new landscaped leisure space, new commerical and retial premises and improved transport links. Beginning with affordable homes to re-house former council tenants, the first properties were completed in Summer 2010, and Phase 1 is due for completion in full next year.

I do love the individual buildings in phase 4. I am worried about the repetitiveness of it though. Phase 3 I am unsure of from the renders. It looks a little too similar to the old estate in terms of layout and density. Overall still looking good.

Thanks for the update SE9.

The centre of the project (Phase 3) is crying out for a better centrepiece.

New the plans look nice, though I think the gaps between buildings in phase 4 could be filled with more buildings. Hopefully there will be good thoroughfares providing a decent retail/social offer so these new development don't simply become just 'estates'.

I can't see much parking space, especially for phase 3. Are there car parks underground? (I can't find the planning application either!)

Phase 4 is clearly top notch, and phase 3, The Village, is still very good. These are the projects that make a great city.

I really like it, reminds me of the fantastic redevelopment of Hulme in Manchester, just on a far larger scale.

One thing I do commend Greenwich Council for is getting things done. Their track record appears much better than most other London boroughs.

The redevelopment of the Ferrier Estate was mooted long after that of the Aylesbury or Heygate Estates (Walworth), yet it's the Ferrier which is seeing swift demolition and contruction.

Mobile photo I took this weekend.

It shows the most substantial section of the estate still standing.

Three of the five taller blocks in this photo will be demolished soon. A 4th (Sterling House) has already been demolished.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/254/fblock.jpg

The old:

http://www.imgplace.com/img831/179/32kidbrooke8.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img15/1748/62kidbrooke9.jpg

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/7992/kidbrooke10.jpg

The new:

http://www.imgplace.com/img846/33/64kidbrooke.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img443/1319/53kidbrooke2.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img252/108/47kidbrooke3.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img804/6457/21kidbrooke4.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img835/7311/25kidbrooke6.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img515/6959/57kidbrooke7.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img268/1714/83kidbrooke5.jpg

Astounding improvement...

I truly love how London regenerates itself.

This development is a joy to behold (said it before but..) Really gives you faith in the ability of modern urban planners to create [I]improvement [I] and not just change.

Lovely. I adore those new terraces - really shows that we've learned from the errors of the past. I think the flat blocks are a little less succesful, but still a massive improvement.

Others have said it before, but this development should be a model for estate regeneration everywhere. If only someone would tackle the Six Acres estate in Finsbury Park.

Here's three more:

http://www.imgplace.com/img839/4426/45yolo2.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img824/8111/40yolo1.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img717/6134/83yolo.jpg

Thanks for the updates SE9, much appreciated!

Only thing I have to add is:

http://www.imgplace.com/img804/6457/21kidbrooke4.jpg

I'm not a fan of the design of these cube shaped flats. Otherwise the improvement over the old is amazing. The landscaping is nice in that pic though.

why not? The relatively generous balcony and living room window size is better than the vast majority of new build seen in London, although maybe these are the high end flats!

Looks good. I hope they manage to maintain the green bits satisfactorily

I wish all the new build housing were built to the same quality level as what we seem to be getting here. There's still far too many bland, mock tudoresque Wimpey and Barret homes being built for liking.

why not? The relatively generous balcony and living room window size is better than the vast majority of new build seen in London, although maybe these are the high end flats!

I do not find them as asthetically pleasing as the other buildings in he developments. Stumpy,boxy,flat roof; looks like the 60's/ 70's build house I lived in in Greenwich when I was born. Just not my style.

A couple today from Eltham Road:

http://www.imgplace.com/img593/9652/87new.jpg

http://www.imgplace.com/img36/2884/19new1.jpg

just look at the street clutter it's such a mess always overlooked yet ultimately has a detrimental effect on the street as a whole.

love the massive metal pole just for the tiny cycling (pointless) instruction!