Sanctuary Housing Association, local dignitaries and the people of Hackney came together recently to celebrate the success of an award-winning regeneration scheme.
The two-day Festival of Life in September was an opportunity for residents, local politicians and community group members to see how a £40m investment from Sanctuary Housing and work by main contractor John Laing Partnership has helped breathe new life into the four South Hackney estates of Morningside, Gascoyne, Old Kingshold and Shore.
It was also a chance for residents to discuss housing matters and receive financial advice and information from Sanctuary Housing.
On Friday 8th September, Sanctuary’s London Regeneration & Development Team presented an event called Building on a Brighter Future, which was supported by main contractor on the regeneration project John Laing Partnership (JLP). Guests, including Meg Hillier, MP for South Hackney and Shoreditch, visited a photographic exhibition, entitled ‘Before and after regeneration’, listened to speeches from those involved in the project and then went on guided bus tours of the new-look estates. The project was awarded the National Home Improvement Council Award for ‘Best Housing Association Modernisation’ in 2005.
Ms Hillier said: “The transformation on the estate has made such a difference to Hackney and I was impressed by what I saw. Decent homes make such a difference to day to day life.”
Between 1999 and 2005, Sanctuary Housing carried out a massive regeneration and modernisation programme, making improvements to 1,157 homes, 31 blocks of flats and numerous courtyards on the estates. The work included updating kitchens, bathrooms and front doors; installing double-glazed windows and improving security and lighting. The surounding area was also transformed through soft landscaping, creating attractive green spaces and children’s outdoor play areas.
JLP refurbished over 1,000 apartments on the estates and supported the community by using local workers. They also trained eight Hackney residents to NVQ level 2 in Painting and Decorating, who each then secured paid employment on the project through JLP’s subcontractors.