Camden Council has appointed Higgins Partnerships to deliver the first phase of the regeneration of the West Kentish Town Estate.
Part of a wider redevelopment programme, the scheme is expected to provide more than 850 new properties, including 325 council homes.
Construction in the first phase will focus on 52 affordable homes across two six-storey buildings. Forty-eight will be social-rented homes for council tenants returning to the estate, while four will be allocated to existing leaseholders.
Plans for the regeneration of the 1960s estate have been shaped by more than a decade of consultation with residents, neighbours and community groups.
Support for the project was confirmed in 2020 when residents voted overwhelmingly in favour of the plans. Around 93% backed the proposals on a turnout of nearly 85%.
Mae Architects designed the first phase, which forms part of a wider masterplan by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.
Long-term proposals include new homes, improved green spaces, better connections across the neighbourhood and upgrades to public areas.
Councillor Nasrine Djemai, cabinet member for new homes and community investment, said: ‘The redevelopment of West Kentish Town estate will allow us to build the much needed safer and larger homes residents on the estate have asked for and deserve.’
‘We are pleased to appoint Higgins Partnerships to help us in this next step of delivering this project which will make a huge difference for families currently living in overcrowded conditions’, she added.
Existing housing blocks will be replaced with modern family-sized homes, alongside new play areas and public open spaces.
One of the buildings will be situated on Queen’s Crescent High Street, near homes, schools and the Baitul Aman Mosque. Another will be constructed next to the railway viaduct, requiring close coordination with rail operators and infrastructure owners.
Declan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer for Higgins Group, said: ‘We are pleased to be appointed by Camden Council to deliver the first phase of this important regeneration programme for West Kentish Town.
‘Alongside providing high-quality, affordable homes, we will work closely with the local community to create training, employment and social value opportunities that provide lasting benefits for residents and support the long-term success of the area.’
Image: Coco l/UnSplash
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