Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Croydon Council has approved BPTW’s £186m plans to rebuild the mould-ridden Regina Road estate in South Norwood, promising 340 new homes and improved community facilities.
The council approved the hybrid application last Monday (16 October) for outline plans and a first phase that includes five six-story dwellinghouses and 215 social homes spread across nine blocks at the Regina Road estate. Ten residences are reserved for recurring tenants.
The two-phase revitalization plan, which would provide 340 homes over 11 buildings and five houses, was approved by council members. A single block will have fourteen stories.
A variety of one, two, three, and four bedroom homes will be available.
Three eleven-story tower blocks from the 1960s that house 191 social housing units must be leveled in order to make the delivery. These buildings have experienced mold growth, condensation, and water intrusion.
The estate was constructed “in the 1960s using a formerly innovative panel system and now suffers from water penetration, condensation, and mold, creating poor conditions for many residents,” according to BPTW during the project’s consultation phase.
The system was preliminarily employed by Croydon Council to engage with citizens in a previous discussion phase. Eighty- eight percent of locals suggested tearing down the structures in May 2023.
Through a competitive tender process conducted through the South East Framework, the practice was awarded the contract to rehabilitate the estate.
In 2021, an ITV disquisition concentrated on Regina Road, and the casing association Shelter said that the living conditions in the palace blocks were among the worst it had ever seen.
The Common Ground Architecture-designed Trellis Mews, a finished 12-home complex half a mile distant, was already occupied by some Regina Road residents after Croydon Council paid £3.3 million to acquire it from its defunct development company, Brick By Brick.
According to a 2022 analysis on the current Regina Road estate, which compared the advantages of renovating the tower blocks vs demolishing them, refit would probably be more expensive than a like-for-like rebuild and would result in “substantial liabilities” for leaseholders.
The council planning officers stated that BPTW’s proposals “exhibited a high standard of quality, with thoughtful articulation that enhances the character and appearance of the area” prior to last week’s decision.
Additionally, they said that the plan offered “significant improvements to the public realm and public spaces.” It would enhance the standard of play and athletic facilities, as well as community spaces like pre-schools and community gardening areas.
Plans for 4,695m² of green space, comprising a central green, pocket parks, courtyards, a multipurpose games area, play areas, picnic lawns, planting beds, and wildlife zones, were created by BPTW in collaboration with Farrer Huxley.
BPTW partner and project lead Neill Campbell said:
‘This planning approval is the result of a truly collaborative effort between BPTW, our consultant team, the London Borough of Croydon and the local community.
The residents have helped shape a design that respects South Norwood’s rich heritage while delivering high-quality homes for all. The designs place community at its heart, with generous green spaces and inclusive facilities that reflect local aspirations and support a thriving, connected neighbourhood.’
The council’s executive mayor Jason Perry commented:
‘The positive support for the Regina Road redevelopment marks another major milestone in Croydon’s housing transformation.
This project is about creating high-quality, affordable homes and a stronger community that residents can be proud of. The redevelopment is part of my priorities to raise housing standards, deliver more affordable homes and make Croydon a cleaner, safer and healthier borough for everyone.’
What community benefits and social value programs are included?
The community benefits and social value programs included in systems like the Croydon South Norwood estate rebuild generally concentrate on delivering wide ranging positive impacts beyond just physical construction. These programs aim to im[rove the good of individualities and communities, promote profitable development, and insure environmental sustainability.
Prioritising hiring and training of original residents, internships, and work placements to boost job openings within the city. Involving residents and community groups in design planning and decision making, icing that original requirements and precedences shape development.
Encouraging procurement and subcontracting with original small and medium enterprises (SMEs), voluntary, community, and social enterprise sectors to circulate profitable benefits locally. Supporting programs that attack social challenges similar to obesity, mental health, domestic abuse, and promoting active cultures.