Cambridge Road Estate residents back neighbourhood regeneration plans

On a turnout of 86%, 73% of eligible residents have backed plans to regenerate the estate to deliver new high-quality, ‘greener’ homes, new gardens, play areas, streets and community facilities, and a brighter, safer neighbourhood — to take the area into the future.

The Council committed to consulting residents prior to the regeneration of the estate going ahead, and to carrying out a ballot — ensuring that eligible residents have the final say on the future of their neighbourhood.

The Council has always believed that regeneration is the best way to provide the modern homes and safer neighbourhood that residents deserve. This result means the Council can improve homes for existing residents and also build new homes for those who will need them in the future.

Residents have voted to give the green light to regenerating the neighbourhood with approximately 2,170 new homes: a mix of flats, maisonettes and houses of various sizes with the number of bedrooms matched to the need of the household — modern homes which are the right size. The new neighbourhood will include a minimum of an additional 114 council homes.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Liz Green, said:

“On behalf of the Council, I would like to thank the residents of Cambridge Road Estate for the trust they have placed in us and in supporting our plans. I look forward to continuing to work with them to provide the modern new homes and safer environment that they need and deserve.

 

“We committed to this ballot as we believe it is right that residents have the opportunity to decide their future and that of the whole of Cambridge Road Estate. Residents have sent a clear message of support for these new homes, including more council homes, and a neighbourhood that the community deserves.

 

"I and my council colleagues are passionate about tackling overcrowding and addressing the fundamental problems with the buildings and design of the space. But also with delivering quality outdoor space and community facilities. Now, with the backing of the estate's residents, we can build on the work we have done together to make sure regeneration will address these and other issues residents have told us about.”

Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Emily Davey, said:

“Hundreds of residents have worked with the Council and Countryside on the plans for the new estate.

 

“The result of the ballot means we can radically change the lives of residents on the estate. We can provide warm, safe homes which will be cheaper for residents to run.

 

“The ballot changed the dynamics of the planning to redevelop the estate. It has ensured that residents have been and will be at the heart of what the Council does.”

Notes to editors

The ballot was run independently by Civica Election Services (CES), formerly known as Electoral Reform Services (ERS). After a three week ballot period, voting closed on Wednesday 18 March 2020 at 5 pm.

The ballot was open to eligible residents of the estate only. Voting eligibility is set out by the Greater London Authority (GLA) as follows.

Current social tenants (council or housing association) with secure, assured or introductory tenancies.

Named leaseholders or freeholders who have lived in their home for 12 months.

Other residents, living on the Cambridge Road Estate who have been named applicants on the housing register for 12 months.

The Council will continue its engagement activities with residents along with the CRE newsletter and website updates to share information about what is happening.

Questions relating to the ballot result should be directed to creregen@kingston.gov.uk. For more information, visit https://cambridgeroadestate.com.