Master Plan Update April 2008
Introduction This booklet gives an update as to the current proposal regenerating the Clapham Park Area. The booklet provides an update summary on Clapham Park Homes’ Masterplan proposal for Clapham Park as developed in support of its stock transfer from the London Borough of Lambeth in June 2006. CPH are keen to get feedback from the local community as it continues to develop and deliver these plans. If you need more information, please contact: Clapham Park Homes 0208 623 8900
Disclaimer The proposals, drawings and photographs used in this document are indicative as CPH would need to obtain planning permission and any other necessary consents, and comply with any necessary legal requirements. Further consultation with residents will continue to take place on these issues and in relation to the details of the proposals, such as finishes, materials used etc. The proposals also rely upon a viable business plan and a successful phasing plan and decanting programme.
The Challenge Clapham Park Today The Clapham Park area covers some 150 acres on a site between Brixton, Streatham, Balham and Clapham in the London Borough of Lambeth. Approximately 6,100 people live within the site area. There are 1,977 homes on the Council estates, of which 1,445 are tenanted and 532 are owned by leaseholders (figures correct at July 2007). The area has declined through decades of neglect, reaching a critical state five years ago. 75% of residents were afraid to go out of their homes after dark, the estate was a known centre for drugs, and the vast majority of the publicly owned housing stock was in a poor state. Whilst some issues have eased considerably through the efforts of the community and their partners, the physical form of the estate remains a problem. Busy roads divide the estate and isolate one part of the community from another. There is a lack of space for physical activity, with few sports or play facilities. Outdoor areas are dominated by disorganised parking. Entrances to residential blocks are unsafe. There is a lack of secure or private space. Resident surveys have confirmed that the majority of the housing stock suffers from substandard heating, lack of thermal insulation and sound separation between dwellings, old kitchens and bathrooms, and electrical wiring that needs replacing.
The Opportunity New Deal for Communities In 2000, Clapham Park was awarded ÂŁ56m under New Deal for Communities, a government funding programme for the regeneration of neighbourhoods. Over the following years, the Project led proposals for the transformation of the area. Supported by a team of architects, engineers, business planning experts and Council officers, the local community has gone through a number of stages to identify a scheme that best meets the needs and ambitions of the area as a whole. This work has included: !" !" !" !" !" !"
an Options Bus that travelled across the estate and demonstrated the options for transforming the area; questionnaire and survey work through door knocking exercises; the production of Masterplan Newsletters and Fact Sheets; block-by-block consultation work at community venues across the estate; stalls at Clapham Park Project Fun Days, Festivals and Launches; the production of models for display in a number of drop-in venues.
The resulting vision is set out in the Masterplan, produced in 2004.
The Masterplan A vision for regeneration The key vision of the project is to provide Clapham Park tenants with good quality, well managed and maintained homes at affordable rents, in an area revitalised with a network of new parks and open spaces, cleaner and safer streets, better transport, good schools, a wide range of community facilities, decent services and more local jobs – in short, a place to be proud of. Currently, there is a large amount of wasted open space within the estates that is poorly used and difficult to manage. The new Masterplan provides a network of well-landscaped areas. Each area having a local play and recreation space – and the whole neighbourhood enjoying new and safer parks covering five acres. Masterplan drawings can be viewed at http://www.cph-online.co.uk/ the_master_plan.html or at the CPH Office, 1 Headlam Road, Clapham, London SW4 8 HP. Or alternatively, at the Lambeth Planning Office, Phoenix House, 10 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LL.
Our Improvement Plans Renewing homes Approximately half of existing properties will be refurbished and half will be rebuilt. It is intended that additional buildings will also be developed to provide further affordable accommodation, plus homes for private sale, commercial and retail premises and improved community facilities. Those tenanted properties being refurbished will get: !"
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full fuel efficient central heating with a package of insulation measures to help to keep fuel bills down and to improve sound insulation; modern kitchens and bathrooms with new units and remodelled to provide the best arrangement. Tenants will be given choices in terms of colour and design; mains-powered smoke detectors in association with rewiring works; modern insulation and low energy lighting facilities to improve on energy efficiency; double glazed windows and secure front doors; an extensive package of security measures including new or upgraded door entry systems, improved security locks and lighting; improved plumbing; redecoration; new or overhauled roof; overhauled rainwater system; repairs to brickwork/concrete; new entrance doors; new or replacement lifts to blocks of four storeys and above; it is the intention to provide small private gardens and balcony where possible.
Our Improvement Plans Our improvement plans will provide all blocks with new secure entrance lobbies and, where possible, entrances will be turned to face the street to improve security. Parking will be removed from the courtyards and these secure spaces will be landscaped for residents to enjoy. There will also be new arrangements for rubbish disposal. Those properties being rebuilt will be designed and constructed to a high standard, incorporating modern requirements for security, energy efficiency, water conservation, sound insulation and crime prevention. All homes will have secure entrances and practical layouts, with generous room sizes, private outdoor space and convenient arrangements for parking and refuse. Leasehold properties in refurbished blocks will benefit from the works to the structure and exterior of the building, and from improvements to internal and external communal areas. The new homes proposed for Clapham Park will be a mix of homes for sale and rent – all designed, built and finished to the same high standards. While the total number of homes in the area will increase, the new homes for sale will be smaller than the new homes for affordable rent, while the new homes for rent will be bigger on average than the homes they replace. They will also have private gardens, terraces or balconies. Successful and popular examples of high density housing can be found across London. Key factors in their success include high quality design and robust construction quality, as well as effective management and ongoing investment in maintenance and repairs. The increase in the number of homes at Clapham Park will improve quality of life as the layout will be improved with access to better parks, open spaces and a range of community facilities.
Our Improvement Plans Creating a pleasant place to live The Masterplan is founded on the ambitions of residents and local business to make Clapham Park a healthy, safe and welcoming place to live. The area will have better lit, more active streets, with safer pedestrian routes and crossings. There will be controlled access to resident homes. Most blocks will be built around a secure courtyard containing small play areas for toddlers and other landscape features. Residents who overlook the courtyards will have sole use of these areas. Ground floor units and first floor flats will house larger families and will enjoy small private gardens or terraces. A new heart for the neighbourhood will be created around a central park. It will contain a high quality play area for children, a new fenced basketball court and a five-a-side pitch. A range of new community facilities and workspaces will be located around the central park to ensure that it is safe and actively used. Paths will radiate into smaller public spaces, play areas and courtyards for each local area. The existing trees will generally remain, with a strong focus on protecting as many mature trees as possible. The layout of the new park was designed with this in mind. New trees will also be introduced in the park, including a mix of large forest trees. This will be enhanced with seasonal bulbs and selected perennial wild flowers.
Providing new community facilities To bring people together, the main community facilities will be located around the central park. Proposals include a new youth centre; a community hall (with a small library); a bar and cafĂŠ; a health centre; and local offices for community organisations. New retail and business facilities are proposed around the central park. Smaller facilities such as newsagents and general stores will be provided to replace the shops at Arkwright House and Poynders Parade.
The Proposals Enhancing education & sports facilities There are currently two primary schools and a nursery in the area. The two primary schools, Richard Atkins and Glenbrook, are performing reasonably well. Richard Atkins primary school will benefit from a programme of refurbishment. It is acknowledged that Glenbrook primary school is in a poor physical state. Lambeth Education is currently considering proposals for the Glenbrook site, which is excluded from the transfer proposals. A further new primary school will be required, to provide for the additional school children that will live in the area once the renewal programme is complete. The site for the new primary school is opposite the Baptist Church on New Park Road. Maytree Nursery will be retained within new premises.
The Proposals Improving community links & transport The proposals give priority to pedestrians, with a layout designed so that people can move around easily and safely. A network of local streets will connect each neighbourhood. Local streets will have high quality paving, modern street furniture and lighting, and be designed to ensure that traffic does not dominate. Dead-ends will be avoided. Proposals have been agreed with TFL for interchange to the south of the new central park at the intersection of Kings Avenue and the south circular. More bus routes will start and terminate at Clapham Park. Most existing bus stops will be relocated to more convenient locations. Car parking for residents will be maintained. A car club scheme will also be introduced to provide rental cars at affordable rates to residents.
Managing the transformation Clapham Park Estates was transferred to Clapham Park Homes on the 26th June 2006. Clapham Park Homes is a new community-led housing association with charitable status, set up as part of the Metropolitan Housing Partnerships. The housing association will be regulated by the Housing Corporation and be subject to inspection by the Audit Commission.
The Delivery Funding the proposals Clapham Park Homes intends to spend approximate ÂŁ560 million on delivering the proposals outlined in this document (funded from Housing Corporation grant, NDC grant, proceeds from the sale of properties and loans from banks and building societies).
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The Development Team has expanded since the Stock Transfer in order to ensure the project is delivered. These appointments have led to the development of a Refurbishment, New Build, and Community/ Commercial Facilities team. These teams all sit within Clapham Park Home’s office, at Headlam Road. The team have worked hard during the first year of the scheme. This has led to key milestones being achieved, and include; !" The commencement of the Phase 1 and 2 refurbishment works. !" The revised outline planning permission. !" The commencement of the leaseholder buyback programme. !" Detailed planning approval for our first social housing scheme. Detailed design undertaken on the first three schemes. Delivering Promises To Residents Phase 1 2007/2008 The completion of Phase 1 Refurbishment works of 23 houses with the Hilife contractor team has meant the installation of new kitchens and bathrooms and associated works at the houses on Clarence Crescent and Bourke Close has resulted in a very positive response from the residents. With this in mind it is anticipated that the remaining homes in the second phase will complete by September 2008.
Phase 2 2007/2008 Residents in this phase, selected blocks and units mainly in the south of the estate, have made their choices for kitchens and bathrooms and are awaiting work to start in their homes . The contract is now also to be delivered by HiLife, the successful contractor for Phase 1 and works have started with a completion date set for April 2008.
Major Refurbishment Contract
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We have also successfully identified the preferred contractor for this phase of the works. Surveys on the blocks and consultation with residents who will be decanted during the contract have already started. Further involvement with residents concerning their choices will start in January 2008.
Consultation Extensive consultation with residents including leaseholders concerning the proposals for the new building and the existing blocks continues to be carried out on the estate. .A number of different methods have been used to involve residents, these have been mainly through household surveys, meetings, drop in home visits and newsletters. A total of 29 consultation sessions have been held on the estate since transfer, to give residents the opportunity to voice their opinions, to feedback on works already carried out and make choices for the fittings to their homes.
New Build Team: As already outlined, detailed design work has now commenced on the first 3 blocks to be built as part of the scheme. These include block B5, Clifton House, and block M3. Block B5 (Muller Road Garage Site): This block will be situated on a garage site on Muller Road, Clapham Park West. Comprising of 85 affordable rented units, these will be the first new homes to be built for existing tenants and therefore represent an important opportunity for the organisation to demonstrate its ability to deliver the promises made in the Tenant’s Formal Offer Document. After a procurement process PRP Architects were appointed to take the block from outline proposals to detailed designs. This information will in effect inform a detailed planning application. Subject to this it is expected work to commence on site in September 2007. In terms of the promises made to tenants, as part of the transfer proposals, we can confirm that block B5 will meet the following criteria; !" On average, space standards of 10% bigger than existing units. !" High standards of insulation and Affordable Warmth, Eco Homes, and water efficiency standards met. !" Noise insulation provided. !" Lifts. !" Provision of balconies and communal gardens. !" Lifetime Homes standard met. Improved system for refuse storage and removal. Residents from existing blocks have been allocated a home in B5 and have been consulted throughout regarding their new homes and other design issues such as the courtyard and underground car park.
Clifton House (Clarence Avenue): The Clifton House site did include a 1960s Local Authority sheltered housing scheme. However, this provision was closed recently as the building was no longer fit for purpose. CPH acquired the site from Lambeth in March 2007, and have demolished the existing buildings in preparation for the construction work. We are working in partnership with Lambeth Adults’ and Community Services to develop the outline proposals. These include a 50 bed extra care scheme, with a community hub, with facilities and services that we plan to open to residents and local elderly people living in the area. Next to this scheme will sit a 50 unit private sale scheme, which, it is planned, will include a mixture of flats and houses. The award winning architect firm Pollard Thomas and Edwards (PTEa) have been appointed and the design team has been set up to carry on with detailed proposals. Construction work is planned to start in early 2008. B l o c k M 3 ( A r k w r i g h t H o u s e ) : This site will sit on the existing Arkwright House. The leaseholders have been brought out, tenants decanted (both permanently and temporarily within Clapham Park) and the commercial units purchased in preparation for demolition during autumn 2007. As with Clifton House, a design team is now in place to undertake the detailed design on block M3, which will include rented, shared ownership, private sale and commercial/community units. Levitt Bernstein is the architects, and it is hoped the scheme will go on site in early 2008.
Developing a new sustainable environment for Clapham Park, supported by quality local services.