Residents Prepare to Vote on £100 Million Alton Estate Regeneration

Residents of the Alton Estate in Roehampton, South London, are poised to vote on a significant regeneration plan that aims to transform their community. This ballot, set to begin on September 22, 2023, follows more than a decade of uncertainty regarding the estate’s future. The proposed £100 million redevelopment seeks to replace 167 homes from the 1950s estate with a total of 614 new homes, with a commitment to ensure that 57 percent of these units are affordable.

The new masterplan includes a net increase in social housing, although the precise figures are yet to be finalized. Key features of the proposal encompass a new community hub that will house a library, council offices, and youth services, strategically located at the entrance of the estate. Furthermore, the existing retail area along Danebury Avenue will see a significant upgrade with plans for a larger supermarket to replace the former Co-op store. A family hub is also part of the vision, which will include a relocated nursery, a GP surgery, and additional community services.

Enhanced public spaces, including a new square, outdoor areas, and improved pedestrian routes, are also integral to the development. The original regeneration agreement was made by Wandsworth Council’s previous Conservative administration in 2012, but plans have undergone substantial revisions since then.

In 2019, the council submitted an application to demolish 288 homes for a larger development of 1,108 homes, of which only 261 were designated as affordable. While these plans received approval in January 2022, they were ultimately halted when a Labour administration took control of the council that May, citing concerns over the lack of affordable housing.

The revised proposals reflect a deeper engagement with residents, according to those involved in the process. Angus Robertson, a resident of the estate since 2003, expressed optimism about the new administration’s approach. He noted that the revised masterplan better aligns with community interests, stating, “The proposals as they stand are much stronger than what we had before.” Mr. Robertson highlighted the importance of community input and the constructive dialogue established with the council throughout this process.

As part of the new strategy, a community panel comprising residents, council officers, and architects has been created to review the regeneration plans continuously. This initiative has fostered a sense of trust among residents, who feel more involved in the decision-making process. However, Mr. Robertson emphasized the need for ongoing community engagement to build and maintain that trust. He called for a social impact assessment to evaluate how the regeneration would affect residents’ daily lives, a request the council has acknowledged and plans to undertake.

Labour councillor Aydin Dikerdem, who serves as the Cabinet Member for Housing, affirmed that the new plan has been shaped by extensive conversations with residents. He expressed enthusiasm about the positive opportunities the proposals present, which include new homes, enhanced community spaces, and improved accessibility throughout the estate. “It’s really important for us that the final decisions on the Alton estate are made by residents,” he said.

The council is committed to providing clear information to residents leading up to the ballot, which will close on October 16, 2023. As anticipation builds, many residents remain cautiously optimistic about the future of the Alton Estate and the potential for meaningful regeneration that prioritizes their needs.