Poplar HARCA, Tower Hamlets, London

Countryside Properties has been working with Poplar Housing and Regeneration Community Association (HARCA) and East Thames Housing Group, since 1998, on the regeneration of a number of estates in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

Poplar HARCA, Tower Hamlets The majority of the work has comprised the refurbishment of existing homes, with residents in occupation. For example the Burdett Estate comprised of blocks of flats, built between the 1930s and 1950s and which suffered from a number of problems synonymous with the area. Vandalism was also a major problem and was further heightened by the estate layout.

In addition to the resident in occupation works Countryside Properties worked with East Thames Housing Association and Boleyn & Forest Housing Association on the new build programme totalling over 500 homes. These homes have been constructed on various sites including the Burdett, Aberfeldy, and Teviott Estates.

The construction works on the Aberfeldy Estate have also involved an innovative self-build scheme whereby Countryside Properties, in association with Boleyn & Forest Housing Association, have helped 10 self-builders construct their new homes. Each of the ten self-builders had limited experience in construction but maximum willingness to learn the trade quickly. Work included screeding, electrics, plumbing, carpentry, plastering, tiling and decorating right through to completion.

In partnership with East Thames Housing Group we used modular construction on the Aberfeldy Estate in the creation of 30 new homes. The scheme used a modular system designed and fitted by Yorkon and fitted in a controlled environment. The modules were complete with bathrooms, kitchens, tiling, heating, electrics and balconies.

Rebuilding the Community

We had a community development team dedicated to Poplar HARCA's work. The team included Resident Liaison Officers based on site who ensured that the residents were fully informed about the work taking place and dealt with any queries or concerns.

The Resident Liaison Officers also managed Countryside Properties' "It's your choice" scheme which enabled residents to choose the colour and finishes of their kitchen and bathroom units, wall tiling and floor coverings, and additional items of specification.

We recognise that refurbishing the existing estates and building new homes is only part of the regeneration process. Our commitment extends to working in partnership with others to rebuild the local community.

For example we support the Pathways Programme currently being undertaken under the Tower Hamlets Local Labour in Construction (LLIC) initiative. We have pledged to donate approximately £3,000 per year to the scheme and employ at least two modern apprentices per year over a six-year period. A number of apprentices successfully completed the 3 year programme and achieved either an NVQ level 2 or 3. Each year we support the Construction Challenge, hosted by LLIC during Construction Week, which gives young people aged 13-15 years, an insight into the construction industry.

We also sponsored the Burdett Community Football Team, established by youth development leader Saleh Ahmed to encourage team building between young people. The team, which has attracted boys from all around Poplar and Bromley-by-Bow, was successful in its first year, reaching the semi final of the local cup competition organised by the Sports Network Council.

Partners

Poplar HARCA
East Thames Housing Group
Boleyn & Forest Housing Society
Countryside Properties PLC

Consultants

Architects: Stanford Eatwell Associates,
Baily Garner, Countryside Properties PLC
Employers Agents: Frankhams Consultancy
Group Limited, John Strong & Partners
Engineers: Brand Leonard