London,
23
March
2018
|
13:04
Europe/London

First look at new homes at Agar Grove estate

Local residents at Agar Grove estate got the chance to see what their new homes might look before they move in next month.

The Agar Grove project is the largest housing redevelopment in the Community Investment Programme – the Council’s 15-year programme to invest money in council homes, schools and new community facilities across the borough.

The redevelopment will include 493 homes - a mix of council homes for rent and affordable Camden Living Rents. Camden Living looks to help those who earn too much to qualify for a council home, but struggle to afford to rent privately in Camden, offering lower rents and more secure tenancies. There will also be homes for sale, which will pay for the development.

After viewing the show flat, Ms Martis who has lived on the Agar Grove estate for almost 25 years said: “I am very excited to move into a new build! The good thing is that we are staying in the same area that I have lived most of my life and my children are happy here.”

She added: “The apartments are beautiful and it will be a pleasure living here when we move in. The extra outside space is fantastic. A bonus! We don’t have any outside space now and it will be very important for my elderly neighbours who can’t get out and about all the time. It is a great thing that Camden Council are doing because tenants will benefit.”

Mr Dunn and his family will also benefit from a new council home when the first block is complete next month.“I can’t wait, it is a new start! Very luxurious, it is like living somewhere private! To sit on the balcony in the summer – you can’t ask for any more! I have been in a lot of apartments and hotels – this is better! “

All the low-rise buildings on the estate (apart from the two L&Q housing association blocks and the Agar Children’s Centre) are being demolished and replaced with enough new council homes for all existing tenants, as well as additional units.

The new council homes will be larger than the flats they replace and are being built to high standards of environmental sustainability, to keep fuel bills low. The first block is the first phase of a six phase development and includes 38 social rented homes which will be complete early next month.

By making better use of under-used or expensive to maintain council property, and the land available including redesigning housing estates, the Council through its Community Investment Programme aims to build over 3,000 homes, invest around £117 million in schools and children’s centres, as well as deliver new community centres and emergency accommodation hostels.

You can read more about Agar Grove estate and other projects in our Community Investment Programme at camden.gov.uk/cip