Regeneration sees Community Blossom
26 October 2010
A partnership between MHT London and London Borough of Harrow is enabling estate regeneration
On Thursday 21 October residents from Strongbridge estate in Harrow, West London celebrated being able to move into their new homes. The event marked the completion of phase one of regeneration of the estate, which is managed by Metropolitan Housing Trust London (MHT London).
The estate has been renamed Apple Grove and Harrow Council Mayor Cllr Omar planted an apple tree to mark the occasion on National Apple Day. Peter Fletcher from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) also attended the celebratory event.
Local residents gathered at the launch and reflected on the aftermath of the fire which happened in 2002 and spoke with staff from MHT London about the regeneration.
Chris Harvey, who discovered the fire, said of the regeneration: “it’s grand, couldn’t be better. I feel like I have a home, I feel alive now. I was offered a place elsewhere but came back to the estate, I really just like the area and people.”
His sentiments were echoed by fellow resident Cathy Hockaday, who helped the Mayor to plant the tree: “After all these years in the old block it does feel odd being in my new place, but I love the new homes; they’re beautiful. The old places looked like prisons, but the new places are puckka! MHT London has really excelled itself.”
A partnership between MHT London and London Borough of Harrow is enabling the estate to be regenerated, with a total of 167 new homes being created, offering a mix 40 shared ownership and 127 affordable rented properties.
Neil Mawson, Managing Director from MHT London said: “We’re both proud and happy to have reached this milestone; it’s been a challenge but with the support of the community we’ve come through.
Neil added: “After the fire in 2002, and having started regeneration in 2007, its encouraging to see how Apple Grove has blossomed into what it is now; a testimony to local partnering and dedication all round.”
Harrow Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr Bob Currie said:
“When a fire broke out at Strongbridge in 2002, many residents lost all of their possessions as well as their homes. Thankfully no lives were lost on that night and since then the people involved have shown remarkable community spirit. It has taken a long time to get the estate to this position and, while it is not finished yet, it is only fitting that this milestone is marked and celebrated.”
He concluded “Government cuts to social housing announced last week make days like today even more important for our community.”
Peter Fletcher, the HCA Area Manger for West London, also highlighted their delight at Apple Grove saying: “These homes are a clear demonstration of what has been achieved through the work of all the partners involved. It’s great to see how our funding of £14.2m has already made a significant difference to local people’s lives and will continue doing so through the latter phases of the scheme.”
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