Redevelopment of Northolt Estate Moves to Next Stage

425 new apartments and houses to be built

Network Housing Group has been appointed as the preferred development partner for the regeneration of the Rectory Park Estate in Northolt, a decision which will kick start the total redevelopment of the 4.4 hectare area.

The decision to redevelop came after Ealing Council carried out a review of Rectory Park in 2007 and found that residents had low satisfaction with the estate as a place to live.

The review highlighted problems with anti-social behaviour, low quality public space, a lack of play space and generally low resident satisfaction with the condition of the properties, many of which were built more than 50 years ago and do not meet current housing standards.

Network’s redevelopment programme will address these problems by rebuilding the entire estate, placing an emphasis on the provision of high quality housing and safe and welcoming outdoor spaces.

Provided that planning permission is granted, the project will see the 270 existing flats and maisonettes replaced with 425 new apartments and houses and a new community centre, all set in a landscaped setting next to a park. The scheme has been designed by architects bptw partnership and is to be built by Hill Partnerships.

Network’s group head of regeneration, Catherine Cummings, said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen by Ealing to lead the redevelopment of the Rectory Park Estate.

"We believe that we have come up with an attractive and well thought out scheme which will completely transform the estate and are now looking forward to working closely with the council and the estate’s residents to put our plans into action.”

Leader of Ealing Council, Councillor Julian Bell, said: "This positive decision means that the residents of the Rectory Park Estate will benefit from vastly improved housing and a safe and pleasant environment for their families.”

The appointment of Network has the backing of local residents, who have been consulted at every stage of the process. A residents’ steering group was established in 2008 and has been closely involved in each phase of the bidder selection process, including meeting the companies bidding for the work.

John Hopkins, chair of the Rectory Park Estate Residents' Association and lead member of the steering group said: "We are relieved and delighted to get to this important stage.

"The steering group has worked incredibly hard to improve living conditions and secure better quality housing for everyone on the estate and we can’t wait to move forward with the plans. The rebuilding of the estate will provide better housing and a decent way of life for everyone."

The council and Network are in the process of organising an event to give residents the chance to meet the team that will be working on the estate and identify their priorities for redevelopment.

An application for planning permission is expected to be submitted by Network in February 2011, with building work anticipated to start in summer 2012.

25 August 2010