NORTH WEST QUARTER
NORTH WEST QUARTER
BEHIND THE
WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES THIS PARTICULAR REGENERATION PROJECT SO IMPORTANT?
“South Kilburn is in a great part of London, in the innermost corner of Brent, with great connections to the city. It’s a diverse area with many languages spoken widely, so it’s great we can retain this important community. High rise developments in the 1970s left the area difficult to manage and after a failed project in the late 90’s South Kilburn was well in need of regeneration.” IS THERE ANYTHING UNIQUE ABOUT THE PROJECT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT? “There are so many things about the project that make it special, in fact, the programme has won over 17 design awards so far. Our returning residents are promised a single move (where possible and so far in 95% of cases), and kitchen appliances are included for all.” HOW INVOLVED WERE LOCAL COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN DECISIONS BEHIND THE REGENERATION PROJECT? “Residents are part of the design of every scheme and the regeneration programme was endorsed by them in a positive estate regeneration ballot in 2019. 84% voted in favour of the programme continuing. There are always opportunities for residents to be involved, including workshops and resident design groups across all design stages of each scheme.” WHAT DO YOU THINK THE GREATEST MEASURES OF SUCCESS WILL BE FOR THIS PROJECT? “Making South Kilburn a destination for all is key to this project’s success. But less overcrowding, better opportunities for young people, and a real sense of community will also be fantastic improvements.” WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE ASPECT OF THE PROJECT SO FAR? “I have been working in South Kilburn for four years, so have been immersed in this project. The highlights for me are the aspirational designing process for residents’ homes and communal spaces, as well as when the buildings are completed, and people move into their new homes. That’s always an exciting time.”
BRENT COUNCIL HAS SUPPORTED THE NWQ DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT ITS COURSE. HERE, WE CATCH UP WITH EMMA SWEENEY, HEAD OF ESTATES REGENERATION FOR BRENT COUNCIL, TO LEARN ALL ABOUT THE PROJECT.
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