Michael Heseltine Launches Estates Regeneration Panel


On the York Road Estate In Battersea

Wandsworth Council leader Ravi Govindia is among the 17 strong panel and the first meeting took place on the York Road estate in Battersea where a egeneration programme is planned.

Michael Heseltine in Battersea

Lord Heseltine said that new tenants' rights will be at the heart of the national regeneration drive and the panel will look at how the layout of estates can be best used to deliver more quality homes that people can buy and rent.

The panel also said that they would ensure that there are strong protections in place for existing residents so they will always be given the right to return to their communities.

The group, co-chaired by Lord Heseltine and Housing Minister Brandon Lewis and reporting to the Prime Minister and Communities Secretary Greg Clark, will develop a national estate regeneration strategy and work with up to 100 estates to tackle deprivation and with the aim of transforming them into vibrant communities.

The Prime Minister announced last month that £140 million would be made available to jump-start the regeneration. The loan funding will allow communities to lever in investment from the public and private sector.

Lord Heseltine said, “Estates regeneration is key to transforming the lives of people living on poorly designed housing projects. The panel will provide expert advice, support and explore innovative funding solutions to drive forward the regeneration of estates around the country.

“However, I am clear that this has to be locally led and we must work with the residents of such estates. I now want to see local communities coming forward with innovative ideas to achieve desirable neighbourhoods that local people can be proud of.”

Cllr Govindia said, “I’m delighted to join panel and to play a part in unlocking the great potential of our country’s housing estates.

“Here in Battersea we are demonstrating that estate regeneration can be done with the support of the local community. Our approach is centred firmly on improving the lives of Winstanley and York estate residents and to providing new opportunities and better life chances.”

Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said, "We know these estates offer huge potential to be revived so that they become thriving communities and places which people want to live and work in.

“This panel provides a wealth of experience to kick-start work that will help transform the lives of thousands of people by delivering better homes in better estates.”

February 17, 2016