Notorious estate to be flattened to make way for new blocks

An estate for 13,000 residents, hailed by architects as “the finest low-cost housing in the world” when it was built, is set to be flattened for new blocks.

The Alton estate in Roehampton will be replaced with new flats, shops and a community centre.

The massive 62-year-old development was hailed by the world’s most prominent architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner when built as “brilliant […] aesthetically the best housing estate to date”, and by G.E. Kidder Smith as “probably the finest low-cost housing in the world”.

But within years, the cheaply-constructed blocks were decaying and the community atmosphere generated by families escaping slums evaporated.

Wandsworth Council is now set to begin work on regeneration after London Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed he is will not step in to scrutinise the scheme.

The plans include flats of different sizes and tenures, community space, shops, a surgery and a business hub.

Work has already started on delivering high-quality new council homes on the Alton with the completion of 10 homes at McKinney House in September 2021.

A further 14 new council homes will also be delivered at Fontley Way, with work due to commence within weeks.

Both of these projects were subject to separate planning applications.

Wandsworth council leader Cllr Ravi Govindia, said: “In Wandsworth, we believe that developments are about much more than simply bricks and mortar and the Alton estate regeneration is a prime example of that.

In November last year, we launched are vised Community Engagement Strategy to encourage and enable residents to get involved in improving and helping to shape the future of their community.

We are hosting a range of activities including community outreach programmes, events to promote health and wellbeing, and arts, culture and heritage projects.

“We have never wavered in our commitment to improving the community of Roehampton and I am delighted that we have finally received the green light from the Mayor of London.”

The regeneration of the estate, which Wandsworth says has strong local support, was approved by the council’s planning committee by 9 votes to 1, with cross-party support in October 2020, subject to a final decision of the Mayor.

Cllr Jonathan Cook, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We welcome this positive news and are pleased that the Mayor has recognised the overall benefit
this scheme will provide to Roehampton.

By regenerating this area, we are able to deliver a variety of new homes that are designed to be accessible and adaptable, with access to private outdoor space. Alongside the new community facilities, shops and a modern GP practice, this scheme will truly transform this area and people’s lives.

“We can now start the process of seeking a development partner and give residents some much needed certainty about the delivery of this long-awaited regeneration”