The impact of estate regeneration takes time to emerge so continued resident engagement is vital, according to Future of London’s recent social value report. Find out why Vistry and L&Q are doing just that.
Last year, Future of London called for developers to fund long-term research into the creation of social value in major development and regeneration schemes in our report, Social Value: How to be a good ancestor.
Now we’re revisiting that idea by highlighting an example of exactly that approach by our partners, Countryside Partnerships (part of the Vistry Group) and L&Q.
Acton Gardens is a major regeneration scheme in South Acton transforming the South Acton Estate, owned by Ealing Council. The masterplan for 3,500 new homes and new community facilities received planning permission in 2012.
The estate regeneration started on site in 2014, and the phased project is scheduled to continue until 2034. To date, 2400 new homes have been delivered, with 1000 affordable homes handed over since regeneration began.
Long-term evaluation of social value
Vistry recently published a fourth social value assessment, carried out by independent researchers Social Life. This valuable and growing longitudinal dataset shows evolving views of the scheme. The latest research highlighted a growing sense of satisfaction with the regeneration among residents, alongside perceptions of increased safety and well-being.
“Maintaining strong engagement with residents is essential to ensure that a development delivers long-term, sustainable benefits,” says Nick Churcher, Managing Director of Countryside West London.
“The feedback from residents and wider stakeholders, that we gain from our Social Life research, enables us to respond more effectively to the needs of our changing communities and strengthens our collaboration with community partners.”
This is the fourth such study at Acton Gardens, commissioned by Vistry and L&Q from Social Life over the last ten years. Carrying out the study every couple of years has enabled them to identify trends in people’s perceptions, according to the partners.
Residents say the feel safer
The latest research found regeneration priorities were becoming less important for residents, suggesting that as the estate is rebuilt, residents are paying less attention to the details of the scheme. Residents say they feel safer than at the time of the previous survey in 2020, with safety emerging as the top priority.
“Successful regeneration is about more than providing new and improved homes,” says Jacqueline Esimaje-Heath, Growth and Sales Director at L&Q. “It’s about working with residents and their communities, understanding their needs, and investing to create places which enable them to live better lives.
“As the long-term steward of the South Acton community, we’re pleased to see the regeneration supporting a growing sense of safety, wellbeing and social connection.”
Developing a community plan
In late 2023, 564 people living in South Acton and its surrounding areas were asked about their neighbourhood and community life; their opportunities to influence decision-making, and priorities for the regeneration programme.
All four studies were carried out by Social Life, which specialises in research into the ways people are affected by changes in the built environment. This year, the recommendations from the social value report directly informed the Acton Gardens Community Plan.
Social Life’s work with Notting Hill Genesis to develop a social value indicator framework for Grahame Park Estate in Barnet was highlighted in our report.
Nicola Bacon, Founding Director of Social Life said:
“We very much value our decade-long relationship with the regeneration partners at Acton Gardens. They have continued to invest in understanding the impact of the regeneration on wellbeing and community life, and they have translated our recommendations for each round of research into tangible actions to improve everyday life.”
Countryside Partnerships, part of the Vistry Group, is a core sponsor of Future of London and L&Q is a member organisation.