Councils, housing associations and developers can now bid for a share of £172m of government investment to transform local neighbourhoods and deliver high-quality housing.
As part of a new blueprint for regenerating deprived housing estates, an additional £32m of new funding is now available, along with £140m from the Estate Regeneration Fund to build places that work for everyone.
Bidders will also get advice on transforming areas from a new “national strategy” to address common challenges that can stop projects, such as resident protection concerns or finding the necessary finance.
Estate regeneration has the potential to deliver thousands of additional homes over the next 10 to 15 years and provide well-designed public spaces and a better quality of life in areas often characterised by poor quality housing and social deprivation.
The new national strategy was developed by an independent advisory panel, chaired by Lord Heseltine and the housing and planning minister Gavin Barwell.
Communities secretary, Sajid Javid, said: “Rundown estates offer huge potential to become new thriving communities providing homes, jobs and opportunities and places that work for everyone.
“That’s why we’re determined to ensure the success of regeneration projects through the national strategy to transform the lives of thousands of people by delivering better homes in better estates.
Lord Heseltine said: “The national strategy puts residents at the heart of reshaping their estates, working with local authorities and developers.
“Estate regeneration must be locally-led and this strategy sets out blueprints for success, to help guide the progress and provide aspiration for delivering tangible plans.”
The strategy has guidance that covers:
- Resident engagement and protection – this includes a model residents’ charter to help ensure a better standard of resident protection;
- Good practice guide – steering schemes through all the key stages including the range of finance options available;
- Alternative approaches to regeneration – providing advice on community led housing development
- Case studies – illustrating and highlighting examples of design and quality, along with community engagement;
Leader of Wandsworth council, Cllr Ravi Govindia, said: “I am very pleased to have been a member of the Estate Regeneration Advisory Panel, and am delighted that the National Strategy has reflected so much of the local authority feedback and lessons we have offered to the government.
“This guidance, and the funding that government has made available, comes as a major boost to getting schemes off the ground in authorities all over the country, not just in London and the south east.
“It is clear that local authorities have a significant role to play to ensure that estate regeneration meets local housing need and delivering local growth – and in engaging residents and communities in decisions about their area.”
Chief executive of The Housing & Finance Institute, Natalie Elphicke OBE, said: “I very much welcome the government’s Estate Regeneration Strategy – this shows that the most important ingredients for success are agreeing a clear plan at the outset, engaging residents throughout a regeneration scheme, and developing a strong and positive partnership with private sector investors.
“Together with an effective deployment of public land and finance, high quality long term investment from the private sector can be attracted into estate regeneration.”
Chief executive of Hyde Housing Association, Elaine Bailey, said: “I wholeheartedly welcome the publication of this national strategy. This important initiative provides essential help and support to everyone participating in estate regeneration schemes.
“It is so important that residents are engaged and protected throughout – and it is really good to see the government set out its expectations on this issue.
“I know that housing associations everywhere are keen to press ahead with their schemes and will benefit from continuing to work with the government on this important agenda.
“The strategy will evolve and develop as new guidance and tools become available.”
RIBA president Jane Duncan said: “The RIBA has long campaigned for all communities to be built with the needs of local people at their heart. We are pleased to see that the Government has listened and included strong protections for existing estate residents within today’s announcement.
“I am particularly encouraged to see the government’s recognition that good design is key to any estate regeneration approach and that improving the built environment has a direct positive impact on the life chances of residents. I am pleased to see the strategy’s practical guidance illustrated with exemplar work by RIBA members, demonstrating how successful estate regeneration can be achieved.
“As a member of the independent advisory panel I promoted the pivotal role of architects in estate regeneration – from conception and design, to delivery. The RIBA will continue to make this case on behalf of our members as development programmes supported by this strategy and funding emerge.”
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