The final demolition of the last building of the former Ferrier Estate was completed last month (July) bringing Berkeley's Kidbrooke Village into a new era, making way for the next phase of the £1 billion regeneration scheme, which is building an entirely new community comprised of four integrated neighbourhoods with public amenities built specifically with residents in mind.
The demolition of the final five-storey building on Telemann Square, adjacent to Kidbrooke train station, coincides with the results of an independent social sustainability survey with existing residents, which shows the majority (over 90%) of residents who have moved into the first phases already feel settled, secure and a sense of community. This compares to 62% for people living in other parts of London.
Other findings include:
Almost 93% of residents plan to remain resident in the neighbourhood for a number of years, compared with 63% of people living in other parts of London
Almost 80% of residents agree or strongly agree that the local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together
84% reported feeling safe at Kidbrooke Village after dark, compared with 65% of people living in other parts of London
John Anderson, Chairman at Berkeley Homes (East Thames) ) comments: "The creation of Kidbrooke Village is without doubt one of the most ambitious new developments ever to be undertaken in London, and it is testament its growing success that those people who have already chosen to live there have recognised the innovative approach which is transforming the entire area for the better.
"Kidbrooke Village is a perfect example to other regeneration projects of a sustainable new village, where private and affordable housing integrate seamlessly into one holistic community with modern urban design, unrivalled communal facilitates and excellent transport links into central London and beyond."
Built on former site of the Ferrier Estate and named the best use of housing in the Regeneration and Renewal Awards 2012, Kidbrooke Village replaces a council estate typical of social housing built in the UK between the 1950s and 1970s.
Kidbrooke Village looked at lessons learned from the failings of the Ferrier Estate to create an inclusive, economically and socially viable community, transforming the lives of all who are connected with it. Residents surveyed made particular mention of the architecture and high-quality materials used in the residential and public areas, believing this to be important in giving Kidbrooke Village a new distinctive identity removed from the reputation of the former estate.
Work started on the first phase City Point in 2009. Once complete the development will have created 4,000 new homes, 170,000 sq ft commercial and retail space, a new 136 acre park including sports pitches and facilities, school and transport interchange at Kidbrooke station.
Across the entire development only 35% of the land is to be developed on, with 55 hectares of Kidbrooke Village dedicated to parks, sports facilities and the public realm, ensuring that residents and the existing local community can make the most of the green open space whilst still benefiting from being as little as 15 minutes from central London.
Current opportunities for homeownership at Kidbrooke Village include homes in the newly-launched phases, Blackheath Quarter and Meridian Gate. Blackheath Quarter will comprise three and four storey family homes offering three, four, and five bedroom options, as well as one, two and three bedroom apartments overlooking Cator Park, while Meridian Gate offers Manhattan suites, one, two and three bedroom apartments, which are ideally located between Sutcliffe Park and Cator Park.
Kidbrooke Village benefits from superb transport links with easy access to the West End, City and Canary Wharf. Existing train services provide direct access to London Bridge in just 15 minutes as well as Waterloo East, Charing Cross and Victoria, providing additional links to the London Underground network and the DLR.
For more information, visit www.kidbrookevillage.co.uk
Final demolition heralds new era for Kidbrooke Village
28th July 2013
