Community
Ebury Bridge Working with the Community
A cornerstone of the scheme is putting residents at the heart of the renewal. We want to set a new standard in estate regeneration, showcasing how local authorities can partner with residents to create vibrant, long-term, mixed communities where people can thrive.
Consultation on plans for Ebury SW1
Since the start of the scheme, the council has worked closely with Ebury Bridge residents on proposals for their new estate before we submit for planning approval in June 2020.
We're currently consulting on final designs for the new estate, asking for feedback from estate residents, neighbours and local groups to help shape plans.
You can see the final design boards, and give feedback on the latest plans via the Commonplace platform, by clicking the buttons below.
Previous to this, we held an exhibition in October 2019 to consult on initial designs. You can see the initial design boards by clicking the button below.
Community Commitments
We’ve created a Community Commitments document setting out in further detail our commitments to Ebury Bridge residents. The document covers:
- New housing opportunities – Our guarantees when arranging appropriate permanent or temporary housing while the renewal progresses
- Affordability – Ensuring the estate continues to be affordable for existing residents
- Social value – Residents will play a key role identifying social value priorities, endorsing a dedicated community fund
- Economy – How we’ll support Ebury Bridge businesses while the renewal progresses
- Sustainability – An ambition to reach excellent environmental standards
- Relocations – Supporting households who are moving
- Housing management – Ensuring good management of existing estate
- The role of our Community Futures Group – The resident group steering key decisions about the renewal and setting standards for future housing management
You can download the Community Commitments document by clicking here.
Making plans
The Ebury Bridge community has been instrumental in the development of new estate proposals. By understanding exactly what’s important to our residents, we have been able to put plans together.
This process has moved into phase five of consultation:
1. Place shaping – Creating the new public spaces, the look and materials of new buildings and play facilities
2. Homes – The configuration and design of new homes, roof terraces, waste strategies and the views from homes
3. Character – How the new estate fits into the local area, the building façades and the energy strategy
4. Initial Design exhibition – Initial designs for the new homes and public spaces
5. 9 March 2020 - Consultation and exhibition boards showing how designs for the new homes and public spaces have evolved based on feedback and further analysis
6. 29 November and 6 December 2021 - Public Consultation and exhibition boards showing proposed Phase 2a Design and how it evolved based on feedback and further analysis. (The exhibition remained open from 29 November until 17 December)
7. 7 February 2022 - First workshop with 1 Ebury Bridge residents
8. 4 April 2022 - Second workshop with 1 Ebury Bridge residents
Resident engagement channels
1 Community Futures Group (CFG)
Community Futures Group (CFG)
A resident-led strategic body called The Community Futures Group (CFG) was created on 25th October 2017 to be at the forefront of our decision making. The group is made up of residents who represent the views of the community alongside an Independent Chair to explore financial viability assessments, design principles and the scope of development options
2 Design Engagement
Design Engagement
The council held a series of estate-wide drop-ins where residents have had the opportunity to feedback on what they would like to see from any scenarios that involve redevelopment. This helped establish a series of design principles and formed priorities such as open space, community facilities and dual aspect views from homes.
3 Refurbishment and Viability
Refurbishment and Viability
Refurbishment options were explored, including the cost and logistics of delivery, with resident meetings and the CFG. We also opened the books to residents around viability, discussing revenues (such as contractor profit), costs and the land acquisition value.
4 Exemplar Estate visits
Exemplar Estate visits
Residents have visited different exemplar regeneration schemes in three different London boroughs. The schemes ranged from refurbishment and redevelopment, to infills and new builds. Ebury Bridge residents had the opportunity to talk with tenants and leaseholders at these schemes and share experiences, concerns and expertise.
5 Communications
Communications
The Ebury Bridge newsletter was launched in August 2017, providing regular project updates, initially every two weeks. This is supported by updates to this website, alongside letters posted to residents regarding key events, an email mailing list, and a dedicated Facebook group.
December 2021 Phase 2a Design Consultation
In December 2021 we consulted on the proposed design for Phase 2a of the new homes and public squares for Ebury SW1. We invited the Ebury Bridge Estate residents, neighbours and stakeholders to view the exhibition and provide views.
The consultation boards can be viewed here and you can provide your feedback using these details.
March 2020 Final Design Consultation
In March 2020 we began consulting on final designs of new homes and public spaces planned for Ebury SW1. We again invited estate residents, neighbours, amenity groups and other stakeholders to view an exhibition and provide views.
People have the opportunity to quickly and easily view all consultation material here and provide feedback via a host of different methods, including via the details here.
October 2019 Initial Design Consultation
In October 2019 we consulted on initial designs of new homes and public spaces planned. We invited estate residents, near neighbours, community groups and other stakeholders to view an exhibition on the estate over a three-week period.
People were provided lots of ways to provide feedback on the plans here – including online, and via feedback forms and over the phone. We’re grateful to everyone who joined the conversation. The feedback assisted with a revision of plans to be consulted on in early 2020.
February 2019 Moving forward and testing the market
With Scenario 7 selected, officers worked with residents from across the estate to understand their rehousing needs and preferences. This approach informed the housing requirements for returning residents and allowed us to structure the phasing of development to ensure mixed tenure housing would be present throughout the development.
Through Westminster City Council’s Wholly Owned Company (WOC), the council committed to taking the lead as landlord and developer on Phase 1 of the project. The council then began the procurement process, inviting bids from design and build contractors to partner with us on the Phase 1 delivery.
June 2018 Developing the scheme
Putting resident engagement at the heart of plans, the council thoroughly explored the way forward for the future of Ebury Bridge. A long list of scenarios was developed, ranging from refurbishment through to full redevelopment and a number of hybrid options. For each scenario, the CFG, officers and residents went through a methodical assessment.
As part of the design process Ebury Bridge residents had the opportunity to be informed and engaged through each of our resident engagement channels to build a scheme that worked for them.
April 2018 The preferred scenario
Following the detailed options assessment process, Westminster City Council commenced consultation with residents on the preferred scenario which involved the full redevelopment of the estate and the creation of around 750 new high quality homes, facilities, retail units and public spaces.
Following this consultation, the council’s cabinet approved the preferred scenario and authorised officers to work up in detail the scheme and identify the best delivery route.
June 2017 Getting started
In June 2017, following challenges with a previous scheme, Westminster City Council made a commitment to Ebury Bridge residents that any new proposals put forward would be able to attract a delivery partner and could be delivered.
An industry leading design team was recruited to analyse the estate, work up proposals and explore the various options for a renewed Ebury Bridge.
On 25th October 2017, the Community Futures Group (CFG) was established with residents to work with the council on key decisions. The CFG continues to play an instrumental role in each element of the renewal process.