regeneration

Rayners Lane, Harrow, London

With over 600 homes, the Rayners Lane estate is the largest affordable housing estate in the London Borough of Harrow. Built during the 1960s, the estate had become increasingly run down over time, but council funding was not avaliable for the necessary improvements.

In 2001, Harrow Council looked for a housing association to carry out a stock transfer for the estate. After an in-depth bidding process, Home were chosen as Harrow's perferred partner in May 2001. From this time Home carried out intensive, detailed consultation with residents, the council and other stakeholders to ensure that the best possible proposals were developed. Door to door visits, exhibitions, drop-ins and regular newsletters ensured that all residents were fully involved with influencing the proposals, prior to the ballot transfer being held in March 2002. A resounding 76% of tenants voted to transfer to Home with all the regeneration plans that this involved.

Originally the phased redevelopment works includes demolition of 500 properties and the construction of 750 new houses and flats, of which 285 homes are being developed by Home for outright sale. The project also included a new build community centre providing a large flexible multi-purpose hall that can be used for sports, leisure, cultural and community activities.

The rejunation of Rayner Lanes has now developed further and Home, in partnership with Harrow Council, are on track to provide nearly 800 new homes by 2014. A vibrant new community is emerging with properties available for rent, private sale and through Home's shared equity scheme. The extra homes, plus the choice of tenures, new surroundings and access to local amenities means more local people are attracted to living at Rayners Lane.

Since the outset of this scheme, calfordseaden have acted as cost consultants, employer’s agent and CDM co-ordinator. The entire scheme includes the phased demolition of 500 existing properties and the construction of 750 new houses and flats of which 285 homes are for outright sale. The scheme also includes a new community centre of just over 1,000m², which includes a large flexible multi-purpose hall that can be used for a variety of sports, leisure, cultural and community activities.  A recreational space for teenagers is also being provided as part of the estate’s regeneration.

Client: Home Group

Contract Period: Commenced in 2002 - Ongoing, phased redevelopment

Value: £80 million

Services: Cost consultant, employer’s agent, clerk of works and CDM coordinator