A dark and empty estate courtyard that was transformed into an inspiring green space where people can socialise, play or simply take time out has been shortlisted by tenant judges for the National Housing Federation’s What We Are Proud of Awards.
The courtyard, at the heart of Peabody’s historic North Row Buildings estate near Hyde Park, was previously known as “the prison courtyard” by residents.
As part of the Green Spaces for People programme, a partnership between Peabody, Riverside and Places for People funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Peabody brought residents together to develop plans to regenerate the courtyard. Works were completed in July 2010.
Today the formerly depressing courtyard is a bright, secluded place – a secret garden benefitting London’s biodiversity as well as its people. There is a planting area, a seating area and places for children to play using exciting bespoke structures that were built on site.
The project has been shortlisted by tenant judges for three out of the five What We Are Proud of Awards for the London region: ‘Best Impact on Residents’, ‘Best Contribution to the Local Community’ and ‘Best Partnership Working’.
Sue Forsyth, Peabody IMPROVE Project Manager, managed the North Row Buildings regeneration project. She said:
“This community-led project has transformed a dark, concrete-bound courtyard into a beautiful garden at the centre of the community. It shows the profound difference good quality green spaces can make to the well-being of our towns and cities. We’re thrilled that it has been recognised.”
Gordon Dickson, Green Spaces for People Portfolio Manager, said:
"Peabody's North Row Buildings project is a stellar example of the innovative work Green Spaces for People partners are carrying out across England, transforming neighbourhoods and enhancing the lives of local people.”
Kate Dodsworth, Assistant Director – Regions at the National Housing Federation, said:
“We’re delighted that the independent panel of tenant judges has chosen Peabody to be on the shortlist. We’ve had many entries for this prestigious award, which is recognised throughout the housing sector, and the standard this year was higher than ever. It was wonderful to see the transformation that Peabody brought to this estate and it’s a great example of what housing associations deliver above and beyond providing homes. I wish Peabody good luck in these awards.”
Winners of the awards will be announced at a presentation held by the National Housing Federation on Monday 27 June 2011.
A Youtube video on North Row Buildings’ transformation can be viewed here and a flickr slideshow can be viewed here.
