Alma Estate regeneration project was a significant resident led codesign project in Enfield, which sought to explore both redevelopment and refurbishment options through a five-stage consultation process. The estate involved over 700 properties including 90% council housing, leaseholders, businesses, and a community facility. The negative perception of the council by the local residents was a key barrier to overcome, partnering with the local resident association during the early stages resulted in an overwhelming 1st stage ballot result of 80% of residents in support of redevelopment and empowering them to decide the future of their estate.
The approach
The innovative engagement methods and interventions to integrate social value opportunities into the project, instilled trust in the community to be part of the design and decision-making process. Due to the sensitivities of the redevelopment, targeted consultation with particular protected characteristics was crucial in mitigating barriers to participation and assessing impact.
The outcome
Collaboration and partnership strengthened as a result of the engagement approach and codesign: creation of a strategic partnership board with directly affected communities and stakeholders, a co-designed engagement plan and aspirations charter, a resident led developer procurement panel, an on-site hub for community engagement and capacity building, a community fund designated for social value activities, codesigned engagement projects, a phasing plan that catered to residents needs including relocation packages and minimising decant with an option to stay on the estate and delivery of community cohesion events. The outcome developed by the local community, was a complete £150 million redevelopment of the estate to deliver 1,000 new homes, retail, health, leisure and community facilities.
