The London Borough of Camden has launched a £28.7 million procurement process for the initial phase of the West Kentish Town Estate regeneration, marking a significant step in a broader £565 million plan to transform the area. This two-year design-and-build contract intends to deliver 52 social-rent homes across two key sites, aiming to replace ageing 1960s housing with modern, spacious, and energy-efficient homes.

The first site, designated A1, involves the demolition of seven existing maisonette flats and an office space previously used as a consultation hub. Camden plans to build 30 new homes alongside a commercial unit fronting Queen’s Crescent on this plot. The second site, D1, located adjacent to a railway bridge, will see the construction of 22 homes, a portion of which requires a Basic Asset Protection Agreement with Network Rail, adding a layer of complexity to the project.

This regeneration is part of an ambitious estate-wide redevelopment programme covering eight phases, with the ultimate goal of delivering approximately 880 new homes, including a significant number of affordable social-rent units. The council is committed to enhancing the public realm with improved landscaping, communal amenity spaces, and children’s play areas, reflecting feedback from close collaboration with existing residents. Resident involvement has been a cornerstone of the project’s development, with a 2020 ballot showing overwhelming support—93% voted in favour of the regeneration plan.

A hybrid planning application is due to be submitted imminently, with a decision expected by December. The council plans to begin construction by 31 March 2026, adhering to Greater London Authority funding milestones, with completion slated for mid-2028.

Camden is inviting tenders from contractors with a minimum turnover of £36 million in either of their last two financial years. The procurement process includes strict criteria: bidders must provide three case studies, at least one involving work under a Basic Asset Protection Agreement with Network Rail, and two settled at final account stage. The scoring framework places weight on quality (50%), price (40%), and social value (10%), with a quality threshold of 60% to advance. Tender submissions are due by 14 July, with an award decision expected by 22 December.

This regeneration project has not been without debate. A notable controversy emerged around whether to rebuild or retrofit the existing estate. Camden Council has argued that demolition and rebuilding are necessary to provide larger, modern, and energy-efficient homes, addressing concerns such as cramped living spaces and deteriorating structural conditions. Opponents have suggested retrofitting the current buildings could offer a lower carbon footprint alternative. Despite these debates, the council has maintained its commitment to the comprehensive redevelopment masterplan.

The wider masterplan, developed by architectural firm Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) alongside a team of specialist partners, was devised in close consultation with residents. It encompasses 13 new buildings, ranging from four to 14 storeys, blending affordable and private housing with commercial units. The plan also incorporates new pedestrian routes, open spaces, and community facilities designed to foster a strong sense of place and community cohesion.

This estate regeneration forms part of Camden’s broader Community Investment Programme, which seeks to enhance housing quality and community infrastructure borough-wide. By delivering a mix of council homes and Camden Living rent units, the council aims to meet the diverse needs of current and future residents, with particular attention to supporting families.

As the procurement and planning stages advance, the West Kentish Town Estate regeneration exemplifies the challenges and opportunities in urban renewal, balancing community needs, sustainability goals, and complex stakeholder coordination to revitalise a critical part of London’s housing stock.

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Source: Noah Wire Services