Housing at centre of plan to regenerate one of London's most deprived areas

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Plans to regenerate one of London's most deprived areas and provide 300 new homes have been unveiled by Westminster City Council.

According to the council, Westbourne Green in north Westminster has one of highest unemployment rates in London, with over 50% of children from unemployed families living in households reliant on out-of-work benefits.

Under a new £70m investment programme, the regeneration will seek to drastically improve housing for families and other residents in the area, boost education and business opportunities and bring more jobs to the area by 2017.

The programme will deliver a mix of social, intermediate and market homes. Proposals for the area also include the addition of a new community centre and nursery facility, as well as public realm improvements to Westbourne Green Park and the Harrow Road area.

Cllr Jonathan Glanz, Westminster Council's cabinet member for housing and corporate property, said: “The regeneration of Westbourne Green is not just about housing but everything from providing more jobs and education opportunities for local people to boosting business in the area.

“Over the past year, the feedback that we have received from residents has formed the basis of these new proposals.

“With the help of local residents, we can make the community a better place to live for generations to come.”

The scheme follows a year of continuing consultation with local residents and the next stage of the programme will be subject to securing approval from the council’s cabinet.