Wandsworth Council Greenlights Initial Phase of Alton Estate Redevelopment
Wandsworth Council has officially approved the first phase of the long-awaited regeneration of the Alton Estate in Roehampton, South London. This initial stage will see the construction of 55 new council homes, a community hub with a library, and a GP surgery, marking a significant step forward after years of stagnation.
Details of the Approved Development Plans
The approved scheme includes a nine-storey residential block that will provide 55 council homes at the estate's entrance. Additionally, a four-storey community hub will be built, featuring a library, IT and study spaces, meeting rooms, council offices, a youth club, and a community hall. A new GP surgery will replace The Alton Practice, which will be demolished alongside an empty block of flats once the hub is completed.
This phase is being fast-tracked to allow construction to begin without waiting for the entire masterplan to gain approval, addressing residents' frustrations over the prolonged delays. The planning committee gave the go-ahead on March 12, with Labour councillor Sara Apps hailing it as a "pivotal moment" for the estate.
Historical Context and Previous Setbacks
The regeneration of the 1950s Alton Estate was formally agreed upon in 2012 under the previous Conservative administration, but no construction had commenced until now. In 2019, the council submitted a planning application to demolish 288 homes and build 1,108 new ones, with only 24% designated as affordable housing. This plan was approved in January 2022 but was scrapped when Labour took control of the council in May 2022, citing insufficient affordable housing.
The council then revised the masterplan to prioritize affordable housing, aiming for 57% of up to 650 new homes to be affordable, compared to the previous 24%. This new approach received strong support, with 82% of over 1,400 residents backing it in a ballot held last September and October.
Future Steps and Community Impact
Wandsworth Council is now finalizing the overall masterplan, which includes demolishing 177 homes and enhancing community facilities. The regeneration is expected to be carried out in phases over approximately ten years. Early improvements have already been implemented, such as opening a new family hub, installing outdoor murals, expanding the community minibus service, and resurfacing roads and pavements.
Councillor Apps emphasized the project's potential, stating, "What really struck me was reading the comments from children's services and from adult services and other agencies, who could see the possibilities that this was going to open up to all the communities." She added that this phase represents a "first step in a much broader reform" that could positively transform the area.
The overall £100 million regeneration aims to deliver better housing and facilities, with the council committed to addressing the long-standing needs of Alton Estate residents after more than a decade of planning and delays.
