Looking back, looking forward

INSIGHT: Sally Lewis

In 2010 I started working on the regeneration of the South Acton Estate. Most residents wanted to leave the estate and had no faith that our vision for the new Acton Gardens neighbourhood could turn things around. Now, in 2020, most residents want to stay. What can we hope for in 2030?

There is a particular richness about the transition from ‘estate’ to ‘place’. New blocks and parks nestle into the space, rubbing shoulders with existing buildings waiting for demolition. Meanwhile street art that adorned the estate buildings in their temporary condition is slowly being replaced with more curated community art, notably the ‘South Acton Tree of Life’ mural which takes pride of place at the gateway to the neighbourhood in Stitch’s Phase 3.1 scheme.

We have been fortunate to design 3 major phases of the regeneration project so far with our schemes carving out new streets, framing new parks and standing back for a wealth of existing mature trees. With 415 homes completed and 336 more under construction, it is great to have played such a big part in the neighbourhood’s evolution.

Without the year of Covid I may not have taken time to pause and reflect on the future of this place. It could very well follow the path set by the excellent masterplan and successfully deliver on its vision with the broad support of the community. But now, it could also take a different turn to acknowledge this vital moment in our history and evolve more ambitiously.

I hope that this recognised exemplar project could set a new standard for 2021+ lifestyles. Along with inevitable net zero carbon development and fewer cars, mostly electric, could we also see extra breathing space designed into every part of the Acton Gardens neighbourhood by 2030?

The regeneration of the South Acton estate is a legacy project for me personally – my daughter was 6 months old when I first set foot on the estate. She is now in her interesting tween years and will hopefully be blossoming into an accomplished A level student when the project ‘completes’. Just as I cannot possibly ordain what this future young woman should be, I suggest that South Acton and all the other large regeneration projects across London should be given some rope to evolve into what they need to be as our times change.

A masterplan or design code provides basic guidelines and often doesn’t have enough scope for innovation within its parameters. As any parent knows, listening and being flexible over time are the key to harmony in the home. What role then for the design codes of the new planning regime? How can we build in a joined up design approach that embraces the potential for evolution, change and blossoming? And who will be the ever-steadfast ‘parents’ of these plans making sure it all stays joined up while we strive to give these places every opportunity to thrive?