Church Street Newsletter January 2025

10/01/2025

Full Speed Ahead for 2025!

2025 promises to be a big year in the Church Street regeneration scheme. The empty homes and shops in Site A will be demolished and together with our Joint Venture partner, Mount Anvil, the construction on the new homes will start.

We will be holding two ‘2025 update exhibitions’ later this month to keep you updated. Please see the ‘Dates for your diary’ section for the details.

In the meantime, we will continue to update you on the progress through our monthly newsletters and demolition newsletters to those residents directly living next to the site. You can also sign up for our Site A demolition update emails at bit.ly/Site-A-demolition or scan the QR code.

Demolition Update for January

Demolition of Lambourne house will continue until 30 January.
Hoarding installation started on Penfold Street during the week beginning on the 6 January and will continue across that week.
Removal of internal fixtures and fittings from Pool House will start during the week beginning 13 January.

Dates for your Diary

Site A update exhibition on 23 January from 4pm to 7pm at The Regeneration Space, 56 Church Street.

Church Street Market on 30 January, 11am to 2pm.

Design Development of Site A Continues

As we get nearer to the construction of the new homes in Site A we will soon be submitting a planning application to make amendments to the current plans. This application proposes more council homes for social rent, more usable space in the new Church Street library and sustainability enhancements.

Affordable housing improvements:

Converting 11 intermediate rent homes into larger council homes for social rent family homes, adding more family-sized homes to the scheme.
Removing some stairs and lifts allows one-bedroom flats to be converted into two-bedroom council homes for social rent. This will reduce maintenance costs, improve the overall sustainability of the homes, and add more retail space along Church Street.

Library enhancements:

Changes to the design will make the library more accessible by reducing the level change from the library into the garden from 0.75m to 0.3m and reducing the ramp length from 15.4m to 4.5m. This will also increase the amount of usable space.
Changes to kitchens in council homes for social rent:
Sixteen homes will have separate kitchens instead of open-plan layouts, which addressed feedback we were given on cultural needs from kitchen spaces.

Sustainability and maintenance:

Changes to the landscaping, which simplifies the maintenance, will reduce service charge costs and reduce embodied carbon, improving the sustainability of the new neighbourhood.
Simplifying balcony metalwork to improve durability, appearance, and sustainability while reducing cleaning demands.

Building materials and courtyard updates:

Changing terrace walls to a rainscreen system simplifies construction, improves quality, and boosts sustainability.
Removing the screens on balconies will improve daylight and views from homes, reduce service charge costs and improve sustainability.
Courtyard redesigns will increase usable space, better integrate play areas and expand planting for more greenery.

FIND OUT MORE

You can find out more about these changes at our two exhibitions in January – the details are below:

Site A update exhibition on 23 January from 4pm to 7pm at The Regeneration Space, 56 Church Street

Church Street Market on 30 January, 11am to 2pm

Coffee Mornings Come to The Regeneration Space

Starting Wednesday 22 January, we will begin a regular coffee morning at the Regeneration Space (56 Church Street, London NW8 8ET) from 11am to 12pm every second and fourth Wednesday. This will replace our library drop ins.

If you require independent advice on Church Street Regeneration, please pop into a PPCR drop-in session on Thursday 23 January 2025 from 3-6pm at 35/37 Church Street, or drop-into the Zoom session (us02web.zoom.us/j/2963610806) on Thursday 16 January 2025 from 5-7pm.

You can contact PPCR on 0207 407 7452 or e-mail info@ppcr.org.uk

The Results Are In…

Name the Muncher Competition – Winner Announced!

We are excited to announce the winner of our “Name the Muncher” competition! Students from King Solomon Academy, Christ Church Bentick, and Gateway Academy submitted creative and fun ideas.

The overall winner is Angry Alex, submitted by Laith from King Solomon Academy. In the 4-7 age category, Filippo’s Crunch-o-saurus and Jack’s Douglas shared the first prize.

Congratulations to all participants! As a special reward, our eight finalists will be invited to a site visit to see Angry Alex in action.

Thank you to everyone who took part and stay tuned for more exciting competitions!

Keltbray Delivery to Portman Early Childhood Centre

Keltbray, our Site A demolition contractor made a generous donation of building materials to the Portman Early Childhood Centre.

The materials will be used by the children to build their own creations and two little helpers dropped by to make the collection.

Fruits R Us

A fun drama, arts and crafts and film project for the 50+. Come and explore your inner apple, berry or banana!!

No experience needed and join when it works for you. Dates & Times:

Fridays, 1.30pm to 4.30pm from now until to 28 February 2025 at Penfold Community Hub, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ

Call 07984 451796 or email andre@dendecollective.org for more information.

Empower Your Future

Do you live, work, study or volunteer in Westminster’s communities? Are you looking to enhance your skills, boost your qualifications, and support healthier, more active lives? Westminster City Council’s Active Westminster Skills & Training programme offers a bursary scheme to help you achieve your goals. Funding of up to£2,500 is available to contribute toward certified, accredited courses that develop your skills in sport, physical activity, leadership, health and wellbeing.

Who can apply?

Those who study in Westminster as well as those who live, work or volunteer in the City of Westminster who are 16+.Individuals earning under £21,000 per year or currently unemployed. Those committed to supporting Westminster’s communities.

What does it cover?

The bursary funds up to 80% of course fees (with the applicant expected to cover the remaining 20% of costs) including:

Sports coaching qualifications
Health and fitness certifications
Mental health and wellbeing training
Leadership and development courses in Sport & Physical Activity

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. *Only one application per year per applicant. Don’t miss this opportunity! Take the next step in your journey and make a difference in Westminster! If you have any questions, feel free to email us at active@westminster.gov.uk

Apply Now

Bursary Scheme