The moment of truth on the future of the Carpenters Estate in Stratford is fast approaching. After almost two decades of delay and neglect, people on the estate get their chance to vote on plans for the multi-million regeneration of the area in October.

The Carpenters Estate is a 28-acre site next to Stratford Station and the Olympic Park, with 710 existing homes, including three tower blocks, which are largely empty.

The future of the estate has been debated for almost 20 years and over the last three years the council has developed a £700 million restoration and regeneration programme to be carried out over the next 15 years.

Council leaders in July were told that the details of what’s on offer to tenants, people in temporary accommodation and homeowners will be published and delivered to residents later in the summer with an October ballot which is expected to open for 26 days.

Those who can vote are council tenants who have lived in the area for at least a year, including people in temporary accommodation, as well as resident homeowners. People who have moved out over recent years but were given a right to return will also have a vote.

In all, council leaders were told that current data establishes 173 confirmed eligible voters and a further 335 potential voters on the estate, with a further 235 properties with a right to return status who will also be eligible to vote – a total of 743. But the final number of eligible voters will only be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The potential voters are residents aged over 16 who qualify and meet criteria set down by the Greater London Authority (GLA), which demands an estate ballot in support of the plan before it provides funding for regeneration and plans to provide up to 2,500 new homes.

The plan has incorporated residents’ feedback and includes a new clear route to Stratford Station, provision of a generous central green space surrounded by low rise housing, rising to taller buildings around Stratford station.

To date, a majority of residents support moves to regenerate the estate but a significant minority remain opposed. They include some homeowners reluctant to move, or who do not find the prospect of moving to a new home on the estate appealing. Council leaders were told that feedback from residents indicates 56 percent support for current proposals with 14 percent opposition.

The first phase, due to start next year, includes the £54 million renovation of James Riley Point, one of three tower blocks which still house a handful of families. Another tower, Dennison Point will be demolished and the third, Lund Point, will be renovated.

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