After almost 20 years of neglect and uncertainty residents at Stratford’s Carpenters Estate have voted by a landslide for change and a multi-million pound redevelopment of the area.

A resounding 73 percent of residents gave the green light for a masterplan that includes building 2000 new homes for local people, half of them at “affordable” rents.

The work is due to start in the spring with the refurbishment of James Riley Point – one of three largely-empty tower blocks on the estate.

“We are delighted by the vote,” said Victor Chamberlain, spokesperson for Populo Living which is managing the development for Newham Council. “It’s taken so long to get to this point. But by working closely with the local community in a genuine piece of co-operation we have certainty about the future at last.”

More than 66 per cent of eligible voters – including people on the estate and some who have left with a right to return – took part in the ballot which is one of London’s largest regeneration programmes.

Over the next 15 years the plan is to deliver the restoration of the estate into a vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Stratford, and work will start in the spring with plans for 136 homes and a new community centre and sports centre in James Riley Point.

“Work will start as soon as we get final planning approval,” said Chamberlain, adding that there was still much work to do, ensuring that plans get the go-ahead from the London Legacy Development Corporation, and working closely with individual residents as the plan is put in place.

Pauline Clarke, Landlady of the Carpenters Arms, the estate pub, said she was sad that “we are going to see the break-up of a whole community” as a result of the vote with dramatic changes in the coming years. Customer Kevin Leach, who lives at 70 Gibbings Road on the estate was taken aback. “ “I don’t know anyone who voted yes!” he said.

Deborah Heenan, the Chief Executive of Populo, said that the ballot and the council support which has including giving guarantees on the risk associated with the regeneration, was groundbreaking for London development.

“Every local authority could benefit from the approach taken here,” she said. Now the task will be to move on quickly with planning permission and reaching agreement with individual residents. “ We want to accelerate the process and deliver on what residents have voted for,” she said.

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz said: “After years of false promises and the failures of the past, I am over the moon that residents on the Carpenters Estate, including those who have a right to return, have decisively voted ‘yes’.

“I am excited for its future and for local residents who will benefit from over £1 billion of Council investment in high quality new homes they can afford.”

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