Carpenters is moving forwards, but there’s still work to be done reports Aidan White
Life is brightening up for residents of Carpenters Estate with the conclusion of an art project that brings a splash of colour and with news that work on the delayed billion-pound masterplan for regeneration will finally start.
Plans for regeneration have been discussed for more than 20 years causing immense frustration among residents, which has been regularly reported by Newham Voices. Now a compulsory purchase order on James Riley Point, one of three near empty tower blocks on the estate, has been won and work will start soon.
In the first phase there will be an upgrade of 136 affordable low-carbon council homes. There will also be development of the old Tenants Management Oganisation (TMO) building which will see a new community centre, offices and café and space for the Estate’s foodbank and community education projects.
But there’s still work to be done to finalise consultation with residents and reach agreement with the existing community foodbank on details of plans for the TMO development.
Tee Fabikun, the award-winning community champion on the estate, says that a fresh planning option has appeared which could break the deadlock on talks to secure the future of the food bank and related community work. “We are still waiting for a meeting to reach an agreement,” she said.
Nick Clough, Populo’s Project Director told Newham Voices: “I can assure her the charity is at the heart of what we are trying to do and we are consider ing all the options with her to make the project work.”
Meanwhile, a dynamic collaboration between residents and the artistic project Co-Creative Connection has resulted in a colourful 1250m art trail on the estate which was completed in June. For a year the project has provided a series of creative workshops and painting opportunities that has allowed community members to actively shape the visual identity of their community. “Our workshops at Carpenter’s Estate and the final co-designed murals showcase incredible creativity. Murals are an amazing way to bring a community together,” said Rose Hill, founder of Co-Creative Connection.
The project spans 1,250 metres with work at the primary school entrance, two 34m long murals, freshly painted planters and walls brightening in the central area of the estate. This work took place alongside ten painting workshops in May and June.
“These vibrant co-designed murals are a beautiful reflection of the creativity and contribution of the participants who brought it to life,” said Rose.
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