Colville Estate

In 2012, we developed a masterplan for Colville Estate. The plan proposed 925 new homes to replace the original homes that were no longer fit for purpose. Since designing the original Masterplan over 10 years ago, we are reviewing it to ensure it still serves its purpose.

The regeneration of the estate is one of our largest, and the redevelopment is taking place over seven phases. Below is a list of some phases that have already taken place.

Phase 1

In 2011, we completed the first phase, Bridport House. It included 41 council homes for returning residents and local residents in housing need.

Bridport House is currently closed and undergoing repair works. We will update residents on when this will be opening again.

Phase 2

We split the second phase into three, which we’ve broken down into:

Phase 2A and 2B

In 2019, we completed the first two phases, which involved Clift House and Dorchester House. This included:

• 70 council homes for returning residents and local residents in housing need
• 11 shared ownership homes for people living or working in Hackney who can’t afford to buy outright but won’t be prioritised for social housing
• 35 homes sold outright to help pay for the project in the absence of sufficient government funding

Phase 2C

We will replace the area which currently comprises of Rosemary House, Sillitoe House and 1-4 Harvey Street with:

• 93 new mixed tenure homes over two plots including:
  • 52 social rent homes for returning residents and local residents in housing need
  • 19 shared ownership homes for people living or working in Hackney who can’t afford to buy outright but won’t be prioritised for social housing
  • 22 homes sold outright to help pay for the project in the absence of sufficient government funding
• a new energy centre which will serve the whole of the new Colville Estate
• a new community centre
• a communal courtyard garden for residents New landscaped pedestrian routes with pocket parks.

We’ve also been engaging with returning residents on the internal fit-out of their new homes in Phase 2C. We expect them to move into their new homes in 2026.

Phase 3

In 2018, we completed the third phase, which included the Anthology Towers.

The plans included Mono and Duo Towers comprising 198 homes for private sale. This helped to pay for the project and a commercial space on the ground floor, which was leased back to us.

Phase 4-7

While we’ve made good progress since 2012, a lot has changed both in the borough and the construction industry. This means the masterplan needs updating to ensure it reflects the:

• needs of the community
• lessons learned from previous phases
• new building standards

Working with the Residents Steering Group, we’ve appointed a new design team to work with us and residents to update the masterplan. Design work is set to begin in 2024.

We will update residents as we move through the project and there will be lots of opportunities to get involved with engagement activities on this. 

We want regeneration to benefit as many people as possible, so as well as the new homes we’ve proposed a number of improvements to the wider area. These include:

• a new community centre
• Improvements to the public realm
• a communal courtyard garden and podium garden for residents
• new landscaped pedestrian routes with pocket parks
• commercial spaces
• Bicycle parking spaces
• food growing areas
• formal and informal playspace throughout the estate
• a new energy centre which will serve the whole of the new Colville Estate
• Electrical Vehicle charging points 
• Car sharing scheme 

We’ve also rethought the street layout to link the neighbourhood with surrounding areas and make the previously inward-looking estate feel much safer.

These plans are creating improved public spaces, better amenities for existing residents and a fair recovery from the pandemic. This includes:

• three new schools
• a state of the art new leisure centre
• providing training and employment opportunities for Hackney residents

Architects:

• Maccreanor Lavington (Masterplan Review, 2024)
• David Chipperfield (Phase 3)
• Karakusevic Carson Architects (Masterplan, Phase 1 and Phase 2)

Construction:

• Anthology Hoxton Press (Phase 3)
• Higgins Construction (Phase 2)

We’re currently working to deliver Phase 2C (93 new mixed tenure homes over two plots including a community centre and an energy centre). We demolished the existing blocks, Silitoe House, Harvey Street and Rosemary House at the end of 2023 ready for works to begin on site in 2024.

Since 2012, we’ve worked on replacing the existing buildings on the Colville Estate with new high-quality homes. This is part of the regeneration masterplan.

While we’ve made good progress since then, a lot has changed in the borough and the construction industry. This means the masterplan needs updating to ensure it reflects the needs of the community and new building standards. Working with Colville Estate residents on the Regeneration Steering Group, we’ve appointed a new design team to work with us and residents to update the masterplan. Design work began in 2024.

• New London Architecture 2019 – Housing (Hoxton Press)
• RIBA London Award 2019 (Colville Estate)
• London Planning Awards 2018 – Best Borough Led Project
• Housing Design Awards 2012 – Mayor’s Housing Design Guide Award and Community Consultation Award (Bridport House)
• Premier Guarantee Awards 2018 – Multi-Storey Development of the Year (Hoxton Press)
• TPAS Awards 2019 – Team of the Year (Higgins)
• Civic Trust Awards 2020 regional finalists (Branch Place)

There is a Colville Estate Regeneration Steering Group that meets on a monthly basis to discuss the project. A local ward Councillor chairs this group, and residents, Hackney Officers, and PPCR the ITLA attend it. The group discusses all aspects of the regeneration of Colville Estate.

We have hired Public Participation Consultation and Research (PPCR). They are an Independent Tenant and Leaseholder Advisor for the estate regeneration. They engage with residents on the Colville Estate to answer questions.

PPCR, along with us, regularly holds drop-in sessions on the Colville Estate. Residents can discuss any concerns they have about the regeneration during these sessions.

If you’re interested in joining the Regeneration Steering Group, or just want to learn more, email colville.etra@outlook.com.

If you want to get involved in the upcoming engagement activities regarding phases 4-7, contact sophia.bromfield@hackney.gov.uk.