The mayor and central government need to agree basic parameters for estate renewal other than demolish and rebuild, according to a report from Future of London.
Other recommendations for estate renewal include raising the housing revenue account borrowing cap, allowing London exemptions to Housing Bill requirements, funding community and employment “meanwhile” programmes for long-term schemes, and reviewing social housing policy.
The recommendations were part of the Delivering Estate Renewal in London report, written in conjunction with Bilfinger GVA.
Gerry Hughes, chief executive of Bilfinger GVA, said: “The key to successful estate renewal is to ensure a multifaceted approach and to embark on the process as you would in regenerating any neighbourhood.
“We advocate taking a place-making perspective but with the added dimension of ensuring that the needs of the residents are at the forefront.”
According to Savills, there are 21,000 acres of land on London housing estates, housing 660,000 Londoners. Estate renewal is widely seen as one of the best ways to increase housing delivery.
Bilfinger GVA said leadership on estate renewal in London is in a delicate position, with mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith saying he has an “ethical obligation” to demolish and replace London council estates, while leading opponent Sadiq Khan is against the Housing Bill.
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