Clarion sets out new future for the Sutton Estate
Clarion plans to create at least 80 new social rented homes on the Sutton Estate.
Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest affordable housing provider, has today committed to a £37m investment package to improve the entire Sutton Estate and deliver at least 80 new social rented homes to Kensington and Chelsea.
The plans, which will be developed with residents, will see the 106-year-old homes in blocks A-D (currently empty as they do not meet decency standards for accommodation) undergo a full refurbishment. All of the new homes will be for social rent and priority will be given to residents currently living on the estate.
“By delivering at least 80 new social rented homes, we are also able to play a key role in helping to address the borough’s acute shortage of genuinely affordable housing.”
Clare Miller, chief executive of Clarion Housing Group
Residents in the remaining 303 flats on the estate, blocks E-K & N-O, will benefit from new kitchens and bathrooms and other upgrades. Clarion has also committed to improving the outdoor spaces. The new scheme has no homes for private sale.
Clare Miller, chief executive of Clarion Housing Group, said:
“The Sutton Estate is an integral part of the community in Kensington and Chelsea and securing the future of social housing on the estate has always been the priority for us. "
“Our new plans will modernise the existing homes and the estate as a whole, benefitting not just today’s residents but future generations. By delivering at least 80 new social rented homes, we are also able to play a key role in helping to address the borough’s acute shortage of genuinely affordable housing.”
The plans will ‘make a huge difference’
Kensington and Chelsea’s deputy leader and lead member for Housing, Cllr Kim Taylor Smith, said:
“As a Council we have already committed to building hundreds of new homes, but there is a housing crisis in London and we can’t fix it alone."
“That’s why Clarion’s announcement is so heartening. A home on an exceptional estate which has a real sense of community will make a huge difference to many families’ lives."
“I hope Clarion’s commitment will encourage other housing associations and developers to work with us to provide more social housing in the borough.”
Clarion will work with residents to further shape the new plans, with a view to work beginning in summer 2020.