Shepheard Epstein Hunter and Terence O'Rourke were appointed to prepare a masterplan for the Stonebridge Estate in 1995 following an OJEC notice and a competition set up by David Rock, ex RIBA President, who paired firms of architects and planners to seek the best approach to estate regeneration and masterplanning.
The existing 1970’s five storey system-built concrete slab blocks and tower blocks in Harlesden, North West London, some rising to 21 storeys, had created a hostile environment in which to live. The plan was phased to demolish the tower blocks and re-house some 1500 families in new sustainable homes which they have helped to create. The plan has actually provided over 2000 homes with additional development on the periphery.
Using models, visits, videos, workshops and meetings we led an extensive consultation programme culminating in three options of different densities arranged as streets and public spaces connected to the surrounding neighbourhood, on which residents voted.
Over the following twenty years we have designed many of the new homes working with a range of partners and procurement forms, and are currently working on the last phases. Awards include the European and Regional Planning Award, Evening Standard New Homes Award for Best New Housing Association Development, three shortlistings for Housing Design Awards, a Civic Trust commendation for Phase II, RICS 2010 National Regeneration Award, London Region Regeneration Award and Overall Winner and finalist for the 2012 London Planning Awards ‘Five Years On’ award.
'SEH should be commended for their skill in making good urban homes and places‘ Hugo Hinsley, Architecture Today.
Alain Head on the regeneration of Stonebridge
