1. home and garden

HERE
NOW
REGENERATION UPDATE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS
OCTOBER 2014
Regeneration Update
Community Zone
Spotlight
www.yourhereandnow.co.uk
020 8964 6404
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Regeneration Update
Next moves into
new development
Welcome to the October edition of Here & Now.
We have been really busy since our August edition, helping
residents to move into their new homes in the second block
to be built in the new development. See page 2 for an update
on the moves.
Check out our Spotlight interview on pages 7 to 8 with the
Franco family who recently moved into the new development.
The temporary park is now open and our design team has been
working up detailed plans for Phase 2 so that the contractor
will know precisely what we want them to build. See page 2
for more information.
NewmanFrancis, your Independent Tenants’ Advisor, has been
awarded the contract to provide the ITA service for a further
three years. Turn to page 3 for more information and an update
from NewmanFrancis.
In our community zone, we bring you news on an exciting art
project to improve the ramp and stairs at Paul House and
information on how you can get involved. If you are looking for
fun and affordable fitness classes led by expert instructors on
your doorstep turn to page 10.
We hope you enjoy this issue of Here & Now. If you have any
questions, comments, or want to know more information
about the regeneration, please get in touch with the
Wornington Green Team.
Best wishes
From the team at Catalyst and our partners
Contents
1. Welcome
2. Regeneration Update
7.Spotlight
9. Community Zone
10.Lifestyle Zone
11. Future Events
At the beginning of October the first residents moved into the
second block to be built in the new development. They are
households from the existing Wornington Green Estate and
many, moved into the apartments which have an entrance
on Wornington Road, will be staying close to their existing
neighbours. Some people told us that was important to them
and wherever possible we try to meet people’s preferences as
well as their housing needs.
Although some people moved a few days later than expected,
the new homes are looking fantastic and many people have told
us that they are really excited about moving. You can read about
one family’s experience, the Francos, in the Spotlight interview
on pages 7 and 8.
We anticipate that the next moves into Block 1 will be early in
the New Year. Do make sure you take a walk down to the new
Bonchurch Road if you haven’t been there for a while, it’s really
starting to shape up nicely as a new London street.
If you are a tenant living on the existing estate and would like
more information about when you are likely to be re-housed,
please contact the Wornington Green Team.
Temporary Park
The temporary park is now open. The section with the playground
is closed at night to reduce the potential of disturbance for those
living close to the park. Locking of the park varies throughout the
year but is normally around dusk. One section is still fenced off;
this is to let the cement dry underneath the surface that allows
emergency vehicles to drive onto the grass.
Preparing for Phase 2
Construction of Phase 1 is still underway but we are already
looking ahead to future phases of the redevelopment.
Phase 2 was granted detailed planning permission in July 2014.
Since then our design team has been working up detailed plans
so that the contractor will know precisely what we want them
to build. When the designs have been developed we will present
them to the Residents’ Steering Group so that its input can be
taken on board. This is likely to be early in 2015.
Meet Ardmore’s
Resident Liaison
Officer, Maria Cunnea
If you haven’t already met Maria, then we would like to introduce
you! Maria has been working on Wornington Green for the last
year. She has lots of experience having worked in this field for
eight years on similar projects as a Resident Liaison Officer.
Maria is the first point of contact for people in the local
community who want to know more about the construction
activities, give feedback or make a complaint.
Maria is based on the construction site. If you would like to
speak to her, you can pop into the Residents’ Choice Suite
between 8.30am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. You can also
view the choice of kitchens and other finishes in the new homes
for rent. Alternatively, you can call 0774 786 2022 to make an
appointment or to discuss any issues regarding the construction.
The park is managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington
& Chelsea. If you have any queries about the park contact
RBKC on: 020 7361 3003.
Maria Cunnea.
Temporary Park.
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HERE&NOW
Regeneration Update
NewmanFrancis
awarded contract for
a further three years
As some residents know, Catalyst has recently been through a
tendering process to appoint an Independent Tenants’ Advisor
(ITA) for Wornington Green. Catalyst has funded the ITA service
on the estate since 2009.
The role of the ITA is to provide independent advice to and
representation for residents and the wider community
throughout the regeneration.
NewmanFrancis, the current ITA was awarded the contract and
will continue to provide the ITA service. We would like to thank
the Residents’ Steering Group Committee members who were
involved in the tendering process.
To find out more about the ITA service contact Patricia Poorman
on 0300 456 2099 or email [email protected].
NewmanFrancis:
Taking the Independent
Tenants’ Advice service
to the next level!
We’re really happy that we will be continuing to deliver the
Independent Tenants’ Advice Service on Wornington Green and
have the opportunity to work with you all for another three years.
Over the next few months we’ll be stepping up all the work
we do with a greater focus on our advocacy service and
one-to-one support for residents. We are already carrying
out lots of outreach, at least two sessions every month and
intend to supplement this by spending more time on
Wornington Green meeting as many residents as we can.
It’s time to meet the other members!
Christine Dingle has lived on Wornington Green
for a “long time”. “It’s important for residents to find out what’s
going on. I also care about the community beyond the focus
on bricks and mortar and brand new shiny buildings. We need
to think about the kind of community we’ll have when the
regeneration is over”.
Julie Kamara has lived in the area for 35 years
and used to live on Munro Mews, the first properties to be
demolished. “I love the area; it’s one of the best. It’s good to
be involved with the community and I enjoy the meetings.
I want to make sure that we keep a really good neighbourhood
feeling on Wornington Green as this is what we’ve always had.”
Barbette Mamengi was born in Kinshasa, capital
of the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has four children, has
two jobs, is a qualified Health Trainer and somehow still finds
time to volunteer and attend meetings. “It’s very important that
I support my community. It’s a very close neighbourhood and I
want it to remain like that. The regeneration will mean a better
quality of life for everyone and a brighter future for many young
people growing up here. We have lots of older residents too and
I want to make sure they are well supported too.”
The next Public Residents’
Steering Group Meeting is
scheduled to take place on
Tuesday 27 November
6pm–8pm at the Venture Centre
Theme for the November meeting:
“The Independent Tenants’ Advice Service – Taking it to
the next level”. Fiona Hawthorne, an established artist who
has been commissioned by Catalyst to create the artwork
for the ramp and stairs at Paul House will be presenting the
proposal for the project. The meeting is open to all residents
living on Wornington Green. Tell your friends and neighbours.
We always have nice cakes and sandwiches too!”
For more information about the ITA and the RSG contact
Howard Mendick: [email protected] or Mekor
Newman [email protected]; alternatively you can
contact us on 020 8536 1436/ Freephone: 0800 644 6040.
Like us on Facebook! Wornington Green Resident Steering
Group – RSG and follow us on Twitter! @worningtongreen.
Maria Gulston has lived on Wornington Green for
over 22 years and is also very involved with the Wornington
Green Community Group. “I first got involved because I was
asked to! But helping other residents comes naturally to me.
I’ve moved into one of the new properties on Bonchurch Road
and so far it’s going well”.
Shaip Bajgora was born in Kosovo and has lived in
4
As the move dates approaches for tenants moving into Block 3,
some people might be feeling a bit anxious, but we would like to
reassure you that there is no need to be. Bernice, our Community
Outreach Worker, will be on hand to offer support before, during
and after the move. We are aware that moving home can be
daunting and can have a huge impact on someone who has been
living in their home for many years; we will do our best to ensure
that your move goes as smoothly as possible.
The delicious cakes, biscuits, tea and coffee, just to name a
few went down a treat at a special Coffee Afternoon held on
Wednesday 17 September to raise money for Macmillan Cancer
Research. We would like to say a big thank you to Chinyere from
Mears who helped to organise the event. Don’t forget the Coffee
Afternoon takes place every Wednesday 2.30pm – 4pm, in the
Residents’ Room.
Bernice can be contacted on either 020 8969 9105
or 07785 345 740 between Tuesday to Thursday.
We’ll be continuing our work with the Residents’ Steering Group
(RSG), setting the group up on a more formal basis and helping
to create a stronger voice for residents. Get in touch with us if
you’d like to find out more about the RSG.
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Older People’s
Outreach Project
Over the next month Bernice will be visiting residents living in
Breakwell Court and Katherine House to introduce herself and
tell you more about additional support that’s available to all
elderly residents on Wornington Green. Look out for a letter from
Bernice to inform you when she will be visiting. In the meantime,
if you have a problem that you need help with, don’t wait for
Bernice to visit, please get in touch to arrange an appointment
for a home visit.
Pepler House for 14 years. “It’s important to be involved and
know what’s going on in the local area. It’s also good that so
many local people give up their time to help create a good
future for the community.”
We know that most of you lead very busy lives and can’t always
find time to attend the evening residents’ meetings. With this in
mind we want to provide residents with additional opportunities
to get involved. In our recent survey many of you asked us to
organise more day time meetings and this is something we’ll
be doing in future as well as a regular advice surgery and home
visits. There will be other innovations as well. More about this in
our next update in Here & Now!
In the last edition of Here & Now we profiled the following
RSG members, Rejhan Meshekrani (Chair), Karina Skinner
(Vice Chair), Rob Merlini (Secretary), Ali Kassim Mukhayer
(Treasurer), Danella McGillivray and Keith Stirling.
Bernice.
INDEPENDENT TENANT ADVICE SERVICE OUTREACH TIMETABLE
From left: Maria Gulston, Barbette Mamengi, Julie Kamara
& Lesley Dillon.
Thursday 23 October
2pm – 5.30pm
Door knocking, Katherine House
Thursday 20 October
2pm – 5.30pm
Door knocking, Watts House
Thursday 20 October
2pm – 5.30pm
Door knocking, Chiltern House
HERE&NOW
Regeneration Update
Frequently Asked Questions
About the new development
Will there be a new home
for the community garden?
We know that residents really value the
community kitchen garden on Wornington
Green Estate, it’s a great place for people to
come together to grow fruit and vegetables
and catch up with their neighbours.
Residents from the estate and from the new
development have plots in the community
kitchen garden.
Catalyst has spoken to the Royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) about
the community kitchen garden. They’ve told
us that they would be happy to consider
incorporating provision for a community
kitchen garden in the new permanent park.
The community garden won’t get a permanent
home until all of the space for the new park
is available, which isn’t until Phase 3 of the
redevelopment. Catalyst needs to build on
the space that the existing community garden
occupies in Phase 2, so there is likely to be
a period of time when we can’t guarantee a
community garden in the local area. We have
looked for other suitable sites on the existing
estate, but we haven’t found anywhere suitable,
as it needs a location which gets plenty of
direct sunlight.
RBKC will be consulting the local community
about their plans for the new permanent park.
We would encourage residents to get involved
and have a say.
When will the new park
open and will there be
space to exercise dogs?
The new temporary park is now open to
the public (see article on page 2). There is
no designated space to exercise dogs,
but responsible dog owners are welcome in
the park. The gated park at the top end of
Portobello Road has an enclosed play area
within it, to allow children to play safely.
Dogs are not allowed in this area.
Will I have the same
neighbours when I move?
Not necessarily, but we know how important
friends and neighbours can be to people and
what a close knit community there is on the
existing Wornington Green Estate.
If you would like to be re-housed close to an
existing neighbour or family member please
let us know and we will try to move you close
to each other if we can. We have been able to
do this for a number of people already and they
are very happy in their new homes.
If you are scheduled to move at the same time
as your neighbours, it is likely to be something
that we can consider, as long as we have the
right sized homes close to each other in the new
development. If you or your neighbour(s) have
specific housing needs (for example need to be
on a lower floor due to mobility issues) or other
re-housing preferences it may not be possible.
Equally, if there is someone that you really would
rather not have as a neighbour when you move,
you can let us know in confidence and we can
see if we can take this into account when we
make you a re-housing offer.
If you would like to discuss your re-housing
options please contact a member of the
Wornington Green Team.
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Why is one end of
Pepler House being
knocked down first?
The redevelopment programme has been
carefully planned. We’ve looked at which
blocks need to be demolished in which order
to enable us to build the new homes on a
phase by phase basis. Our programme takes
into account the masterplan for the new
development (which sets out the new street
pattern and the location and type of buildings)
and where our existing tenants are living on
Wornington Green Estate.
The re-housing process is a really important
part of the redevelopment programme. We
need to be able to re-house our tenants living
on the Wornington Green Estate before we
can demolish their existing homes. Where
possible we will offer tenants a single move
into their new home and our redevelopment
plans have been developed to take this into
account as far as possible based on the
housing needs information currently
available to us.
The redevelopment of the estate is in three
phases. Flats 73 – 96 Pepler House are in
Phase 2 of the redevelopment. It has been
planned this way because a partial demolition
of Pepler House and the demolition of Edward
Kennedy House and the two remaining houses
on Wornington Road will enable the first
block in Phase 2 to be built. The rest of Pepler
House will be demolished in Phase 3 of
the redevelopment.
How will the new road
layout work? Will it bring
back the old street plan?
One of the key ingredients of the
redevelopment of the estate is to put
back as much of the original street
pattern as possible. The street layout has
been approved by the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and this
approach will not only link the new buildings
to the existing streets but will also provide
new on-street parking for residents of the
Borough and visitors to the area. Once
completed, the redevelopment will also
re-connect the top of Portobello Road with
Ladbroke Grove.
After each phase is complete, the Council
will take legal responsibility for the new
streets, including the pavements and
will be responsible for maintenance,
signage, lighting and enforcing any parking
restrictions. The new streets allow for two
way traffic with permit parking at the side
of the roads.
There are already problems with speeding traffic
along Munro Mews. What can be done about this?
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) acts as the highway authority for most
of the roads in the borough, including Munro Mews. This means that RBKC is responsible for
maintenance of Munro Mews.
If you have concerns or suggestions about the traffic on Munro Mews you can contact RBKC
by email [email protected] or by calling them on 020 7361 3000.
HERE&NOW
Spotlight
SPOTLIGHT ON
THE
FRANCO FAMILY
It was just over a year ago that the Franco family were
told they would be moving from their two-bedroom flat in
Edward Kennedy House into a three-bedroom apartment,
part of the second wave of residents to be given new homes
as part of the regeneration of Wornington Green. After 29
years in the same flat, October 8th would be the day that
Jairo and Rubiela Franco, together with their children
Jonathan and Tatiana, moved over the road to a top-floor
apartment, the four of them living for the first time in a
home with enough bedrooms for all of them.
“When we were told about the move, I asked them if we
could have the penthouse at the top of the building,” says
Tatiana, “and that’s exactly what we’ve got!” For Tatiana,
who had lived all her life at the old flat, the move to the new
apartment is hugely exciting, but at the same time she has
some mixed emotions. “The new place is fantastic, but it’s
a little difficult to leave somewhere that’s been home for
so long. So I’m a tiny bit sad about moving, but mainly just
excited and happy about it.”
Her brother Jonathan, an aspiring film-maker, has similar
feelings about the move. The family moved to Wornington
Green and into Edward Kennedy House when he was just six
months old, and the new apartment will be the first time he
has lived somewhere with outdoor space. A balcony extends
around three sides of their new home, giving fantastic views
across Notting Hill and into central London.
For their mother Rubiela and father Jairo, the new
apartment is the latest step in a journey that saw them both
move from Columbia 40 years ago to London, where they met
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8
and married before settling down in Wornington Green. For
them, having choices such as the colour of the curtains and
kitchen units was important, the little things that help the
new place feel like home. Catalyst has guided them through
this process, and a mixture of one-to-one conversations
and public meetings means they have been kept in the loop
throughout.
On the day Here & Now meets the Franco family, they are
having their second look at the new apartment, a couple
of weeks after they first visited it and ten days before
move-in day. It has already changed a bit since they
saw it last, with finishing touches such as the floors
and paintwork making it feel much more homely; in fact,
all that seems to be missing to make it a home are the
furnishings and kitchen appliances.
The family are the first of their friends and neighbours
to move into Block 3, and as such they’re expecting lots
of visitors eager to see what can be expected when it’s
their turn to move. But perhaps the visitor they have
been happiest with was Jairo’s sister, who was over
from Columbia at the time of their first visit to the new
apartment. “It was so great she was able to see the new
apartment,” says Rubiela, “and with so much more space
than we currently have, it’s so much easier next time she
wants to come and visit.”
For the Franco family, the new apartment represents a new
chapter in their life, a chapter that they’re embracing with
enthusiasm. And after one look at their new apartment and
the views from its balcony, it’s easy to see why.
HERE&NOW
Community Zone
Lifestyle Zone
Community Art
Project Approved!
Catalyst Housing is delighted to announce that we have secured
over £20k funding from the Royal Borough of Kensington &
Chelsea Housing and Regeneration Fund and Catalyst Gateway
to work with a local artist to create a unique and vibrant piece
of art that will transform the wall ramp and stairs area of Paul
House into a colourful focal point that will brighten up the area.
The access ramp and the entrance to Wornington Green from
Ladbroke Grove was identified by residents who took part in
an estate walkabout and local organisations as being a
particular eyesore.
We have commissioned an established local artist, Fiona
Hawthorne, to create the artwork for the ramp. Fiona has lived
and worked in this area for 30 years. Featured in Thames and
Hudson’s book “Design After Dark”, Fiona has a long history of
involvement in street art, art in schools and Carnival.
Fiona states, “this is a very exciting project as it is a rare
opportunity to turn a functional concrete ramp into a piece of
sculptural art. I want to wrap every surface – top and sides –
into bright, colourful imagery that draws you in and tells a story,
or many stories. Moreover, I want to make the piece something
that residents of the immediate area have contributed to and
that reflects their heritage, their stories”.
I actually paint on computer using a digital brush and palette,
so can achieve a mix of photos and paint and can print the art
on waterproof vinyl that can be applied directly to walls, around
banisters and fittings, bringing the structure to life. I look forward
to working with the residents to make this a joint collaborative
project that involves drawings, photographs and snapshots of
the history of this unique part of London.”
Over the coming months Fiona will be running a series of
workshops with residents, a local school and the Venture Centre
to create the artwork to be erected on the concrete ramp. The
content of the artwork will be busy and electric and will involve
a mix of painting and photographs about the local area, North
Kensington and Notting Hill and will reflect its rich mix of
diversity of architecture, culture and people.
Fiona will be doing a presentation at the Residents’ Public
Meeting on Thursday 27 November, 6pm, at the Venture Centre.
Pop in and find out more about this exciting project and how you
can get involved. Contact Patricia Poorman on 0300 456 2099 or
email [email protected] for more information.
The images below show various mock-ups of how colourful
artwork could enhance the area. The content used is just to
show colour – artwork for the ramp will be newly generated.
Wornington Green
Gets Greener
Avocado and
Papaya Salad
Wornington Green’s Community Kitchen Garden has been
awarded a level three in the London in Bloom and Royal
Horticultural Society’s ‘It’s your Neighbourhood’ awards.
In a tropical climate avocados grow all around the world.
This fruit has a distinct, but subtle flavour and creamy
texture. Like a banana its flesh turns brown quickly when
exposed to air. Although high in fat and calories, most of
the fat comes from the healthy mono-unsaturated fat
that can help to lower cholesterol level. They are also a
good source of vitamins C and K, so can make a nutritious
addition to your diet. However if you are watching your
weight you might want to keep the portions small.
It’s the second time the garden has received this recognition,
and it’s all thanks to the hard work and dedication of our
residents. As well as getting the chance to grow their own
fruit, vegetables and herbs, residents look after the garden
with support from Catalyst and the Royal Borough of
Kensington & Chelsea. The garden includes a communal herb
garden and has 20 plots, 16 of which have been allocated to green
fingered residents. We also provide regular workshops and host
events at the garden to encourage more people to take part.
If you live on Wornington Green and are keen to get involved in
the Community Kitchen Garden, there are currently a few plots
available. Plots are allocated on a first come first served basis.
To find out more on how you can get involved contact Patricia
Poorman on 0300 456 2099 or email [email protected].
Get Active for less at
the Venture Centre!
For fun, affordable fitness classes led by expert instructors on
your doorstep look no further than the Venture Centre. There is
no need to book and everyone is welcome, just turn up with some
comfy footwear and a smile.
Monday
Zumba 7pm – 8pm
£4
Wednesday
Yoga 10am – 11am
African Dance 12.30pm – 13.30pm
£2
Pilates 4pm – 5pm
£2
Friday
Zumba 7.30pm – 8.30pm
£2
£4
Ingredients
4 avocados
4 papayas (peeled, halved and seeded)
2 limes (zested and juiced)
2 baby gem lettuces
1 small red onion (finely diced)
2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 clove of garlic (minced)
¼ teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup olive oil
Method
1. Slice the avocado lengthwise into ½ inch slices. Slice
the papaya width-wise into ½ slices, drizzle with the
juice of one lime immediately.
2. Arrange slices overlapping and alternating on a bed
of baby gem lettuce, then add the cherry tomatoes
and onions.
3. In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients, mix
well, spoon over the salad serve immediately.
Serves 4. Preparation time: 15 minutes.
For more inspiring recipes join the British
Heart Foundation free Heart Matters Service.
Visit bhf.org.uk/heartmatters or call 0300 330 3300.
Lines are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. *Similar
cost to 01 or 02 numbers© British Heart Foundation
2014. Registered charity in England and Wales (225971)
and in Scotland (SC039426).
For more information and to find out what else the Centre has to
offer just pop in or call 020 8960 3234.
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HERE&NOW
FUTURE EVENTS
COFFEE AFTERNOON
MEET & GREET LUNCHEON
Every Wednesday
Tuesday 28 October
2pm – 4.30pm
Residents’ Room, 8c Chiltern House
11.30am – 2pm
Residents’ Room
The regeneration team are working on a wide
range of events and activities through 2014,
with the following scheduled to take place
in October/November.
Contact Wornington Green
Community Group for more
information – 07534 658 440
KENSINGTON
RESIDENTS’ FORUM
RESIDENTS’ STEERING
GROUP PUBLIC MEETING
Wednesday 19 November
Thursday 27 November
6.30pm – 8.30pm
Lancaster Road Methodist Church
6pm – 7.30pm
The Venture Centre
Contact Leigh 0300 456 2099
CATALYST IS IMPROVING ITS CUSTOMER SERVICE
We are improving our service to you by simplifying the way you contact
us. Instead of trying to telephone individual members of staff you are
now asked to contact our central Customer Services team. The benefit
to you will be:
he customer services centres are available from 9am to 5pm every
T
day. As we have a good number of fully trained advisors, you can call
at any time and always have an officer available to talk to you.
You will still be able to speak to specific members of staff about
matters that only they can address. By speaking to the Customer
Services team first you can be certain your query is appropriately
logged on our system and assigned to the right member of staff
(should they be away from their desk).
CONTACT US
The regeneration team remain on-hand to answer any queries you might
have regarding the regeneration programme. Please see the guide below
for a list of all the key contacts.
EXISTING HOMES
NEW HOMES
Catalyst General Enquiries: Office open
Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm 0300 456 2099
Bonchurch Road New Development (Stiles Harold
Williams) To report defects & repairs contact:
Aftercare team on: 0300 456 2093
Out of hours emergency repairs: 0843 658 5060
Catalyst Emergency Repairs: Out of Hours –
Evenings & Weekends 020 3589 2985
ARDMORE
Maria Cunnea, Resident Liaison Officer
07747 862 022
[email protected]