31st March 2026
Tips from our toolkit: Working on estates
We're not shy about our support for more social housing, and we know that one of the ways Councils can build more is looking at their existing housing estates with a combination of replace and refurbish. It is never easy work (but we don't take the easy path very often anyhow) and the relationship with residents is key. This is where we work best, investing in really getting to know people, listening and amplifying their insight and sitting in the hard conversations being willing to consistently show up.
Read on for some of the things we've learnt along the way:
Consistency is key
It sounds simple: showing up over and over again, when you say you will, with the things you said you will have and keeping regular communication is key, but so often people don't prioritise doing this.
Let people tell their own stories
The voices of residents can be lost during estate regeneration, so we are big fans of encouraging people to tell their own stories, write their own newspapers, host talks and share their experiences.
Being present
Being on the ground regularly is invaluable for us, as is having a space that we can transform into a welcoming base helps us extend our reach and supports engagement.
Bring forward immediate benefit
Change on estates can take a long time and be a bumpy ride, so we look for things that can be delivered early on: this could be artwork, landscaping, seating, jobs etc.
Show impact and influence
Everything we do always has to come back to the wider project. What demonstrable influence have the activities, insight and opportunities had on the longer term plans, and how are residents a key part in them?
