Housing Estates Improvement Programme 2015-2016
Summary Sheet
Arthur Henderson and William Banfield Estate
Housing Officer: Sarah Wallis.
Housing Office: Fulham.
Contact: Andy Robson, TRA Chair.
Project applied for: Developing disused central space into an allotment space with
raised beds, shrubs, seating, a lawn and wildlife features.
Approx. number of residents to benefit: 130 properties.
Of which, Council tenants: 85 properties.
Previous HEIP funding: In 2009/10 the estate received £7,000 for a play area and
in 2011/12 it received £50,000 for a planting scheme. The previous play area
project was to remove the play equipment from the space now under proposal
leaving it vacant, and relocating the playarea to another part of the estate.
Project Summary: The site is a football field sized unused, walled area with
concrete surfacing. It is behind William Banfield House and has an emergency
access road through it. The residents have requested an allotment space with
raised beds for food growing, fruit trees, shrubs, a central lawn space, habitat
features, social space and storage.
Sustainability: The improvements will benefit the environment by introducing
flowering plants to attract birds and bees to the estate, as well as providing the
community with a more localised and sustainable source of fresh food.
Community involvement and need: Residents from the estate and stakeholders
from nearby estates and schools have already been engaged by the TRA through
meetings and discussion with LBHF staff and a consultation survey. The TRA wish
to use the space for community events and also plan to open it up to local schools
groups. The proposed improvements will benefit residents by encouraging
community interaction through the creation of communal areas for socialising.
There is a relatively new play area on the estate and shrubbery around the estate
has recently been updated. The only local access to food growing facilities is the
allotment at Putney Bridge, although the waiting lists are up to two years long.
There have been discussions in the past amongst residents about using the space
as a car park but suitability for this purpose had not been confirmed by LBHF. The
housing officer has provided support to the proposal.
Longevity: The TRA have plans to set up a resident garden club upon completion
of this project who would be responsible for maintaining the raised beds and fruit
trees.
Security and other site issues: The area is not visible from the street, is poorly lit
and there have been some ASB issues reported in the past. It has been suggested
that lighting improvements be included as part of the project.
Maintenance requirements: There should be no increased maintenance
requirements if resident gardening club assume responsibility for the space. There
may be minimum maintenance requirements for the green roof.
Estimated costs:
Full capital project:
£70,000 Opportunities for additional investment: There would be the possibility of
bringing additional funding of up to £20,000 from funders such as WREF, Grow
Wild, People’s Health Trust, Capital Clean Up and Awards for All.