Over the last 15 years, estates, well known for social housing areas, have been torn down in the name of regeneration. Thousands of people were dislodged from their homes and relocated to other areas, and even other counties in England.

The new homes that are built in place of these estates are often luxury dwellings, but financially unachievable for those wanting to return to the area, or in lower paid jobs in the area. Without the established facilities that buyers, who can afford the prices, will move to, means swathes of new homes remain unsold and empty.

Permission was almost always granted for projects, where old council estates were demolished, and replaced with up market properties, which would then generate money for some affordable homes. But the government, with the net zero aim in response to the climate emergency, is looking at ways to move from demolition to regeneration. Estates in the capital are now being looked at, and modelled on upgrades, without razing the entire area. In the past, the legacy of these estates has been one of high crime and vandalism; of constant decline and abandonment; – not an area to go walking on your own late at night. Progress in materials and safety, means that upgrades on the homes, can make them more energy efficient, and remodelled into the layout for modern day living. The overall outside areas, have proved more resilient and safer, with increased public vehicle access, and coupled with security cameras and modern lighting, the ‘no-go’ areas are a thing of the past.