Leaving a legacy at Alphabet, Chippenham Gardens
Posted 04/10/2022
As well as delivering vital new homes, Higgins is committed to ensuring that every development it creates leaves a legacy of community benefits that go beyond the lifespan of the project.
Working in partnership with Brent Council, Higgins has recently completed the redevelopment of Alphabet, Chippenham Gardens in South Kilburn providing a collection of 52 high quality new homes with 30 private sale one, two and three bedroom apartments, which were sold through Higgins Homes and 22 much needed affordable homes for existing South Kilburn council tenants.
This new boutique development forms a fundamental and key part of phase 3a of the South Kilburn regeneration programme and features a new enhanced public square, which will contain vibrant planting, bespoke street furniture and new lighting columns to improve overall visibility and create a place of tranquillity and enjoyment.
Designed by award winning PRP Architects and wider multi-disciplinary design team, the project underwent an extensive and inclusive consultation process with existing residents and wider stakeholders.
Throughout the lifespan of the project, Higgins has also engaged extensively with the local community, creating employment and training opportunities as well as community initiatives through collaboration with the council and key stakeholders, generating over £1.5 million in social and local economic value.
Amy Ross, Head of Social Value for Higgins Partnerships comments, “Our approach on every development is to work closely with local partners to make a long-term difference to the local community.
“We are proud of what we have achieved, creating five apprenticeships positions for Brent residents, either directly through Higgins or with our partner Joe Brenning Training. We have also worked with The Forward Trust, a construction pre-employment programme supporting 14 Brent residents who are ex-offenders into developing employability skills and a CSCS card.”
The Higgins team has carried out 190 hours of volunteering within the local community, including creating a Little Wellbeing Garden for Brent Mencap and educational support and mentoring with St Augustine Primary School, who also created a time capsule project.
The company also created a South Kilburn community cookbook with residents which is now available in Brent library and commissioned a stunning piece of artwork for the hoarding by artist Frankie Strand which celebrated wildlife the greenery and wildlife found at Chippenham Gardens in the past, present and future. The hoarding artwork has been retained by Brent Council for continued display in the borough.
