THE KIDBROOKE STORY by CONTENTED BRANDS

Summary

The video script showcases the transformation of the Ferer Estate into the Kidbrooke Village, highlighting the community-driven regeneration process. It explores the challenges faced during redevelopment, the investment and collaboration required from various sectors, and the positive impact on local residents. With new homes, green spaces, and community initiatives like One Space, the area has been revitalized into a thriving, supportive neighborhood. The story reflects the power of cooperation between local authorities, developers, and residents to rebuild not just infrastructure, but also a strong sense of community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ferer Estate was initially a vibrant and close-knit community in 1974, where children played outdoors and neighbors interacted frequently.
• 😀 By the mid-80s, the Ferer Estate began to decline, and residents faced stigma, particularly in job applications due to the area's postcode.
• 😀 The estate's poor condition led to a long-term challenge of deciding whether it should be demolished, and eventually, it became clear that regeneration was necessary.
• 😀 The regeneration of Kidbrook Village began with a massive investment of one billion pounds from Barkley Homes, aiming to build 2,000 new homes and improved infrastructure.
• 😀 The regeneration was a unique project, with no other example in the country of demolishing such a large number of homes and rebuilding entire neighborhoods.
• 😀 Green spaces, better schools, new health facilities, and improved transport networks were central to the vision of transforming the area into a thriving community.
• 😀 One of the key aspects of the regeneration was creating a new community with a sense of pride and a safe place for people to live.
• 😀 The 'One Space' building became a vital community center, offering youth mentoring and activities like sports, helping young people from the estate work toward their goals.
• 😀 The involvement of the local government, the mayor's office, and private developers ensured that the regeneration project received the necessary resources and support.
• 😀 Kidbrook Village now boasts not only improved housing but also green spaces and a vibrant community where residents, both old and new, interact positively and take pride in their surroundings.

Q & A

What year did the narrator move to the Fer Estate?

The narrator moved to the Fer Estate in 1974.

How did the narrator describe the community at the Fer Estate?

The narrator described the community as a unique, old-fashioned type of place, where people had a strong sense of connection. People would sit by their windows and watch the kids play in the square.

What was the narrator’s experience like when they first moved to Kidbrook in 2004?

The narrator was 17 years old and felt it was a bit terrifying and scary to be the new kid on the block.

What was the turning point for the Fer Estate’s decline?

The turning point was in the mid-80s when the estate started to decline, and people from the area faced stigma in employment applications due to the negative perception of the area.

What were the challenges faced by those working on the redevelopment of the Kidbrook area?

The challenges included the unprecedented nature of demolishing 2,000 homes and rebuilding the area, with no examples of similar large-scale regeneration projects available to reference.

What were some of the key improvements in the redevelopment of Kidbrook?

The redevelopment included the construction of new homes, schools, health facilities, and an improved transport network, along with a vision of creating a new community.

How much investment was committed to the Kidbrook redevelopment project?

A billion-pound investment was committed, which included 100 million in cash terms and 1,000 construction jobs every day for the next 20 years.

What role does the One Space center play in the Kidbrook community?

One Space serves as a community center for youth, providing a safe place for young people to come after school, have meals, play football, and engage in mentoring programs. It plays a vital role in impacting the lives of local youth.

How did the new Kidbrook development impact the original community spirit of the area?

Despite the redevelopment, the strong sense of community from the original Fer Estate has continued in the new Kidbrook Village. Many original residents still know their neighbors, and children continue to attend local schools.

What makes Kidbrook Village a desirable place to live according to the residents?

Residents appreciate the green spaces, proximity to transport like the City Airport, and a sense of community with neighbors. Many also highlight the smooth transition and how the new development offers a comfortable, welcoming environment.