Community Benefit Fund: Open Havelock Regeneration Project
About the project
The 1960s Havelock Estate is situated in Southall, part of the London Borough of Ealing. It has dramatically prospered through LHC’s brilliant community benefit fund.
The funding for the Open Havelock regeneration project has helped many residents who have lived there for over 30 years to enjoy the Grand Union Canal, which is unique to the local area, and which was previously underutilised. It has also contributed to the redevelopment of disused garages a footbridge, creating a new pedestrian and a cycling link to the Havelock estate
Mission
To support and strengthen the Havelock community by providing play, sport, and recreation opportunities and transforming the estate’s redundant and misused areas to deter criminal activity through natural surveillance.
Impact
The landscaping of Havelock Estate has improved the access to the open community space such as the English Heritage site. It has also reduced isolation and reinforced social cohesion, physical health, and mental wellbeing, which has led to a positive community spirit.
Moving forward
In the coming months, there will be:
- An open day for potential operators
- Walking tours as part of the Open House event
- Workshops in schools to facilitate the ongoing participation in the project
The landscaping project is predicted to be in its final stages by September 2022. During that time, the community will continue contributing to the regeneration process through various community engagement and collaboration sessions.
About the LHC community benefit fund
In each region, LHC members have the opportunity to create and distribute a Community Benefit Fund generated from the rebate they receive if they spend over a specified threshold on LHC frameworks. In each region LHC appoint an independent community benefit agency to work with members to find a local charity partner. For London and the South East, LHC works closely with specialist community support network Locality. Now in its fourth year, the fund has invested in excess of £325,000 in 51 community projects, targeting a diverse range of needs.
For more information on Locality and their work, visit: www.locality.org.uk.
