Double celebration for MHP!
Two of MHP’s partner organisations have been shortlisted for awards in this year’s Neighbourhood Awards. MHT have been shortlisted for the ‘Peaceful and Better Neighbourhood Award’ with the Canalside regeneration scheme, while Spirita is a contender for the ‘What We Are Proud Of’ Award with RedWelly, a social enterprise that transforms open spaces for the benefit of local communities.
MHT’s Canalside regeneration project was formed from two of Hackney’s most challenging estates, Haggerston East and the Whitmore Estate (plus another block on the Kingsland Estate). The regeneration saw Metropolitan Housing Trust and Community Housing Association take ownership of the 700 homes to deliver a £65 million change programme.
Canalside created a range and depth of engagement opportunities and good practice standards with the aim to empower residents, such as the open access consultation and minority language support.
The regeneration saw MHT working with residents to devise the scheme from before transfer and by committing to a resident-led Community Board as a legally-binding obligation. It has been recognised by our partners and industry experts as a success and was also a finalist, 2006 CIH ‘Excellence in Delivering Regeneration’ Awards.
Jerry Piper, Board member says: “They really have put it as their first priority and I can’t speak highly enough about it.”
The second shortlisting, RedWelly, places Spirita in the final three of the “What we are Proud of Award”. This is a new category which gives Board Members and Residents the chance to nominate an outstanding housing association-run project, which has improved the lives of people in their local community over the last two years.
Derby-based RedWelly offers local businesses a team-building opportunity with a difference as they undertake community garden makeovers. These days see neglected or disused open spaces successfully transformed into a safe and secure area, with better accessibility, to the benefit of the local community - and at no cost to them.
Companies such as Rolls Royce, East Midlands Airport, Lubrizol and PriceWaterhouseCoopers have all undertaken RedWelly projects, which have proved universally popular.
Spirita believes that garden neglect is not just an environmental issue for neighbourhoods; it can be used by rogue traders and distraction burglars to identify the vulnerable people that typically become their victims.
The enterprise has proven so successful that the model is now available for Franchise to enable the concept to be replicated elsewhere so other local communities can benefit.
Both awards were selected by a panel of independent residents and the ceremony will be held on 18 September at the Birmingham ICC.
Press Enquiries:
CommunicationsMetropolitan Housing Partnership
The Grange
100 High Street
Southgate
London N14 6PW
Tel: 020 8920 7604
Fax: 020 8920 7629