Alton renewal gets underway with new council investment across the estate

The Alton Renewal Plan sets out how we would like to invest in the estate, working together with residents, community organisations, businesses and local stakeholders to help this part of Wandsworth thrive.

Simon Hogg said: “This council is doing things differently and focusing on real improvements to the Alton estate after listening carefully to local views and needs which have shaped our plan. 

“This summer we have already started to act on what we heard and we’re planning major investment for the renewal of the estate over the longer term. Residents will continue to see better local facilities coming forward as part of a whole area improvement package, ahead of a local ballot on our proposal to deliver new homes. This will include building much more affordable housing so that people can choose to stay in their neighbourhood near their families and support networks.”

Immediate improvements

The Council Leader outlined the investment plans to residents and local stakeholders at the Alton community drop-in event at Roehampton Leisure Centre on 13 July. He was joined by local ward councillors, cabinet members and Fleur Anderson, MP for Putney and Roehampton to explain the new Alton Renewal Plan and hear people’s feedback.

The renewal plan for the estate builds on the insights and recommendations gathered during earlier engagement with residents and the wider local community.

Immediate place-based improvements such as the introduction of two new bus services and revamping play areas and community facilities will be followed by proposals to build genuinely affordable homes for local people.

The Housing Committee recommended that consultation on the Alton Renewal Plan should move forward immediately, replacing the previous Masterplan for the Alton estate.

Transport investments

Over the next few months, Alton residents will be able to use new bus services including an expanded Wandsworth Community Bus service connecting the estate with town centres and shops.

Other transport improvements are already underway, including:

• improved cycle facilities
• mending roads and pavements
• School Streets pilot schemes
• and putting in new zebra crossings for pedestrian safety.

Investing in the community and neighbourhood

The estate will soon have improved bins and waste collections, with a Mega Skip on the estate for the first time on Saturday 27 July to take bulky waste for free.

Over the coming months, the estate will get a dedicated Community Safety Officer, a new Family Hub and an enhanced jobs and training Work Match service available to all residents.

Alton improvements: New bins rolled out starting with Harbridge Avenue

More community-focussed improvements over the longer term include:

• a brand-new community hub with a new library and youth club
• a new outside lighting strategy
• more shops and improved shop fronts
• putting Alton at the heart of events and activities during Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture in 2025.

Play areas and landscaping around the Alton Activity Centre and Downshire Field will also be upgraded over the next year.

Homes for local people

Through local engagement, residents of the estate told the council that they needed more homes on the estate due to housing need and current overcrowding. In response to this, we’re looking at ways to improve the housing infrastructure across the estate. There is a case for some housing blocks to be considered for demolition and proposals to improve existing homes will be explored, including retrofit options.

Key initiatives include:

• opening 14 new homes soon on Fontley Way for residents from the council’s housing waiting lists
• and building 40 new council homes above the Roehampton Community Hub which is anticipated to open in 2028.

Listening: Councillors hear residents' views at the Alton community drop-in event

Next step

Now that the Alton Renewal Plan has the green light to move forward, residents and stakeholders will be consulted on more detailed proposals for developing the area together with a resident ballot. These proposals include details on new homes and community uses, new shops and business space and making improvements to open spaces.

Find out more

If you live or work in the Alton, you can keep up to date by:

• coming along to speak to council staff at our information stall every Friday, 2-4pm, outside The Base on Danebury Avenue
• emailing altonrenewal@wandsworth.gov.uk