Spon End Estate

The existing housing estate is comprised of 1960s buildings in very poor condition that have come to the end of their lifespan. Our design protects and enhances the character of the site while revitalising it with modern homes that will give residents a sense of ownership and pride to live on Spon End Estate. More than half of the new homes will be affordable, with a third allocated for social housing and the remainder for private sale.

Our client, Citizen Housing Group (Citizen), sought a design that was sensitive to the heritage of the surrounding site – which includes a conservation area and the River Sherbourne. For the homes, Citizen asked us to prioritise safety, quality, comfort, and sustainability, ensuring they reflect modern standards and deliver lasting benefits. It was also essential that the regeneration process reflected the needs of the local community, achieved through an exemplary

To ensure our design was community-led, we convened a workshop with key local stakeholders – residents, council members, educational authorities, police representatives, and special interest groups such as the local river enhancement collective. The outcomes were substantial, leading to design elements that enable easier access to the river for pedestrians and cyclists, and incorporate essential local amenities such as a shop and café.

The majority of the site lies within a flood zone due to the River Sherbourne running through the centre, which presented a challenge as we could not include residential accommodation at ground floor level. To overcome this, we designed most of the ground floor areas of the apartments for commercial use, with the remainder allocated to parking, plant, and storage (bins, bikes, etc.).

Area Three sits within the Spon End Conservation Area, with listed buildings and monuments nearby. To respect these historic features, we opted for a lower-scale, lower-density design, locating approximately 27 new family homes within this part of the site. We worked closely with the local planning and conservation officers to reach an agreeable position for all parties. Our design for the homes was developed collaboratively with Citizen and uses eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features, representing a high build quality and meeting the Future Homes Standard. The homes will also be affordable for a wide range of residents, from families to young professionals and older adults. The planning application was submitted in April 2025, and the existing estate is currently undergoing demolition while we await approval.