In a landmark development for southwest London, the Alton Estate in Roehampton is set to undergo a comprehensive £100 million regeneration, having secured overwhelming support from local residents in what is reported as London’s largest-ever regeneration ballot. More than 1,400 residents participated, with 82% voting in favour of Wandsworth Council’s ambitious plans to demolish and rebuild significant parts of the 1950s estate. The renewal will deliver up to 650 new homes, notably with 57% classified as affordable housing, marking a substantial increase from previous schemes. This ballot result reflects a strong mandate for change and aims to transform the estate over the next decade.

Originally, the regeneration initiative began under the former Conservative administration, which had proposed a plan including 288 homes within a wider target of around 1,100 new dwellings, but with only 24% affordable housing. This earlier plan received approval in early 2022 but was halted later that year after Labour took control of Wandsworth Council. The new Labour-led administration expressed concerns that the prior scheme did not adequately meet the community’s needs, particularly regarding affordability and resident involvement, leading to a redesign process characterised by extensive consultations with local residents. According to Labour councillor Aydin Dikerdem, restoring trust among residents was crucial, emphasising that giving locals a genuine voice in shaping the future of their homes was a key focus for the council.

The revised masterplan substantially enhances community infrastructure alongside housing. It includes new facilities such as a library, youth clubs, community spaces, council offices, and a family hub housing relocated nursery and GP services. Plans also feature a revitalised shopping parade to replace the former Co-op store, offering a larger supermarket and additional retail outlets. Commitment to improving the living environment is further reflected in proposals to repair existing estate blocks during redevelopment, upgrade play areas, introduce new bus services, and implement community safety measures. Early phases of the regeneration prioritise quick wins like delivering 40 new council homes at the estate’s entrance, giving residents tangible benefits while broader work is underway.

The commitment to affordable housing, with 57% of new homes designated as such, marks a significant shift from the previous plan and aligns with the council’s broader strategy to tackle overcrowding and long-standing underinvestment issues on the estate. Wandsworth as a borough has recently been recognised as London’s most popular, with migration data showing a net influx of residents, making the delivery of affordable and quality housing an urgent priority.

Local MP Fleur Anderson welcomed the ballot outcome, describing it as a clear signal from residents wanting "new homes, better health facilities, modern community spaces and a revitalised shopping parade." She acknowledged the prolonged wait for investment in the area and expressed optimism that the regeneration would deliver lasting positive impacts for Roehampton’s community.

Wandsworth Council now plans to submit a formal planning application shortly, moving into the next phase of this transformative project. The regeneration of the Alton Estate represents a significant example of community-led urban renewal, balancing the need for new housing with enhanced amenities and resident empowerment.

📌 Reference Map:

  • Paragraph 1 – [1] Metro, [2] Wandsworth Council
  • Paragraph 2 – [1] Metro, [7] Wandsworth Conservatives
  • Paragraph 3 – [1] Metro, [2] Wandsworth Council, [3] Putney News
  • Paragraph 4 – [1] Metro, [5] Wandsworth Council
  • Paragraph 5 – [1] Metro, [2] Wandsworth Council
  • Paragraph 6 – [1] Metro, [3] Putney News

Source: Noah Wire Services