The transformation of this 70s council estate in northwest London, has been remarkable and extensive. Over 1,775 homes in high rise concrete blocks will have been demolished (at the request of residents) and replaced by new tree-lined streets with modern houses and flats of no more than four storeys.

Hyde created a community based housing association, Hillside Housing Trust, in response to the wish from the local residents to have an active say both in the redevelopment but also the management of their homes and facilities.

Such has been the impact of the regeneration it won the prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute Award in 2005 for Sustainable Communities and the nursery was shortlisted for the coveted Stirling Architecture Prize in 2006.

Due to complete in 2010, it will provide over 400 homes for sale as well as 1200 affordable homes for rent and creates a genuine mixed tenure community. 
Among the community enhancements are:

• Health centre, café, community centre and a Tesco Express – called the Hillside Hub which recently won Best Mixed Use Regeneration Development at the British Home Awards 2009;
• A community pavilion – giving local groups their own ‘home’ with state of the art multi-use astro turf pitches;
• Sheltered accommodation for the elderly;
• A nursery; and
• Three new parks with playgrounds.

All of this runs alongside the extensive provision of economic, social regeneration, education, training and employment opportunities that Hyde is providing to the local community.

The last two tower blocks will be demolished in 2010 to be replaced by an attractive open space providing the community with room to enjoy their lives.