Young people from the White City Estate are working to help redesign their local area between India Way and Canada Way.
The 14 dedicated young designers, aged 16 to 25, are developing and displaying their ideas through sketching, collaging and model making as Hammersmith & Fulham Council looks to build more genuinely affordable housing for local residents.
The young designers are also helping us create more inclusive and accessible community spaces, alongside the White City Central project’s professional design team. The design team, assembled and managed by the council, is made up of experts at Mae Architects, Farrer Huxley and make:good.
Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F’s Cabinet Member for the Economy, said: “I was delighted to see the ideas from the young designers. We’re committed to working with all residents as we upgrade White City’s spaces and facilities. We’re determined to build more genuinely affordable new homes in White City and we also want it to look great.”
Working with residents
The design team are committed to ensuring the priorities of local residents are reflected in the redevelopment. Since March 2020, they have spoken to more than 700 residents across 15 events in White City to ensure the new design supports the local community.
One young designer from the White City area, Emily, said: “I was surprised by how many units will be created in the new area and I hope these will help people who really need housing. I enjoyed creating 3-D models of a small section of the area.”
The young designers were paid the London Living Wage and those interested in taking the opportunity further have the chance to complete future work experience placements. They needed no prior skills, just to be committed to attending and to have a desire to influence the future of their estate.
Redevelopment in White City
The redeveloped area between India Way and Canada Way will see up to 260 new homes built – and at least 50 per cent of the new homes will be genuinely affordable for local residents.
Green space and future-proof community facilities will also be built, including a community hub, creche, adventure playground and opportunities from communal gardens and sports.
Subject to planning permission, construction will begin mid-2023, with the first phase completed by mid-2025.
Nearby, the new Ed City scheme will create a state-of-the-art education hub and youth club in White City, alongside a new primary school, adult education centre and genuinely affordable homes.
More homes coming – get involved
H&F is on track to deliver the greatest number of genuinely affordable homes in a decade and recently secured £32 million to build hundreds more. This new funding will ensure H&F builds 1,800 new homes in the next 10 years.
For more information about how you can get involved in the White City Central Project visit: White City Central or contact Fanechka by emailing: fanechka@make-good.com or texting: 0333 090 9145.
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