Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) manages a 143-home estate in Barnet, built in the 1950s on a former military barracks site. Guided by inclusivity, transparency, flexibility and timely information, NHG addressed questions about regeneration over refurbishment. A refurbished flat served as a hub for meetings, while an 11-member resident steering group provided input. A needs survey and effective engagement led, in May 2024, to an 87 per cent vote in favour of redevelopment.
Shortlisted for Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025
Haringey Council aims to deliver 3,000 new council homes by 2031, expanding housing stock by 20 per cent. Since 2018, over 2,073 homes have been completed or are underway, with 700 households moving in by late 2024. Community engagement, including two phases in 2021, shaped the proposals before planning approval in 2022. Ten new blocks, named after migratory birds visiting Tottenham Marshes, will start to complete by summer 2025.
Shortlisted for Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025
Engagement for the Becontree Retrofit Guide, part of BeFirst’s Becontree Future House project, focused on climate resilience, housing suitability and home quality. From 52 survey respondents, 25 were shortlisted for phone interviews, leading to a final group of 16 participants reflecting the borough’s demographics and housing tenures. Becontree, the UK’s largest council estate, covers 10 sq km and houses 40 per cent of Barking and Dagenham’s population.
Shortlisted for Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025
Tower Court, located in a multicultural neighbourhood that is home to Europe’s largest Haredi community, is part of a redevelopment across 18 Hackney estates. The project includes 132 homes: 27 per cent social rent, 12 per cent shared ownership, and 61 per cent private. Repeated, tailored engagement allowed key stakeholders to shape the design, including former residents exercising their right to return.
Winner of Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025
Linksview House, a Category A listed tower block in the Leith Conservation Area, houses 98 of the 300 local families. Its listed status poses technical and legislative challenges for retrofitting. Engagement, through drop-in sessions, focused on two themes: Tell Us About… and Help Shape the Future of… . A pre-planning and consent update will show how feedback shaped proposals. This retrofit aims to enhance thermal performance and living standards, serving as a model for upgrading.
Shortlisted for Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025
Houlton, home to 1,300 families and 29 community groups, will accommodate 6,200 homes and high-quality infrastructure. Urban&Civic launched People of Houlton in July 2023 to unite community leaders and support their activities. Community group representatives or aspiring leaders can send two members on a rotating basis to consult on the community forum. A community app was developed with resident feedback, leading to significant improvements to better meet their needs.
Shortlisted for Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025
A new 7,750-home garden community in north Essex incorporates a new youth engagement model. Over 18 months, Essex Young Designers, a diverse group of local 14-to-18-year-olds, has contributed ideas to shape the project’s design. Initiatives like Holiday Design Studios, Family Days, and a Schools Design Challenge ensure young voices are integrated into the development process, fostering creativity and community involvement in this large-scale residential project.
Shortlisted for Community Engagement: Homes - The Pineapples Awards 2025