Making better neighbourhoods in 2024/25

Thriving Neighbourhoods

Launched in 2022, the Thriving Neighbourhoods programme is helping local people transform shared spaces on estates across Islington by telling us what improvements they want to see and being actively involved in making a positive change to their community and neighbourhood. Together, we are making our estates into places where people feel proud to live, where children can play freely, and where everyone feels safe, connected, and supported. 
 
Here are improvements we've made based on your suggestions.

Invest in play spaces

We've upgraded 20 play spaces so far, including 14 dedicated play areas, four multi-use games areas, and one new outdoor gym. These spaces are now more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for families and children of all ages. 

On the Grovedale Estate, we turned two unused, locked spaces into a vibrant, multi-purpose communal area, with new seating, planting, cycle storage, and accessibility features like a trampoline and picnic bench. We made the space in a sustainable way - reusing materials, reducing waste, and working within the boundaries.

More cycle storage

We installed 59 new cycle storage units across the borough such as bike hangars, sheds and Sheffield stands. We’ve also made current facilities better with improved structures and protective canopies. This will help encourage more cycling and help improve local air quality.

Improve recycling areas 

We completed 26 recycling improvement projects, making it easier for residents to recycle more and waste less. This has included:

• reorganising bin areas
• increasing amount of bin space for recycling
• reducing collection days

These changes are supported by resident involvement.

An example on Finsbury Estate in summer 2024 saw:

• 33 new bin enclosures
• accessible recycling units
• food waste bins
• mobility scooter storage

We also added landscaping, new benches and improved lighting for a cleaner, safer and more inclusive environment.

Improve accessibility and surfacing on our estates

We completed 31 accessibility and resurfacing projects, including:

• new ramps
• widened pavements
• removing trip hazards

These improvements mean everyone, especially those using wheelchairs or mobility aids, can move around safely and with confidence. 

Invest in community centres

We’ve made some community centres and hubs better with new kitchens, toilets, play surfaces, insulation, and landscaping. These include:

• Girdlestone
• Hilldrop
• Hornsey Lane
• Hargrave Hall

These centres are the heart of our neighbourhoods, and we’re making sure they stay welcoming, functional, and ready for the future. 

More outdoor seating and washing lines

We installed and put in better seating on 25 estates and washing lines on 12 estates.

Make estates feel safer 

We've installed 38 security and lighting improvements, including:

• better CCTV cameras
• better lighting
• more secure areas to stop anti-social behaviour

New build homes

In the face of the ongoing housing crisis, Islington continues to invest in new homes. 

In 2024/25 we completed: 

• 27 new council homes at Dixon Clark Court on Highbury Corner (December 2024)
• 11 supported housing units at Rosehip House on Windsor Street near Essex Road (March 2025)

In 2025, we took control of:

• 20 new council homes at Parkview Estate near Clissold Park
• 16 new council homes at Andover Estate

We expect to complete the remaining 31 new homes on these sites in early 2026. 46 new homes will be in our control by the end of December 2025 on Elthorne Estate at Archway.

New developments

We've got planning permission for a new development of:

• 54 homes at the Bemerton Estate on Caledonian Road
• 79 homes, a medical centre and a library at Vorley Road, an old bus stand at Archway  

We have also begun the next phase of the new homes programme and our conversation with residents on the Hilldrop Crescent Estate near Camden Road, Peregrine House and Morton Road Park. We expect to speak to more of you in early 2026 in locations that could be used for much-needed new council homes to help tackle the housing crisis.

Our new homes are designed to be energy efficient and are built for people to live in comfortably with good storage and access to outside space. We are proud to build new homes and communal spaces our residents deserve.

Housing fraud and illegal occupation 

We reclaimed 159 homes and recovered £300,000 lost to housing fraud with careful and thorough investigation with legal and enforcement teams. This helps make sure council homes are allocated fairly and appropriately, putting first those in genuine need and protecting public resources.

Improving energy efficiency and cutting carbon 

We make sure our homes are warmer, greener and more affordable to heat. 

Upgrading homes for better energy performance 

We have improved the energy efficiency of 252 of our least energy efficient homes so far, bringing them up to a standard assessment procedure (SAP) rating of C, the standard for modern, energy-efficient homes. This helps reduce energy bills and lower carbon emissions. 

Investing in the future

We are seeking funding for low-carbon replacements to communal heating systems on our estates. This will help us move away from fossil fuels and reduce the environmental impact of our housing stock, while keeping homes warm and affordable to run.

Our work is supporting Islington’s climate and housing goals so all residents can benefit from a safe, secure and sustainable home. 

Largest buy-back scheme in the UK

We have the largest housing buyback programme in the UK, buying or exchanging 480 former council homes over the last 15 months.

These homes are being returned to the council housing stock so that residents can benefit from more affordable and secure tenancies. This helps with the urgent need for social housing in the borough.

Reduction in rough sleeping

London has seen a 38 per cent increase in rough sleeping but Islington has reduced rough sleeping in the borough by 20 per cent. This is because of efforts to target the causes of homelessness, strong partnerships with outreach organisations and support that helps people move off the streets and into stable accommodation.

Investing in improving homes

We’re investing £200 million to improving homes across the borough, supporting: 

• Decent Homes upgrades to ensure every property meets modern standards for quality, comfort and safety 
• fire safety works, including improved fire doors, alarms and safety infrastructure 
• estate services, such as lighting, security and communal space improvements 
• targeted action to tackle damp and mould, protecting health and wellbeing
• ongoing maintenance to help the upkeep of improvements for a long time 

Concierge and caretaker of the year awards

Janet Oparebea might be the borough’s most-loved concierge. She won Islington Council’s 2024 Concierge of the Year award, after being nominated by the residents of the estate where she works.

Janet has worked for 24 years at the Weston Rise estate in King’s Cross. She has got to know nearly every resident on the estate, except “maybe the new ones that have just come in”. She said: “I’ve seen people grow from when they were babies to being adults now. I’ve gone to three or four of their weddings. I know them all well.”

The tenants of Weston Rise greatly value her services and are always bringing Janet and her colleagues snacks to show their appreciation.

When Janet was nominated for Concierge of the Year, she explained how she was “very, very surprised”. But when she brought her medal into work, tenants came up to reveal that they had nominated her.

“They were coming with all what they said about me. That was when I knew they had nominated me, so they were happy I won.” 

An important part of being a concierge, Janet explained, is “keeping the peace” – making sure that relationships are kept respectful, not just with the estate’s staff but between tenants. “To be honest, it is not easy, but we have to try to make it easy, because we serve people.” 

Alongside Janet, Terry Smith and Lat Singh jointly won runner-up for Concierge of the Year. Meanwhile, Jason Jones won the council’s Caretaker of the Year award, with Francis Oduro and Sara Walters as runners-up.