Myth Busting Month: 5 Misconceptions About Regeneration Areas

Myth 1: Regeneration Areas are Run Down

Most urban renewal zones are areas with potential and character that need a financial boost to grow and develop. 

During the rejuvenation process, housing, retail and local green spaces are developed. Meanwhile, modern values like sustainability become a part of the community. Read more about the regeneration of Lewisham town centre, West Hendon, Kingston and Crayford.  

Myth 2: Renewal Zones are not Family-Friendly

Today, renewal projects focus on improving existing areas, bringing communities together and enhancing the local amenities in the area. Regeneration areas are often designed to be best for families and future generations, with investment flowing into local schools, upgrading local parks and public spaces and providing multibedroom family homes. 

Myth 3: Regeneration Areas Lose Their Sense of Community

Square Roots is committed to providing accessible housing in London to as many people as possible, expanding and strengthening the local community. By delivering affordable rent homes and shared ownership properties, we can subsidise rent and offer lower deposit prices, which pull people into the area rather than push them out. 

Myth 4: Urban renewal is just about building new houses

Regeneration projects have a strong focus on housing. However, local employment opportunities, infrastructure, public spaces and community engagement are all developed and benefit residents directly.

 For example, Lewisham Gateway was the product of £500 million in investment. The result? Two redirected rivers and a demolished roundabout later, Lewisham has a vibrant pocket of new homes, park spaces and flexible workspaces in the heart of the town centre. It also reduced congestion in the area, added more pedestrian routes and resulted in local highway renovations that improved transport around the town. 

Myth 5: Regeneration Zones are Bad for Commuters

The house prices in regeneration zones like Lewisham and Hendon are significantly lower than those in central London. They have a strong appeal for London commuters looking to escape the inner-city bustle at the end of the working day. As a result, regeneration areas in London are often some of the best-connected for commuters.