Exploring our award-winning new homes and community spaces - 'Our quality of life is completely different now' - CIP

Two of Camden’s Community Investment Programme redevelopments, Agar Grove estate and Central Somers Town, have taken home several awards this year. Most recently they were shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Neave Brown Award and Stirling Prize.

We spoke to members of the community to hear how their new homes and community facilities have made an impact on their lives.

Nominated for the RIBA Neave Brown award recognising the best examples of affordable housing, the Agar Grove redevelopment will provide 245 affordable and highly energy efficient homes.

Local resident, Sajj (pictured) said: “The move has given us a massive boost. We had terrible damp in our previous home. Our breathing is better, and our quality of life is completely different now.”

Central Somers Town, which made the RIBA Stirling Prize 2023 shortlist, was developed closely with young people to create play facility, Plot 10, complete with a rooftop football pitch and accessible playground. 

The project also includes Tessa Jowell Court which provides 10 affordable new homes and is home to theatre education charity, Scene & Heard. The charity partners local children with volunteer theatre professionals to create plays, helping to boost young people’s confidence.

Roz Paul MBE, CEO & Artistic Director, Scene & Heard said: "After more than two decades of work without a permanent home for our charity, we are thrilled to finally find ourselves in this beautiful building, situated in the heart of the community we serve. We are so pleased to be able to display our amazing costumes in the giant picture windows for everyone to share the joy.”