YOUR CUSTOM HOUSE SPRING 2021 ISSUE 3 - Newham Council
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YOUR CUSTOM HOUSE SPRING 2021 ISSUE 3
HOW YOU PROFILE: /6
CAN GET SUE CARTER
INVOLVED SEND
/4
CONTENTS
Page 04 Page 09
How you can get involved Be part of Census 2021
Page 05 Page 10
Meanwhile uses Newham Housing Services have
been hard at work
Page 06
Profile: Sue Carter Page 12
Frequently asked questions
Page 07
What is the landlord offer? Page 15
Our timetable
Page 08
Local hero: Sue Sillitoe Page 16
Brainteaser
HOUSING
SERVICES AT WORK /10
2
IN THIS EDITION
Welcome to this edition of Your Custom
House magazine.
As outlined in the bulletin sent to households in December
2020, this full edition includes another profile of a Custom
House Steering Group member; more details on how you can
get involved in the regeneration project; information on the
work that has been undertaken by the Housing Services team
at Newham; as well as an overview of what is happening with
some of the empty shop units across the Custom House area.
You will also be able to read through our answers to some of
the frequently asked questions about the regeneration plans.
LOCAL
HERO
/8
3
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
We’re looking forward to the day when government restrictions are no longer
needed and we are again free to meet face to face with Custom House
residents. Until then we’re still committed to using our digital channels to
engage with the community.
Our work with the Custom House Every week the Regeneration You can join the sessions by using
Steering Group continues, as your Team at Newham and the the following Zoom details:
community reps work with us to community reps are running online
Meeting ID: 925 9978 4965
further the regeneration proposals. surgeries on Monday 5-6pm and
The reps have also taken a greater Wednesday 1-2pm to enable Passcode: 010191
role in helping us design our residents to ask us questions and Finally, thank you to those who have
communications and engagement give feedback on the regeneration filled in a housing needs survey in
with the formation of the Editorial process. There is no set agenda, the past few months, either by post
Panel (members include Terrence so no matter your comment or or face-to-face. It will really help us
Regan, Thelma Odoi, Anthony query please do join us. We’ve to ensure the regeneration proposals
Subryan, Sue Carter and Denise publicised the Zoom link to all we develop work for the community.
Evans-Barr). This magazine is the Custom House residents who are If you haven’t filled it in and need
result of our shared work. on our mailing list. If you have not assistance, please contact us using
received the Zoom link please the email provided earlier
We’re currently undertaking co-
email: on this page.
production (the design principle
we outlined within the December regeneration@newham.gov.uk
bulletin) with the Steering Group
to ensure we are working in an
effective partnership with the
community. After this, we will
announce a series of design
workshops for residents to input SEND
more of their thoughts into how
the area will look and be built.
4
MEANWHILE USES:
PUTTING EMPTY SHOPS TO GOOD USE
While we’re developing the regeneration proposals, we’re aware that life for
residents carries on. You have made it clear to us that you would like to see
local projects continue until the regeneration build out begins. We refer to these
projects collectively as ‘meanwhile use’.
One ‘meanwhile use’ project you may already have noticed is the street lighting along Freemasons Road. This has
recently been replaced and refreshed to improve light levels. Along the same high street we are also working with
local providers to bring some of the shop units back into use in ways that benefit the Custom House community.
Over the last few months we’ve been seeking funding to do the work necessary to make the units safe and lettable.
We’re glad to say that this has now been approved and work on the units has started. By the next edition, we hope
you will see a few more open shop fronts with the Custom House Bookshop planning to move in the near future
amongst others.
For the units we have that aren’t yet committed to any providers, we’re developing a process to ensure
meaningful community involvement in their allocation.
The last meanwhile use project of note that is currently under consideration is the May Wynne site off Coolfin
Road. We’ll be holding co-design workshops in March 2021, where there will be a chance for you to tell us what
you would like to see the site used for until it’s regenerated. We look forward to welcoming residents to the
discussion.
Early suggestions for the May Wynne site include a tree surgery and community growing area. If you’re
interested in attending, please email regeneration@newham.gov.uk or call 020 3733 3868.
5
THE CUSTOM HOUSE
STEERING GROUP
As outlined in the December bulletin, the Custom House Steering Group is formed of
Custom House residents who meet the Council’s Regeneration Team every month to
discuss and plan the regeneration.
PROFILE: SUE CARTER
Hi everyone, my name is Sue Carter and I have lived in my house for 60 years.
I was one of five born in Custom House to wonderful parents who lived in
Jersey Road. My dad was a docker for over 20 years and I remember how
much pain he used to suffer from ‘backing’ all the beef. ‘Backing’ the beef
was when the dockers had to carry great big beef carcasses on their backs
all the way from the ship’s hold to the lorries on the dockside.
Neighbours were really close, there was no knocking on the door as your
door was never locked. Neighbours would just walk in and shout “hoo
hoo it’s only me”. No one had a key because the key was held on a bit of
string hanging from your letterbox.
I retired from Newham Council after 40 years’ service and was given the
opportunity to join the Custom House Steering Group. I joined because I
wanted to get up to date information on the regeneration and make sure
us residents got the best deal. A lot of residents live in accommodation
that is not up to scratch. Hopefully this regeneration will solve this
problem and bring us into the 21st century.
Your community reps are: If you would like more information, or are interested in
Terrence Regan, Thelma Odoi, Anthony Subyran, Casey getting involved with the Custom House Steering Group,
Howard, Denise Evans-Barr, Samantha Napa, Sue Carter, please get in touch with NewmanFrancis, the independent
Cynthia Poyton, Larisa Chayka and Marcia Santana. advisors, by calling 0800 644 6040 (freephone) or emailing:
customhouse@newmanfrancis.org
Sue Carter
Councillor Sarah Ruiz, one of your Custom House ward You can also contact your community reps directly:
councillors, chairs the Steering Group.
customhousesteeringgroup@gmail.com
6
WHAT IS THE CUSTOM HOUSE
LANDLORD OFFER?
The Custom House Landlord Offer is the document which provides you with all
the information about the regeneration you need to make up your mind when
it’s time to vote. The landlord offer document is what you will be asked to vote
on, when it’s time to decide whether the regeneration should take place.
Included in the landlord offer will be two key elements:
Wider regeneration - this will be information about the design principles, the number and mix of the
new homes, the new community facilities and new green and public spaces.
The housing offer - this will include information on our offer to you as a council tenant,
leaseholder / freeholder, private or temporary resident. It will be the same across all estate
regeneration schemes being developed by the Council. The only
changes allowed will be those responding to local issues such as
providing wheelchair units based on an equality impact assessment.
We are continuing community engagement and
co-production.
The Council has a commitment to work with the Independent
Tenants’ and Residents’ Advisor and the Custom House Steering
Group. There will be lots of consultation and engagement throughout
the design and master planning process and then on to the ballot
and beyond. Members of the Custom House Steering Group will
play a key role in ensuring your views are heard and residents are
formally consulted at key stages of the programme.
1
7
LOCAL HERO: SUE SILLITOE
The pandemic has brought out the
best in many people, with kindness
and a wonderful community spirit in
evidence up and down the country.
One such example very close to home can be found
at the Ascension Food Bank on Baxter Road. This
is where since March last year Sue Sillitoe has been
working practically every day to ensure that households
of mainly self-isolating elderly people have regular
supplies of essential items. Until December she
carefully packed items, loaded up a trolley and wheeled
it to one or two homes at a time all over Custom House
– delivering as many as 22 parcels a day. Users now
pick up their items from the food bank on Tuesdays
and Wednesdays 10am-12 noon.
Sue said: “I’ve made such lovely friends. People
have been just so pleased by the service we
provide and I see all the time how much it means
to them. I just love to make people smile.” Items in
demand are baked beans, tinned tomatoes, rice
and cereal. But there are fresh vegetables and fruit
too amongst many other items.
It doesn’t end there, though. Once a month Sue
works in the night shelter at the Good Hotel in
Royal Docks, serving dinner at night and breakfast
in the morning.
Sue Sillitoe
Her fantastic work reaches beyond Newham, too. Two or three times a week she and three others set off by
DLR for the West End and a trolley of hot meals and drinks to feed the homeless. In addition to all this, Sue
cares for her mother. She truly is a shining example of someone helping the community.
We hope to include more ‘local hero’ profiles in future editions. If there is someone you would like to nominate
as a ‘local hero’, please get in touch with our team by emailing regeneration@newham.gov.uk.
8Ready, steady,
census
Be a part of The decennial census is
almost upon us.
Census 2021
Households across Newham will
soon be asked to take part in the
nationwide survey of housing and
the population. It has been carried
Census day is 21 March 2021. out every decade since 1801, with
the exception of 1941.
By taking part and encouraging others to do the
Information from the digital-first
same, you’ll help make sure your community gets census will help decide how services
the services it needs. are planned and funded in your local
area. This could mean things like
doctors’ surgeries, housing or new
bus routes.
Households will receive a letter
with a unique access code in the
post, allowing them to complete
their questionnaire online. Paper
questionnaires will be available
on request. Census day is 21
March.
For more
information, visit:
census.gov.uk
Find out more at www.census.gov.uk
Follow @Census2021
Social icon
Circle
Only use blue and/or white.
For more details check out our
Brand Guidelines.
A4GIP1
www.census.gov.uk
9NEWHAM HOUSING SERVICES
HAVE BEEN HARD AT WORK
Over the last few months, Newham Housing Services have been working hard
on a number of communal and environmental improvements for the area.
Whilst there is still work to do this focus has already provided some great
results for residents.
The emphasis has been on enhancing our engagement with and support of residents to address their concerns.
Our housing liaison officers have arranged a number of regular visits to the area, together with residents as well
as with councillors, other council departments (including ASB, Grounds Maintenance, Refuse and Environmental
teams) and local police and this has resulted in some really positive work being done.
Housing Services have now invested in
additional dedicated resources for the area
and have launched the HandyPerson Scheme
to improve the environment in Custom House.
The team will focus on communal repairs in
the area and they have already been very
busy with this work (see photos dealing with
graffiti, installation of new refuse gates and
painting of communal areas).
Residents can raise issues relating to
communal repairs directly with the team
by emailing:
HandyPersonScheme@newham.gov.uk
Before
After
10An intensive programme of grounds
maintenance has been dealing with areas
of overgrown greenery and clearing
footways; this work will continue in an
effort to improve the look of the area and
we welcome residents’ suggestions for
communal garden and planting projects to
progress this further.
We have also focused on improving
communications with residents and have
been installing new and updated resident
information boards in communal areas.
Resident suggestion boxes have also
been installed, so that residents can place
reports of communal repairs needed and Before
which will be actioned (see pictures below).
After
Our Custom House housing officers are co-ordinating the work in the
area and can be contacted at:
Michelle Harris
Michelle.Harris@newham.gov.uk
07813 446 312
Richard Joseph
Richard.Joseph@newham.gov.uk
07976 321 251
Residents will soon be able to attend online housing surgeries, where we will give updates on the work
being done in your area and also hear from you about how we can make further improvements.
11Frequently asked
questions
ABOUT THE REGENERATION
Why is the regeneration of Phase 1 New ‘early sites’ north of
Custom House happening? Our design team (Adam Khan Vandome Close
We want to transform Custom Architects) has been working on The Council has now selected
House, creating new homes, plans with the community and 1-7 Vandome Close (odd nos), the
facilities and, above all, build a the Council for Phase 1 since former garage site on Vandome
sense of place and community. 2019. Along with the area north of Close, 24-38 Freemasons Road,
Here are just some of the benefits Vandome Close, Phase 1 contains 2-32 Hartington Road (even nos)
that the regeneration will deliver the first sites to be developed – and the New Gog pub as ‘early
for you and your neighbours: the ‘early sites’ – for new homes sites’. They could be developed
as part of the regeneration: as early as 2021 to provide new
• new homes;
homes for local people. The
• new community and enterprise • 3 - 75 Ethel Road (odd nos);
homes affected have always been
space; • 2-80 Ethel Road (even nos);
part of the regeneration area and
• new green and open space; • 1-25A Throckmorton Road (odd
initial designs will be included in
• better connected streets; nos);
the landlord offer.
• a safe and secure • 82-178 Leslie Road (even nos);
neighbourhood; • 1 - 26 Normandy Terrace (odd nos) What is going to be built?
• new shops; and and Between 1700 and 1800 new
• lower energy bills in new homes. • 64-80 Coolfin Road (even nos). homes will be built for existing,
Phase 2 returning and future residents.
What homes are covered by The design team has been These will be built to meet housing
the regeneration? working with the community and needs and include a variety
The regeneration will be delivered the Council to draw up design of sizes and plenty of family
in phases. The following homes principles for Phase 2. As these homes. There will be a mixture of
are affected by the regeneration, areas will be developed after affordable homes, including those
meaning if you live in one of these Phase 1, there will be more let at social rent levels, and homes
you will need to move from your opportunities to shape the design for sale.
current home at some point: after the ballot.
12When will it happen? will all still form part of the larger and be one of the following:
Phase 1- we are already actively regeneration plans. • an existing council tenant,
rehousing people from this area or household in temporary
How will it all be paid for?
and buying properties from accommodation;
As well as meeting housing
property owners. We have emptied
needs, the scheme must be • have lived in Newham for at
the block at 37-75 Ethel Road.
financially viable - meaning it least 12 months;
We also emptied have the William
needs to pay for itself. We are
Paton Garden site and 6-21 • a resident leaseholder for at
constantly reviewing the number
Freemasons Road (which includes least 12 months; or
of homes built against the
the midwifery centre and the GP
funding we have and the income • aged 16 or over, living in the
surgery). Construction of new
that will be generated. planned regeneration area, and
homes and facilities could start in
early 2022 with the first new homes Do I have a say in the on the housing waiting list for
provided in spring 2024. Custom House regeneration? at least 12 months prior to the
publication of the landlord offer.
While our aim is for residents to Members of the community have
move only once into a new home, been getting involved in events What will the regeneration
this will not always be possible. to shape the designs of the offer secure council
Some people will have to move scheme and the landlord offer. tenants?
into a temporary home before they We will continue to hold events to The Residents’ Charter includes
move into a new home. Those ensure residents have an ongoing longstanding commitments to
who have already moved, and who opportunity to influence what secure council tenants affected
have a right to return, will be able happens to their neighbourhood. by regeneration including the right
to move back into a new home. They have given their views, to be rehoused in the area, the
received feedback and helped right to return to a new property
We will work with residents to shape the vision and design of and the right to the same number
review the phasing plans for the new homes, the high street at of bedrooms. We are also looking
regeneration areas. Freemasons Road, public spaces to enhance the offer to secure
Are the homes currently and community facilities. council tenants in the landlord
being refurbished still offer. Everyone will receive a
Ultimately it will be residents who
going to be part of the statutory home loss payment.
decide whether the proposed
regeneration? redevelopment scheme goes What will the regeneration
Yes. The refurbishment work ahead through a resident ballot on offer home owners?
going on around Custom House the landlord offer to residents. The Residents’ Charter includes
at present is being undertaken longstanding commitments to home
Who can vote in the resident
to help provide temporary owners affected by regeneration
ballot?
accomodation to people on including the right to financial
the housing waiting list. These To vote in the ballot you must compensation of the market value
homes are being refurbished in live in a home that is part of the of their property plus 10% where
order to make them liveable but planned regeneration programme the owner has been living there
13for 12 months. They also have Will the current shopkeepers How will disturbance to
the right to return. We are looking be able to move into the new residents be kept to a
at whether we may be able to units? minimum during works?
provide financial assistance to The Council worked collaboratively We and our partners ask contractors
bridge the gap between what you with shopkeepers to formulate to sign up to a considerate contractor
can afford and the amount you the Shopkeepers’ Charter which scheme to keep disturbance to
need to pay for your new home. contains provisions for assistance people living next to building sites
This could either be through an to shopkeepers to relocate to to a minimum. We also make sure
equity loan or shared ownership. alternative units and/or receive that sites do not cause problems
What about private and financial contribution to fit out for residents between demolition
temporary tenants? together with disturbance costs. and building by making sure they
The charter may also afford the are secure and sometimes used for
Alongside secure tenants, it is
opportunity to remain in the area positive meanwhile activities.
proposed that for the first time
should shopkeepers wish to do so.
private rented sector tenants How will the area be
will also benefit from the right to Will there be job managed while regeneration
return to a council home or to opportunities for Custom is awaited?
housing association-owned social House residents? We want to make sure you get
housing when the programme We will set local employment the services you deserve. Faraz
is completed. This offer will be targets for any organisations, Kayani, your Estates Regeneration
for those private rented sector contractors and sub-contractors Manager, provides a valuable
tenants, including those living in working on the redevelopment link between residents and the
Mears properties, who have lived and require them to promote council to ensure your estates are
in the Custom House regeneration job opportunities through the well managed on a day-to-day
area for five years or more on the Council’s training, jobs brokerage basis. He is working with service
date the landlord offer is published and business support service providers to prevent and resolve
and who have been placed in the (now called Our Newham Work) problems. You can contact
area by the Council. to help local people and local Faraz on 07976 717 969 or
What kinds of shops will there businesses. faraz.kayani@newham.gov.uk
be on Freemasons Road? Will there be opportunities Should you wish to share any
There are lots of different opinions, for people wanting to set up comments or concerns regarding
but with a preference for supporting a local business? the management of your estate
independent and local businesses We will provide shared workspace Faraz would like to hear from you.
as well as having a proper that local people could use. Also, you can continue to report any
supermarket and appropriate specific housing or neighbourhood
chains. Residents want to find the management issues in the usual way:
right balance between a high street through the call centre on
that is a top priority and attracting 020 8430 2000, at www.newham.
spending by ExCeL vistors on gov.uk or via the Love Newham app.
useful shops and services.
14OUR PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR PHASE 1
Through discussion with residents at our recent pop-up events it’s clear that
an indicative timeline for the regeneration of Custom House is a key piece of
information for the community.
SPRING 2021 SUMMER 2021 AUTUMN 2021 WINTER 2021 (ONWARDS)
Design Housing Draft Final Construction
Workshops offer landlord landlord Planning
Ballot Starts
Application
Workshops offer offer
WE ARE HERE
15YOUR
BRAIN
TEASER
WORDSEARCH
Can you find the first names of the
Custom House Steering Group members
in our brain teaser?
Sue Samantha
Terrence Marcia
Larisa Anthony
Sarah Cynthia
Thelma Casey
Denise
CONTACT THE CUSTOM HOUSE REGENERATION TEAM
The Regeneration Team is working with consultants, the Custom House Steering Group and residents
to ensure that the regeneration proposals meet the needs of the community. The aim is to provide more
affordable homes and community faciltiites for the whole neighbourhood to enable it to thrive.
To find out how you can get involved in future pop-up events, activities and Zoom surgeries please
contact the Resident Involvement Team:
Dami Segun - Resident Involvement Lead Yemi Adigun - Resident Involvement Manager
Telephone: 020 3373 6794 Telephone: 020 3373 3883
Alternatively, you can email the team at regeneration@newham.gov.uk
1617
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