Southern Housing Group become landlord of the Market Estate, Islington on Monday 21 February, 2005. The estate transferred from Islington Council to Southern Housing Group as a result of a successful ballot held last year where 88% of residents voted in favour of Southern Housing Group’s proposals to transform the estate.Over the next six years £42 million will be spent on redeveloping the estate and the adjacent Caledonian Park, which will see the Market Estate become a place that residents can be proud to live in. A total of 359 homes will be built for rent, shared ownership and outright sale. Residents will also benefit from significant investment in community development initiatives.This heralds the final stage in the lengthy transfer procedure, which has seen two years of hard work through consultation and planning. It means the regeneration of the estate can commence in early spring, after planning permission was granted in January of this year."It's great to have got to the end of this long road and to be in sight of the development of our new homes," said Sharon Jobe, Chair of the Market Estate Tenants and Resident Association (METRA).Councillor Vaja, executive member for housing and community safety said "This is a good example of a partnership with the council, METRA and Southern working hard to put together a package of improvements that will transform this part of the borough. I'm delighted that residents will get much needed improvements to their homes and estate. The council will continue to work in partnership with Southern to ensure that the residents get the best possible deal."Stephen Ross, Project Director, Southern Housing Group commented, “After all the uncertainty of recent years, the tireless voluntary effort by residents and the community has paved the way for a new dawn for the Market Estate. The project has been a magnificent example of community involvement.“For further information contact:Celia Cook, Communications Assistant, Southern Housing Group, Telephone 020 7553 6491, celia.cook@shgroup.org.uk Stephen Ross, Project Director, London Region, Southern Housing Group, Telephone 0800 781 0952, stephen.ross@shgroup.org.uk
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008