Peabody Residents Celebrate Launch of New Playground

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New community space created on derelict area on Fulham Palace Road

Residents of Peabody’s Hammersmith estate on Fulham Palace Road have celebrated the opening of a new playground with a 1950s themed tea party.

The playground has been created on previously unused land that had been lying empty since 2008 and many of the estate's residents have campaigned to have the space regenerated.

The space before

The residents were involved throughout the design process, helping to transforming the run down area into a bright and vibrant space the whole community can enjoy. The project was joint-funded by Peabody and the London Marathon Charitable Trust and the work carried out by Ginkgo Gardens.

At the celebration party on Sunday July 31, families shared food, games and family fun in the sunshine.

The new playground

One of the estate’s older residents, 96 year-old Debbie Peek admitted she was initially sceptical about the project but now likes the tranformation.

Debbie said: " I was initially opposed to the project but now seeing how beautiful it has turned out to be and the smiles on the faces of the children, I am happy the residents association and Peabody made it happen. I am very pleased for the children. Well done to everyone."

Debbie with caretaker manager Kevin and neighbourhood manager Kayode

The original Hammersmith Peabody Estate on Fulham Palace Road was built in 1926 and redeveloped in the 1970s. New buildings were added by Peabody to the iconic estate in 2014, so it now provides 320 homes.

Peabody has been creating opportunities for Londoners since 1862, when it was established by the American banker and philanthropist, George Peabody. It says its mission is is to ensure that as many people as possible have a good home, a real sense of purpose and a strong feeling of belonging.

Peabody works solely in London, with a presence in the majority of London boroughs. Altogether it owns and manages around 28,000 homes, providing affordable housing for over 80,000 people. This is set to grow with Peabody planning 4,000 new homes across the capital between now and 2020, meaning it will provide a home for one in every 100 people in London.

As well as bricks and mortar, Peabody provides a wide range of community programmes for residents and neighbourhoods, including help with employment and training, health and wellbeing projects and family support programmes.

Visit the Peabody website for more information.

August 5, 2016