Lowerwood Court Garages Transformation Project

We asked residents for their views on key concerns and aspirations regarding the potential transformation of Lowerwood Court garages at Convent Estate, North Kensington, into workspace.

The questionnaire was based on initial conversations with residents and Ward Councillors in early October 2022. The residents’ association reviewed the survey ahead of its publication and signed it off.

The survey ran for six weeks, opening on 31 October and closing on 11 December 2022.

We received 16 responses to the survey. Although findings and percentage figures should be used with caution due to the number of responses, the results provide indication of ways forward.

The key findings are summarised below:

• The majority of respondents (almost 70%) live in Lowerwood Court. We also received responses from Clare Gardens residents, within Convent Estate, and a nearby street.
• Responses suggest that concerns raised by residents at the start of the engagement process may be appropriately addressed by the solutions listed in this survey – see question 2.
• There is more controversy over what should be prioritised for the benefit of residents and the wider local community.
• The least contentious priorities are discounted workspace for residents and training opportunities for the local community.
• The most controversial proposal is a new rooftop garden. Respondents say it should be designed carefully and with strong resident participation, if built at all, as it is in view of the flats and in close proximity to residences.
• Funding the residents’ association (RA) using revenue generated by the project is the second most contentious idea. Some residents suggest any funding should be available for different groups and initiatives, not only at the discretion of the RA.
• Although providing a new community space within the garages is well supported, it may not be a top priority as there is already a community room in the estate. Instead, residents suggest renovating the existing community room.
• New storage for residents is supported provided there are safety measures to avoid fire hazard and other risks.
• Residents want reassurance that the project will not affect the structure of the building or increase pressure on drainage and sewage systems, which they say is troubled by recurring floods.
• Anti-social behaviour is a controversial issue as some residents do not see this as a priority. Nevertheless, access to the estate through the new workspaces has been raised as a potential concern. It was recommended that fire escape routes do not lead to the residential area.
• Respondents suggest that the use of each unit should be strictly controlled. Activities that require intense usage of delivery drivers, such as dark kitchens, should not be allowed.
• A balanced approach to opening hours should be achieved, making sure the area is kept quiet in the evenings. Longer hours may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature and level of noise produced by the workspace.

The results from the survey are informing discussions on how to deliver the project, including the best operational model.

Any decision will take into account the wellbeing of residents and the wider local community.

The project team will seek to convene another meeting in the spring 2023 to update residents on our progress.

In the meantime, if you have any queries or require assistance to access the full results, please contact the project team at GrowthandDeliveryTeam@rbkc.gov.uk or call 020 7361 3012.