17 December 2025
Residents lead research to shape Clapham Park regeneration
Clapham Park residents are playing a central role in shaping their neighbourhood’s future through new research that will help guide one of London’s biggest regeneration schemes.
Working with independent research specialists, Social Life, the research was co-designed and carried out by six local community researchers who took up paid roles to interview residents and understand their experiences and hopes for the area.
Clapham Park, the largest estate in Lambeth with a diverse community, is one of the capital’s most ambitious regeneration schemes. MTVH and Vistry are working in partnership to deliver 4,000 refurbished and new homes, more than half of which will be affordable. From the outset, residents have been closely involved in shaping the plans.
The research report shows that Clapham Park has many strengths. Compared with similar areas, Clapham Park residents are more likely to be satisfied with their neighbourhood, feel a strong sense of belonging, plan to stay long term, feel they can influence local decisions, and have a feeling of neighbourliness, including regularly speaking with neighbours.
The report also revealed that most residents are happy living in Clapham Park, with 72% satisfied with their neighbourhood. At a time of concern about divisions between communities in the UK, it is promising that 74% agree people from different backgrounds get on well together. Despite Lambeth being the fifth most densely populated area in the country, two-thirds of residents are satisfied with the quality of green spaces.
The research also highlighted challenges that MTVH and Vistry are addressing. Compared with similar areas, Clapham Park residents are more likely to feel dissatisfied with local facilities such as shops, leisure and health services, and to experience social isolation or feel unsafe after dark. In response, the regeneration will include spaces for informal socialising across generations, upgraded street lighting, improved crossings and paths, and traffic speed reduction measures.
Residents pointed to limited places to meet, shop or relax, so the new Kings Avenue hub will bring retail and leisure facilities to the heart of the neighbourhood, along with a community centre.
Other feedback focused on rubbish and green space, so MTVH and Vistry are improving waste collection, launching anti-fly tipping campaigns, and creating 4 hectares of green space including a 300m-long linear park with play and sport areas.
As the regeneration progresses, residents’ voices will continue to shape Clapham Park, an area people feel strong affection for. As one respondent said: “I’ve lived here all my life…it’s pretty much the only place I’ve known. I’ve grown very fond of it”.
Mel Barrett, MTVH Chief Executive, said: “At MTVH residents’ voices influence all our decisions and this comprehensive report is just one of the ways that we listen to our residents at Clapham Park. Successful regeneration is about working together with residents to improve life chances and build communities where people thrive, without losing the character that came before. This research highlights the positive impact of regeneration on individuals, families and the community, and its testament to the positive impact of resident-led partnerships. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved in Clapham Park, and I believe that it can be a blueprint for place-based regeneration in London and beyond.”
Nick Churcher, Managing Director for Vistry West London, said: “Our approach to the Clapham Park regeneration is rooted in listening to residents and acting on what matters most to them. With MTVH, we’re not just building high-quality, affordable homes; we’re creating a safer, more inclusive neighbourhood shaped by the people who live here. This latest social impact assessment builds on our experience at Acton Gardens, where we’ve been reporting for over a decade, demonstrating our long-term commitment to creating places where communities thrive.”
The Clapham Park Residents Committee brings together residents, councillors, MTVH and Countryside Homes for quarterly meetings and is well-attended by the community. As such, this research has been crucial for monitoring sentiment of residents, allowing the plans to be focused on their feedback.
Currently the partners are delivering two phases of the regeneration. Phase 2, which is delivering 520 homes, is partially handed over and will be fully complete in Q1 2026, and Phase 3, delivering a further 323 homes including 250 affordable homes, has first handovers due to take place in the first half of 2026. To date, over 1,500 new homes have been delivered by MTVH and Countryside Partnerships, of which 73% are affordable.