History of Broadwater Farm

Tower block

Below is a list of some of the key dates in Broadwater Farm’s history from its construction to the present day showing just how much things have changed!

 

Timeline

Date

Event

1967Construction of the estate, to provide 1063 properties, begins, and will be fully occupied by 1973. A key feature is a system of walkways linking all blocks at first floor (deck) level.  No habitable rooms are provided at ground level due to the high water table.
1976Design faults and lack of amenities become apparent. Fifty three per cent of tenants refuse offers of accommodation at Broadwater Farm and there is a long queue of existing tenants waiting to be transferred from it.
1981The process of re-generation begins and it is spearheaded by residents.
1983Neighbourhood Office opens. Housing services staff are based on the estate to deal with day-to-day housing issues.
1985Tensions between the youth and the police give rise to civil disturbances. Broadwater Farm’s notorious image of a violent and troubled estate begins to form.
1987Broadwater Farm Residents’ Association formed.
1990Ecumenical Group is formed, following monthly prayer meetings since 1985 at Moselle School and then at the estate’s social club.
1992The Broadwater Community Centre and the Broadwater Farm Enterprise Centre open.
1993Urban regeneration funds amounting to £33 million are allocated to start an 8-year Estate Action Programme to renovate the estate.
1996Mr. Motivator opens Broadwater Farm Community Health Centre.
Ghana Union formed.
1997Better Life for Women and Families formed.
2000Opportunities Centre opens.
2001Haringey Council moves towards neighbourhood management in response to the Government’s National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal. The Council undergoes a major restructuring, establishing a new division for Neighbourhood Management.  Broadwater Farm is identified as a priority neighbourhood.
2002

Estate Action Programme (EAP) ends.
A community development worker for Broadwater Farm is appointed and is based at the Neighbourhood Office.

First Annual General Meeting of Broadwater Farm Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) takes place. The TMO is in its development stage and not yet operational.
Ghanaian Cultural Community Group is formed.

2003

Newlon Housing Trust build 12 houses on land purchased from Haringey Council. Work begins on a 104 place nursery / children’s centre. The Enterprise Centre submits a bid In partnership with the local community and the council, under the Community Economic Development programme, to refurbish and extend its premises and to offer support and opportunities for job seekers and the self employed. Better Life for Women and Families submits a bid under the same programme to provide childcare training. Broadwater Women’s Forum is formed on 8th March - International Women’s Day. Following consultation with local residents, a road on the new site is named ‘Grant Close’, in memory of the late Bernie Grant MP.

African Cultural Group and United Support of People in Need Association are formed.

2004Work begins on a 104 place nursery / children’s centre. The Enterprise Centre submits a bid in partnership with the local community and the council, under the Community Economic Development programme, to refurbish and extend its premises and to offer support and opportunities for job seekers and the self employed. Better Life for Women and Families submits a bid under the same programme to provide childcare training. Broadwater Women’s Forum is formed on 8th March - International Women’s Day.
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Page Last Updated: 20 November 2008

This page belongs to the following categories :
- Community and living
- Community and living > Neighbourhood and village

 
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three children smiling

Did you know?

Our lawnmowers mow over 250 acres a week - the equivalent of 200 football pitches