Collier Row estate will not be renamed to mark royal occasion and will instead get new community centre
Highfield estate is to be redeveloped by the council - Credit: Archant
Controversial plans to rename housing blocks after Commonwealth nations in celebration of the Queen becoming Britain’s longest reigning monarch have been dropped after a public backlash.
Instead Hillrise estate, in Highfield Road, Collier Row, will receive a new state-of-the-art community centre named after Her Majesty.
A £1.85million refurbishment of the estate began in April, which included repairing balconies, redecorating communal block entrances, modernising existing door entry systems and creating new green spaces for families to enjoy.
The renaming of the housing blocks after Commonwealth countries was announced with this programme, but was opposed by the borough’s residents many of who felt the £130,000 plan would be a waste of money in a time of austerity.
The idea even prompted one women to write to the Queen voicing her objections.
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Leader of the council, Cllr Roger Ramsey, said that the council has listened to this feedback and changed its plans.
The new, bigger, community facility will have the capacity to be used for a variety of events and activities from sports to parties and even wedding receptions.
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Cllr Damien White, deputy leader of the Council and Lead member for Housing said:
“It’s only right that we celebrate Her Majesty for her incredible service to our country, and naming the new community centre in her honour is the perfect way to do this. I’m confident that residents will agree.”
The estate refurbishment will also see the existing community centre upgraded.
