The Welsh Streets Home Group, past present and future…

The Welsh Streets Home Group was formed in 2004 by some 20 neighbours who discovered their homes were included in what would be the biggest land clearances since the 1960’s. Their  combined efforts brought together over 200  residents from across the proposed clearance site,  all unwilling to see their  homes and community  destroyed. The Welsh Streets Home Group connected with other local  groups opposed to demolition and to the national campaign co-ordinated by Homes Under Threat (WSL HUT)

The WSHG in action…

The Welsh Streets Home Group conducted surveys, met other campaign groups, photographed the houses, wrote letters, sought advice, lobbied and learned about urban design. They ran local planting schemes and had the occasional party to celebrate holding off the bulldozers. They promoted the renovation and ‘retro-eco-refit’ of the streets feeling  that this approach offered environmental, economic and social benefits. Eventually they attracted interest  from Housing Cop-ops, not-for-profit organisations, investors, and families who offered the financial and administrative means to refurbish the Welsh Streets, and from innovative urban designers and engineers all interested in making the place desirable and affordable with a mixture of new and old homes.