LUC collaborates with St George’s Estate residents to revitalise urban spaces
LUC recently harnessed its Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSER) time allowance to support residents of the St George’s Estate, near Waterloo, in transforming underused urban spaces into vibrant green community hubs.
The initiative, just 200 metres from LUC’s London office, aims to reconnect fragmented green areas and boost local biodiversity through innovative landscape design.
From chance encounter to community partnership
The project began when LUC’s Adrian Wikeley met St George’s Estate residents at a consultation event last summer. The group shared ambitious ideas to convert disused roads and hard surfaces into green spaces but lacked the design expertise to shape their vision into fundable proposals.
Recognising an opportunity to give back, LUC’s design team joined forces with urban design group Create Streets to develop detailed sketches and visuals.
These plans will now form the foundation of funding applications to Lambeth Council, Southwark Council, and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Designing a resilient future
Key features of the proposal include:
- Rain gardens and tree planting to manage rainwater sustainably and link green spaces.
- Community orchards and seating areas to create inviting social hubs.
- Improved pedestrian routes by removing redundant buildings and rationalising fencing.
- Traffic calming measures, including raised crossings, reduced road widths and adopting ‘Home Zone’ principles to prioritise pedestrian safety.
Create Streets will soon publish the designs on its online engagement platform to rally community support and attract further funding.
Aligning with LUC’s values
As an Employee-Owned Trust, LUC champions collective responsibility. This project embodies the LUC Charter’s ethos: empowering staff to “make a difference” while fostering spirited, socially driven workplaces.
By sharing skills with the St George’s Estate, LUC advances its CSER objectives, including strengthening local communities, supporting sustainable development, and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Projects like this remind us that urban greening isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating resilient, connected communities,” said Jon Bannister, Associate Director of Landscape Architecture at LUC.
“Our team relished the chance to translate their expertise into tangible benefits for neighbours right on our doorstep.”
A blueprint for change
The St George’s Estate initiative demonstrates how collaboration between professionals and residents can turn ambitious ideas into actionable plans.
For LUC, it underscores the value of embedding social and environmental responsibility into everyday work—proving that giving back enriches both communities and the team behind the designs.
