Industry News
SBD ‘SHOWCASE COMMU
» A COMPLEX REDEVELOPMENT OF A
deprived and crime-troubled housing
estate in East London, which initially
failed to include crime prevention within
the design, has been transformed into
a Secured by Design (SBD) showcase
community to benefit current and future
generations – thanks to the intervention
of Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs)
from the Metropolitan Police.
The Bow Square Garden regeneration
on the site of the former 1960s Burdett
Estate in Tower Hamlets was declared
winner of SBD’s Large Development
Award 2020 (for over 100 properties) at
SBD’s ATLAS national training event for
Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs).
DOCO Christine Keen, of the
Metropolitan Police, who worked with
architects and developers to incorporate
SBD principles into the development,
was presented with her Award by Stephen
Watson QPM, National Police Chiefs’
Council Lead for Crime Prevention, and
Helen Ball, Assistant Commissioner
(Professionalism), Metropolitan Police.
The estate had suffered from limited
and irregular investment over many
years and was beset by crime and antisocial
behaviour. This led to a decline in
community pride and feelings of safety
and well-being.
The regeneration scheme would involve
the demolition of existing tower blocks,
primary school, mosque and community
centre.
With the architects and developers
initially reluctant to engage with SBD
because crime prevention measures
may look unsightly and create a fortress
mentality, pre-planning stage designs
focused primarily on ‘artistic appearance’
to retain aspects of the original estate, and
functionality of each of its parts.
However, there was nothing to define
or encourage community ownership,
distinguish private and semi-private
spaces or protect residential blocks and
communal spaces. Police were concerned
that additional criminal and anti-social
behaviour would result.
After many DOCO and partnership
meetings, it was agreed to embrace SBD
crime prevention principles and practices
and achieve SBD standards. Positive
security-led engagemen
the new community foc
throughout the entire b
Although each area w
development had differ
requirements and phys
parties involved in the p
now working towards a
sustainable community
to everyone and would
for future generations.
Many important chan
made to the original de
visibility, define legitim
areas, ensure security b
reduce the fear of crime
behaviour. These includ
• widening entrance
community buildin
with additional ligh
of paving to define
space; and enhanc
doors
• side access and rec
reduced and remo
with additional sec
controlled gates an
• additional layers o
height of fencing a
controlled areas to
policing problems
neighbours
• low walls, gates and
defensible space at
properties
• secure recycle and
16
MAY/JUN 2020
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