Blenheim Court Estate Improvements

Security improvements

Over the past few months, our officers have been working hard behind the scenes to explore additional alternative security and environmental measures and improvements.

The Community Safety Team have been working with Parkguard and Safer Neighbourhood Team officers to increase high‑visibility patrols in the most affected locations. Please see an update from the team in the important documents section on this page.

Below are the proposed measures and solutions we plan to implement, based on the key recommendations from the recent Environmental Visual Audit.

1. CCTV – Proposed Measures

5 Temporary cameras have now been installed in the most vulnerable areas of the estate. These cameras will remain in place for 12–18 months to act both as a deterrent and to support evidence gathering for the Police and Community Safety Team. As these are temporary cameras there are no associated charges to residents.

2. Lighting and Visibility – Proposed Improvements

We have repaired some lighting across the estate to improve visibility and reduce potential hiding spots. Mirrors have been installed in stairwells to help residents see who is approaching and this will continue to be reviewed in terms of its effectiveness.

We have also installed blue lighting across all eight stairwells. While we recognise that this may feel less effective than warm lighting, the purpose is to create an environment that discourages drug use and reduces loitering. These measures will continue to be monitored to assess their effectiveness.

3. Controlled Access – Proposed Measures

Since our last letter, we have been exploring locking options with the electrical and mechanical team. It has been recommended that the most suitable option is a mechanical pin coded lock. Additional lighting will be installed to ensure there is visibility to the keypad. Please see proposed lock illustration can be found in the important documents section.

Orders have been raised for five new pin code gates at the street facing entrances that are most at risk of unauthorised access. The lead time on these is around 6-8 weeks. Residents will receive further communication once the gates have been manufactured and a programme of works confirmed.

Once installed, residents will receive the pin code so they can continue to access their blocks easily. We will monitor how effective the gates are in reducing antisocial behaviour and unauthorised entry, and will review their placement, usage and overall impact using resident feedback and security data. Visitors and deliveries will be able to access the estate upper floors via the open internal stairwells.

4. Estate Environment/Play – Proposed Improvements

We are planning improvements to the communal play area to create a safer and more welcoming space for children and families. We have been working with a play contractor to develop Initial ideas and would like to invite you to a pop-up event to gather your feedback. As mentioned previously, this will be held on Tuesday 7^th July 2026 – 3-6pm. We are very keen to include accessible equipment and sensory play so any ideas you have would be most welcome.

Tenants and Residents Association (TRA)

We are also exploring the opportunity to establish a Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) for the Blenheim Estate. A TRA can play a vital role in shaping local priorities, strengthening community voice, and working collaboratively with the Council on estate improvements.
If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact the Resident Empowerment Team at: residentempowermentteam@islington.gov.uk

Lumber store improvements - The lumber area upgrades have been delivered.

We are monitoring and reviewing the current lumber capacity and exploring different design options for potential additional storage (as stated above).

Recycling area improvements - UPDATE - The recycling area upgrades have been delivered.

Following feedback from our recent drop-in session, we’ve reviewed and updated the estate’s recycling arrangements. Key improvements include:

• More recycling and refuse bins in new fire-proof enclosures with clearer signage
• Additional bin locations across the estate for easier access
• Accessible bin designs to support residents with disabilities
• Food waste recycling bins in most areas, with new enclosures to reduce odours and improve appearance

These changes aim to make recycling easier, more convenient, and more visually appealing.

You can view the case study by visiting the 'Important Documents' section located at the bottom of this page.