Blenheim Court Estate Improvements

Security improvements - Update March 2026

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

Temporary cameras will be installed in the most vulnerable areas of the estate, with installation expected to begin in May. 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. A separate letter from the Community Safety Team will provide full details of the CCTV rollout. As these are temporary cameras there are no associated charges to residents.Please see more detailed information in the important documents section on the right menu bar on this page (Blenheim March 26 Estate Improvement Ideas).

2. Lighting and Visibility – Proposed Improvements

We are enhancing lighting across all eight stairwells to improve visibility and reduce potential hiding spots. Mirrors have already been installed in three stairwells to help residents see who is approaching, and we are considering adding more based on feedback and ongoing site assessments. We have also reviewed other dark or poorly lit areas around the estate and identified locations where additional lighting is needed. These improvements are scheduled to be installed in April. Please see more detailed information in the important documents section on the right menu bar on this page (Blenheim March 26 Estate Improvement Ideas).

3. Controlled Access – Proposed Measures

We will be installing five new pin‑code gates at the street‑facing entrances that are most at risk of unauthorised access. Once installed, residents will receive the 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 internal stairwells. Please see more detailed information in the important documents section on the right menu bar on this page (Blenheim March 26 Estate Improvement Ideas).

4. Estate Environment/Play – Proposed Improvements

We are exploring proposals to add an additional lumber store inside the estate and exploring new design options to reduce misuse and improve safety. We are also planning improvements to the communal play area to create a safer and more welcoming space for children and families, with further engagement taking place alongside the security programme. In the longer term, we will be looking at landscaping and environmental design across the estate to encourage natural surveillance and more positive use of communal areas which will include additional seating. Please see more detailed information in the important documents section on the right menu bar on this page (Blenheim March 26 Estate Improvement Ideas).

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.