Phase one of a multi-million pound regeneration project in Wolverhampton has gained national recognition for its success in ‘designing out crime
The Heath Town estate development in the east of the city of Wolverhampton not only received the prestigious Gold Secured by Design Award in 2023, but was a Highly Commended Medium Development at this year’s Secured by Design ATLAS Awards.
Built in the 1960s, the estate’s skyline was once dominated by decaying tower blocks and Heath Town had become synonymous with crime and anti-social behaviour. Transformation has seen vacant buildings demolished and replaced with 40 new council houses, a mix of two and four bedroom homes, alongside major improvements to existing residential blocks by Wolverhampton Homes. The development has been recognised for its strategic urban planning aimed at deterring crime and enhancing community safety.
Wolverhampton Homes and City of Wolverhampton Council have long recognised the benefits of ‘designing out crime’ and are strong supporters of Secured by Design. The Heath Town project was led by West Midlands Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) Tarkan Mehmet-Ali, who collaborated closely with Wolverhampton Homes, the council’s senior planning officer, architects and the developers Equans. He advised on layout and environmental design along with overseeing the integration of Police Preferred Specification products such as secure doors, locks and windows into the development.
The Heath Town Tenants and Residents Association also played an important role in the development, actively suggesting improvements across the sites on Hobgate Road and Tithe Croft, advocating for affordable family homes with parking spaces as well as play areas and improved security. Their significant input has also fostered a stronger sense of community pride and well-being.
From the project’s inception, Officer Mehmet-Ali provided invaluable expertise and guidance throughout, from the planning stages through to the moment the first residents received the keys to their new homes. During the review stage, he identified that gates, approved in the original design phase to increase security measures had been omitted. He promptly made recommendations which were quickly implemented by the developers.
Receiving the award, Designing Out Crime Officer Tarkan Mehmet-Ali said “Receiving this award is a testament to the support and collective work we have done with City of Wolverhampton Council which highlights their continued dedication to creating safe and sustainable communities within the city. This award not only validates the efficacy of our collaborative approach but also sets a high standard for future endeavours as we continue to work hand in hand with the Council to build a brighter, safer, and more prosperous future for all who call Wolverhampton home”.
Councillor Steve Evans, City of Wolverhampton Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for City Housing, said: “One of our key priorities is to increase the number of good homes in well-connected neighbourhoods across the city. Part of that is about providing access to a safe and secure home for residents – and this latest Secured by Design honour is testament to the work we are doing in this area with the support of the police. Through engagement with Heath Town residents we listened to their concerns about anti-social behaviour and crime and proactively worked with them to develop safe and secure homes.”
Implementing ‘Designing out Crime’ strategies are already working in Heath Town. Between 2021 and 2023 only one crime was reported, a verbal altercation over a car park space, and no other crimes were documented.
West Midlands Police Force Design Out Crime & Crime Reduction Manager, Mark Silvester, said: “We are immensely proud that the Heath Town Phase One development has received this recognition from the Secured by Design Awards Panel. The award really highlights nationally the commitment between West Midlands Police and City of Wolverhampton Council to create safe and secure homes in the city.”
Plans are underway to construct 150 more new home on the estate over the coming years aiming to further transform the area to enhance security and community well-being.
What is Secured by Design?
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.
SBD’s product based accreditation scheme – the Police Preferred Specification – provides a recognised standard for all security products that can deter and reduce crime.
There are currently many hundreds of companies producing thousands of attack resistant crime prevention products, across 30 different crime categories, which have achieved Police Preferred Specification.
Improved security
Developers around the UK can achieve SBD awards for incorporating crime prevention measures and techniques into their developments in all kinds of building sectors, such as residential, education, health, transport, commercial, retail, sport and leisure. Indeed, SBD can be used as evidence to discharge third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations, the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 (Security) and Welsh Building Regulations Part Q (Security – Dwellings). These awards are gained by working with police Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs), who advise architects, developers and local authority planners long before construction begins – and continue to provide advice and guidance until the development is complete.
Academic and other research shows that improving standards of security in brand new and refurbished properties, helps deter and reduce crime. Reducing crime and the fear of crime has direct links to better physical and mental well-being, such as with regard to high volume crimes like domestic abuse.
The built environment influences the behaviour of people who work, live, socialise or simply pass through. SBD seeks to create environments where the law-abiding feel safe and secure whilst at the same time causing the criminal or anti-social to feel vulnerable to detection and thereby influence behaviour in a positive way. This continues to be a key objective for SBD.
Find out more about SBD Developers Awards here.
The post Award winning council homes in Wolverhampton set a new standard for safety and well being appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
