How we work with local authorities

Case study: London Borough of Brent, Queen’s Park

Client: London Borough of Brent
Project type: commercial
Property type: social housing estates
Duration: 4 years (ongoing)
Guardians: 104
Properties: 141
Inspections: 762
Client savings: > 400,000
Social impact: > 5,600 hours of volunteering, or the equivalent of > £87k worth of social value

Our partnership with London Borough of Brent began in April 2021. The regeneration of the South Kilburn area is a 15-year project aiming to deliver over 2,400 new homes as part of a sustainable and mixed neighbourhood. As flats are vacated to prepare blocks for demolition they are left empty and  are  at risk of becoming the target of anti-social behaviour. With fewer people in the blocks, maintenance issues may take longer to be spotted; a problem that impacts on existing residents.

Housing property guardians  to mindfully and effectively live in the empty flats has meant that repairs and ASB occurrences have been  reported directly to us and resolved fast. From reporting heating, hot water and electrical issues, to break ins, graffiti and squatting, the Dot Dot Dot team and our guardians are working together to  revitalise Brent’s buildings and ensure that the neighbourhood is a safe place to live.

In 2024 so far, guardians housed in the London Borough of Brent have volunteered for over 3000 hours in their local area. Aside from guardians’ volunteering for established charities, there has been direct involvement in the local neighbourhood. Good causes have included, collecting food parcels for neighbours, hosting a book club for those who are new to London and love reading, and organising a tea party for the elderly.

Dot Dot Dot  are currently working closely with LB Brent to take on more properties in the borough. Our guardians will continue to increase footfall around empty buildings, provide a regular presence and give unloved flats and the surrounding area a new lease of life