The South Westminster Renewal Partnership (SWRP) is one of Westminster’s Local Area Renewal Partnerships (LARPs). It focuses on reducing disadvantage in five wards in the southern part of the City (Churchill, Tachbrook, Vincent Square, Warwick and the southern part of St James’s ward).
SWRP covers a large area, with extreme wealth and poverty sitting side by side. Over half the properties are social housing and there are also a large number of hostels in the area.
Since it was established in 2002, SWRP has successfully raised awareness of local issues and needs, and worked with the local community and service providers to develop and deliver a Renewal Plan (published in January 2005) to improve local services.
The SWRP team is working with partners to develop a new renewal plan for south Westminster, which is due to be completed in summer 2008.
The work of the SWRP can be split into three main areas – understanding local priorities, bringing people together, and improving information and local services.
South Westminster Community website
The SWRP has created a community website, which acts as a hub for community based activity in south Westminster and aims to improve access to services and opportunities for local people.
The partnership also supports Ondablock, a website developed and maintained by a group of young people, for their peers living in the area.
Key aims of the SWRP
· Improve the local environment.
· Tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
· Tackle local unemployment and ensure all residents have access to basic skills training.
· Improve the quality of life on housing estates.
· Reduce health inequalities.
· Provide facilities for children, young people and parents.
· Provide recreational and play facilities for children and young people.
· Strengthen understanding and tolerance of different communities by bringing residents of all ages and backgrounds together.