An estate in Thamesmead is getting a green revamp as a £3m Peabody project gets underway.

The South Thamesmead estate has been chosen as one of spaces that the housing association wants to improve.

The project is set to take around 10 months to complete and will include new lighting, paving and planting in two areas.

Award-winning landscape contractor, idverde, will deliver the project for Peabody which was designed in consultation with local residents.

The Parkview area will see new types of plants and shrubbery in the public courtyards, creating a new sustainable and attractive landscape around the pathways that connect the estate.

Extensive planting with small trees, planting beds and bulb planting within lawns will help to soften the main courtyards and improve the outdoor space close to people’s homes.

There will also be new seating areas and play equipment featuring sustainable timber structures and a rain garden for residents to enjoy.

The area around nearby Southmere lake will also be improved with new decking, seating, and a sculpture that doubles as lighting at night. Peabody will also be painting and repairing the railings around the lake.

The project forms part of Peabody’s plan to invest in the existing place and wider landscape strategy across the whole town.

This seeks to make the most of Thamesmead’s beautiful natural spaces, improving the quality of the public spaces, and parks and waterways so they can be better used.

To mitigate the disruption, idverde will carry the work out in stages over the next 10 months to make sure that not all of the walkways are closed off all at once.

They have also appointed a Resident Liaison Officer so that residents have a dedicated person to contact with any issues.

Dr Phil Askew, Director of Landscape and Placemaking at Peabody said: “Our plan for Parkview is to create attractive green spaces for the community by improving the landscape and pedestrian connections. "This is all based on what residents have told us they would like to see. Not only will the project help the area feel well managed and cared for, but will also improve the quality and the use of the spaces in and around the estate. We hope this will help to provide a more attractive space for residents to gather, relax and reconnect with nature.

"I’m pleased that works have now begun and look forward to seeing how the spaces develop in the months to come.”

Residents, schools and businesses in the area will be encouraged to give their opinions and their time to the project to ensure that opportunities for participation are maximised.