Kidbrooke Regeneration & Berkeley
The demolition of the Ferrier Estate was initiated in 2010, following plans from the Greenwich Council in 1999 to regenerate the estate into Kidbrooke Village, a £1 billion project with Berkeley heading the development. 5 distinct neighbourhoods were envisioned that could integrate into one community. Today, Kidbrooke Village is home to over 5000 homes and provides residents with green spaces, a community hub, and food and entertainment spaces, recreating the same sense of community the Ferrier Estate had established long before.​
Art for Kidbrooke
Further information on the history of Kidbrooke and the Ferrier Estate can be found on the Art4Kidbrooke blog, which documents the involvement of Thomas Tallis School and other local groups in the community through events and showcases. Archival images and documents dating back to the 80's can also be found on the website as well as photos taken by Jon Nicholls.
Rosa Gonçalves – A Heart of the Ferrier Estate
Rosa Gonçalves was more than a community leader—she was the heart of the Ferrier Estate during some of its most challenging times. As president of FRAG (Ferrier Residents’ Action Group), Rosa stood up for residents' rights and made sure their voices were heard as the estate underwent a major regeneration project. She raised concerns about housing, community displacement, and the impact of the redevelopment on families who had lived there for years.
But Rosa's leadership wasn’t only about advocacy—it was about celebration and connection too. In 2003, she led the Ferrier Feast Day, a joyful event created to bring people together, celebrate cultural identity, and remind residents of the strength of their community. What began as a local gathering grew into a vibrant annual tradition. In 2004, Rosa invited Thomas Tallis School to take part. Unknown to her, the students had been working with the Paraíso School of Samba (Samba Xchange project), and they surprised Rosa with a powerful, joyful samba performance, honouring her Brazilian heritage and celebrating her commitment to the community. That same day, she met the Brazilian founders of TARU, sparking a lasting partnership that would lead to creative projects across the estate.
Rosa continued to work closely with TARU and others to bring meaningful, creative activities to Ferrier residents, culminating in the 2008 Ferrier Feast Carnival Parade, which brought together hundreds of children, artists, samba dancers, and neighbours in a vibrant celebration of culture and unity.Rosa’s legacy lives on in every project she helped inspire. She believed in people, in culture, and in the power of community to face change with strength and joy. Her dedication, warmth, and leadership left an indelible mark on the Ferrier Estate and on everyone who had the privilege of working with her.
