The £2 billion regeneration of Elephant and Castle (london, UK) has already created 500 jobs through a ground-breaking project to get disadvantaged Londoners back into work.
A total of 6,000 jobs will be created as the deprived south London zone is transformed by the Elephant Park scheme.
The 15-year project is being carried out by developer Lendlease and Southwark council with a priority to help local people return to employment.
The scheme, on the site of the run-down Heygate estate that has now been demolished, includes 3,000 homes surrounded by trees and outdoor communal areas as well as shops and cafés.
The Lendlease Be Onsite non-profit organisation aims to help people get their lives back on track through offering employment opportunities in the property industry.
Yusuf Kamara, 35, from Elephant and Castle, was given work and training by the charity on the project after a two- year jail sentence for a drug offence.
Mr Kamara, a building site lift operator, said: “I knew I wanted a job in construction — but it was the Be Onsite team who helped me to make that a reality. I’ve gained a trade, learnt new skills, and am now even being asked to help train new recruits. The process has been completely transformative for me. I have a job I enjoy and am now able to provide a good life for my family.”