History

The Fairacre estate was originally owned by the Housing Partnership (New Malden) Ltd. Designed by an innovative group of architects called The Architects Co-Operative Partnership (ACP), Fairacre was completed in the mid 1960’s.

The members of the ACP had trained together in the 1930’s at the Architectural Association (AA), during which time students had been introduced to the works of Le Corbusier and Walter Gropius. Many were influenced by the Modernist philosophy and approach to design – in particular, those who were to become members of the ACP.

Founded in 1939, the Partnership continued to develop after the end of World War 2. The ethos of the group was based not only on the idea of a co-operative approach to architectural practice but also, on that of undertaking work which was considered ‘socially useful’. This was predominately in the areas of housing, health and education.

In the 1950’s and ‘60’s the ACP worked on several housing projects, and made a considerable contribution to design and development for the housing association movement. Prior to designing Fairacre, the Partnership had designed an interesting estate of houses and flats in Wimbledon, known as Roundacre.

Following the passing of the Housing Act 1980, in which the Right to Buy scheme was introduced, Housing Partnership (New Malden) Ltd was entitled to sell the fourteen houses at Fairacre as freehold properties. Fairacre Management Limited (FML) was incorporated in 1981 partly to facilitate the sales and to purchase the freehold of the Fairacre grounds, outbuildings and the ten flats. Leases of 999 years were sold to occupiers of the flats in residence at the time, and the ‘House Owners’ and ‘Flat Owners’ became the Shareholders of the company. Its other primary role subsequently was to manage the flats and grounds in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

There is increasing interest in the heritage of mid-20th century architecture and in particular, in the style of ‘brutalist’ architecture as represented on the Fairacre estate. This, together with the accompanying increase in asset value of the property, makes it important to preserve the unique characteristics and integrity of this estate.

For further information:

• modernarchitecturelondon.com/buildings/roundacre-estate.php
• www.housingpartnershipll.co.uk/about-us/history
• Also in paperback…British Design: Tradition and Modernity After 1948 (Bloomsbury Press)