Kingston- Living near Cambridge Estate

[syall]

Hi all,

After some advice on living in South Kingston/Norbiton. Specifically we have found a lovely house but it is on a road that is very close to the big council estate. Well within budget (obviously for the reason above), with a chance to put our own stamp on it, and having been viewing small houses with small gardens in North Kingston/Surbiton it's definitely something we're considering. However I am concerned about living so close to the Cambridge Estate. Does anyone live nearby, and would you choose to live that close?

DH is from Kingston and knows the area, he doesn't seem that bothered as it's a nice road, a good family vibe and just about separated from the estate, but I still have some concerns. Does anyone who lives round there have any problems with anti-social behaviour from the estate? How is it raising a family nearby?

Advice would be much appreciated!

I used to live in surbiton not Kingston but I wouldn't live near the Cambridge road if I could choose, I think it's really run down and lots of kids hanging around, noise and traffic. I like norbiton and more towards Kingston hospital but definitely as far away from Cambridge road as possible. I'd say that's the worst part of Kingston by a mile.

It’s very close to the sewage works too, isn’t it? And close to hospital- have you checked for ambulance sirens?

If you’re planning on having children, are you bothered about schools?

I can see why North Kingston or Surbiton would cost a lot more for a comparable house.

I live in Kingston, not right next to the estate, but not too far. The Cambridge state is going to be redeveloped, not sure when and what shape it will take, but worth looking at the plans. I know a few families who live between the estate and the cemetery and I have never heard them complain about the estate. I agree that living near the Kingston Road would not be nice, but Rowlls Road, Piper Road, Bonner Hill Road, etc, are fine.
Cambridge Estate regeneration

Thanks all-
@anboto the house is actually on Bonner Hill Road, and away from Hawks and Cambridge road so seems very quiet. I'm more worried about any anti-social behaviour spilling over, and potentially the walk back from the station at night. Good to know that other families there haven't had any problems.

@JoJoSM2 I hadn't considered sirens and sewage works, I was more worried about being away from the dump! Will definitely go and have a listen/smell to see if anything is noticeable.

I just looked up the road and it’s v close to the sewage works. You’ll definitely get smells sometimes depending on wind and weather. I think it’s worse in summer than winter.

I'm not sure I'd want to cross the Fairfield at night (if it's Kingston station you'd be using). If you can afford it, N Kingston albeit a smaller house will undoubtedly be a better investment and also a much nicer place to live.

I really would visit at different times of the day and week to make sure you are happy with the location. It's a bit of a double whammy with the Cambridge Estate PLUS the Sewage works.

I used to work near there and the Cambridge Estate does get a bad press and honestly it would put me off. Then factor in the sewage treatment works and Summer heat and it would be a no from me. But if you keep visiting and keep your eyes open to everything then you can try to ascertain whether it is a compromise too far for you or not.

Which road? The roads towards Coombe/the hospital might be fine, others not so much. I haven’t noticed any sewage smells at all there in a decade.

Sorry I’ve just noticed you said Bonner Hill Rd! I have had a friend who lived there. I wouldn’t have thought you would have any problems from the estate per se, but the local shops are quite run down and the local park is etc. Having said that, it’s a family area and perfectly nice in the main.

@syall, I can give you a bit more detail if still interested.

I live across the cemetery from Bonner Hill Road. A few years ago there was some smell from the sewage works, but nothing since then. It is not a problem for the people who live nearby. If anything, it is the occasional smell from the tip and sometimes noise from it that you notice in the summer.
I find that people from North Kingston always think it is much nicer there, which it is, but the area around Fairfield is fine too. I used to worry about crossing the Fairfield at night, but now that I walk my (not scary)dog at all hours there I don't anymore.
Regarding the local shops, they are not amazing, although the local post office has been refurbished and looks quite smart, and our local one has been really good through out the pandemic.
You do see people occasionally looking a bit worse for wear (drunk) walking up/down Hawks Road, but generally they keep themselves to themselves and I don't feel threatened by them.
When I hear about anti-social behaviour tends to be by students, mainly when they are walking back to their accommodation late at night.
There are lots of families in the area, and Kingston in general is very good for families. The area has the advantage that it is close to both Kingston and Norbiton stations.
I appreciate I might not have painted a great picture of the area, but I wanted to highlight the worst, which is not that bad, I think, considering it is still a London Borough.