Active Community

Due to the bad state of the grounds and swimming pool in the 1970’s, a group of residents cleared brambles etc. from the inner grounds and re-laid the bowling green. The swimming pool was cleaned and repainted and since then residents have been running the pool. Every year, usually around May, the pool is cleaned and re-painted by residents, ready for the summer.

Selling of Freehold

In the mid 1990’s, the property was split into three separate freeholds by the previous owner, Plustrade. The three freeholds were the group of flats 1-15, the group of flats 16-57 (and lodge above the entrance garages) and the former squash court.

The two groups of flats were purchased by Centro Group (who carried out the maintenance work at the time and still do) and the squash court was sold at auction to a property developer. This has since had major redevelopment to convert it into a house. The freehold for the squash court is completely independent from the rest of the development, so only has access rights to the property from the main road. It doesn’t have any rights to the communal grounds of Kingfisher Court.

Grade II Listed Status

Due to it’s new-found state of repair and much improved condition, residents John and Veronica Broomfield and Sheena Clarke, put in much time and effort to get Kingfisher Court listed by English Heritage as it is such a good example of architecture from its time. English Heritage agreed and the site became Grade II listed (to see a copy of the application to English Heritage click here

)

Resident’s Association

The residents of Kingfisher Court care passionately about where they live and there is a strong sense of community. In August 2001 a group of residents formed the Kingfisher Court Residents’ Association (KCRA) to enable residents to have a greater say in the work carried out at Kingfisher Court. It meets regularly and takes an active role in all matters affecting Kingfisher Court, liaising with the freeholder/management company on a regular basis.

Swimming Pool and Fountain

In 1999-2000 the swimming pool pump and filter workings were renewed/replaced.

For many years the fountain by the swimming pool did not work, but in 2002 determined residents Tony Harrison, Nick Sutton, Pete Stansfield and John Broomfield managed to repair the fountain and get it back into working order. Once again it is now a much enjoyed feature during the summer months.

(left) the fountain in the 1960’s before it stopped working, and (right) repaired in 2002 after a long period of inactivity (pictured with residents Tony Harrison and Pete Stansfield)