Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB trains construction workforce at Building Lives Academy

The 11-week training course prepared participants aged 16 to 24 for jobs in construction and logistics. Project partner Willmott Dixon received a social investment lease to use council-owned properties for hands-on learning experiences. Building Lives Academy students completed courses on digital and job-related skills through the London Learning Consortium. Program graduates were ready for full-time employment and apprenticeships integral to the borough's growth.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB switches to parking permits based on vehicle emissions

Council officials previously used seven residential permit ranges based on vehicle class. The first-in-the-UK approach uses a price per gram of carbon dioxide emitted to encourage low-emission vehicles. Permit holders achieve savings over the previous scheme if they drive hybrid, electric, and alternative-fuel vehicles. An annual assessment by the council will adjust prices based on vehicles on the market and owned in the borough.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB installs acoustic camera to combat noise pollution

An acoustic camera on Sloane Street activates when a passing vehicle exceeds the legal sound limit of 80 decibels. The camera captures noise levels and video footage of the offending vehicle. Borough officials issue a warning for the driver's first offense followed by fines of up to £2,500 for additional offenses. Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea is the first local government in the United Kingdom to operate its own acoustic camera.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB improves connectivity at Portobello Market with free Wi-Fi

The council worked with Insmartcities to add high-speed Wi-Fi access to the market. Patrons and shop owners can connect at speeds up to 2 gigabytes per second. This connectivity upgrade facilitates cashless payment systems at market stalls. Borough officials promoted public Wi-Fi use by encouraging social media posts with the #PortobelloFreeWifi tag. The pre-outbreak investment coincided with distancing and bike-sharing investments to buoy Portobello Market.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB extends e-bike delivery pilot in response to pandemic

The council initially financed 10 free hours of rides per week through e-cargobikes.com to reduce delivery emissions. Two pharmacies and the community group Bay20 used these hours to deliver essential goods following the first COVID-19 cases. An additional five pharmacies registered their interest in the program to handle increased deliveries. Borough officials approved an expansion of the pilot to 31 free hours each week due to its initial success.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB pilots affordable housing program for essential workers

Fourteen apartments were selected by the council for the 12-month Key Worker Accommodation Pilot. The program was available to National Health Service employees and local teachers who lived and worked in the borough. Qualifying applicants for the affordably priced units earned between £20,000 and £60,000 per year. Borough officials will use pilot data to shape a future key worker housing plan with multiple rental length options.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB reduces burglaries with Smart Safer Secure Homes Project

Participating landlords and property agents receive recommendations on anti-burglary technology and design from the council. The property survey requires a 120-pound application fee and is conducted by a borough-certified Crime Prevention Design Advisor. Properties making upgrades at their own expense receive certificates of completion that show their commitment to tenant safety.

RB

Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, GB

United Kingdom