Connecting neighbours, celebrating history, building our future together since 1915
Progress Estate is more than just a collection of beautiful homes in SE9 – it's a thriving community with over a century of shared history and an incredibly bright future. Built in 1915 as one of Britain's first garden suburbs, our estate was designed to house the skilled workers of the Royal Arsenal, and today it continues to be home to families, professionals, and individuals who take pride in being part of something special.
From our diverse architectural heritage to the community green spaces where neighbours gather, Progress Estate embodies the very best of community living. Our residents represent a wonderful mix of long-time families who've called this place home for generations and newcomers who've been drawn to the unique character and strong community spirit that defines our neighbourhood.
This website was created by a new resident who moved to the Progress Estate in 2024 and quickly fell in love with its charm, history, and welcoming community. Working in IT, they wanted to use their technical skills to give something back and contribute positively to their new neighbourhood. They started this site as a way to bring people together, share useful information, and strengthen the bonds that make the Progress Estate such a special place to live.
Please bear in mind that whilst they may work in technology, they're certainly no website designer and lack any graphic design skills - so apologies in advance for the basic appearance! The focus has been on functionality and getting useful information to residents rather than creating something that looks polished. Any feedback or suggestions for improvement are always welcome.
Whether you're a long-standing resident or just settling in, this website is here to help you feel connected, informed, and proud to be part of the Progress Estate community.
This website was born from a simple but powerful idea: that well-informed communities are stronger communities. In our increasingly busy world, it's easy to miss out on the events, initiatives, and opportunities happening right on our doorstep. We believe that every resident deserves to know what's happening in their community, from the monthly coffee mornings that bring neighbours together to the local initiatives that make our estate an even better place to live.
Our mission is to serve as your go-to source for everything Progress Estate. Whether you're looking for information about upcoming community events, want to stay informed about local developments, or simply want to feel more connected to your neighbours, we're here to help bridge those connections and strengthen the bonds that make our community special.
One of the things that makes Progress Estate truly special is our rich calendar of community events. From our beloved annual May Day celebrations that bring the whole estate together, to our regular coffee mornings where new friendships are formed over a warm cup and friendly conversation, there's always something happening here.
We're proud to showcase events like our community timebank initiatives, where neighbours help neighbours, and our various seasonal celebrations that honour both our historic heritage and our modern community spirit. Our events section keeps you informed about everything from last-minute gatherings to major celebrations, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to connect with your community.
Finding reliable tradespeople can be one of the most challenging aspects of homeownership—but it doesn’t have to be. Our comprehensive trades directory is built on something rare and valuable: genuine recommendations from fellow Progress Estate residents who know and care about our community.
Every tradesperson listed has been personally recommended by neighbours who have experienced their work firsthand. Whether it's an emergency plumber or a gardener who understands exactly what's appropriate for maintaining the appearance of the conservation area, these are professionals our community trusts with its most important jobs.
We feature skilled experts across all trades—electricians, carpenters, decorators, gardeners and more. What sets our directory apart is the deep local knowledge and community accountability behind every listing. These aren’t just contractors from across London; they’re professionals who respect our heritage, understand our needs, and take pride in serving their neighbours.
Our directory also supports local professionals and strengthens our local economy. Many of the tradespeople listed are Progress Estate residents themselves.
This website thrives because of community contributions, and we warmly welcome your involvement in several ways:
Share Community News: If you know about upcoming events, community initiatives, or local news that would interest your neighbours, please reach out. We rely on residents like you to help us stay informed about everything happening in our community.
Recommend Trusted Trades: Have you worked with a tradesperson who provided exceptional service? Help your neighbours by sharing your positive experiences. Our recommendation process ensures that only genuinely trusted professionals are featured in our directory.
Organise Community Events: Thinking about organising a community gathering, workshop, or social event? We'd love to help promote it and connect you with other residents who might be interested in participating or helping out.
Share Your Progress Estate Story: Whether you're a long-time resident with fascinating stories about our estate's history or a newcomer with fresh perspectives on community life, we'd love to hear from you. Your experiences help paint the full picture of what makes our community special.
As we look towards the future, we see endless possibilities for Progress Estate. Our community has always been about progress – it's right there in our name – and that spirit of continuous improvement and mutual support continues to guide us today.
This website represents just one way we're working to strengthen our community bonds and make life better for everyone who calls Progress Estate home. Through better communication, stronger connections between neighbours, and support for local professionals, we're building a community that honours our historic past while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.
We invite you to be part of this ongoing story. Whether you've lived here for decades or just moved in last week, your voice, your experiences, and your contributions matter. Together, we're not just maintaining a website – we're nurturing a community that continues to be a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.
Ready to get more involved in your Progress Estate community? Have a recommendation to share or an event to promote? We'd love to hear from you.