Housing in North Braunstone

The new Braunstone Estate

The Braunstone Estate was planned as a whole, but developed in two areas, South and North Braunstone. The land, 1,200 acres along the Narborough Road, was bought in 1926. With Braunstone Park at the centre, building began in the southern part. By the early 1930s over 2,500 houses were completed. In 1936 national housing policy changed, with a need for smaller houses for families from overcrowded city centre properties. These homes were built in North Braunstone.

Ellesmere Road c.1930

The development of North Braunstone

Houses in North Braunstone had 3 bedrooms, a living room, scullery and bathroom. The toilet was outside. Progress was rapid and by December 1939, 1,764 houses had been built. They became home to tenants from 78 different areas across the City. Moving took people from their familiar lives and without a community centre for people to mix or socialise, communities suffered. The difference between North Braunstone and the richer South Braunstone Estate, was clear.

A New Deal for North Braunstone

New developments, like the Eyres Monsell Estate built after the Second World War, made North Braunstone less attractive to many tenants. Over the years, the community was hard hit by unemployment and subsequent debt. However, in the year 2000, 'The New Deal' programme led to a series of improvements. North Braunstone now has a leisure centre, health centre plus a library and learning complex called the BRITE Centre.