The Lillington and Longmoore Gardens Estate is designated a Conservation Area by Westminster Council. 



In a document the council published, following an audit of that Conservation Area, it says that a design competition was held for the project and 68 schemes were presented.  The winning entry was that proposed by John Darbourne.  The report says, ".... the move away from modernist housing design of the late 1960s which had taken place since the construction of Churchill Gardens in the 1940s-50s and was one of the first schemes to adopt a more humane, contextual style"



The Lillington portion of the estate,  "... was developed in three phases between 1964 and 1972. The three phases, each have a slightly differing character. The later phases were modified following discussion with residents to provide level gardens and an atmosphere of individual house-ownership."  Phase 1 was built between 1964 and 1968, Phase 2 between 1967 and 1970, and Phase 3 between 1969 and 1974.




..... Lillington Gardens set a new standard in the planning and style of housing schemes, combining high density within a medium rise structure which established a lasting popular reputation for its architects. The scheme is acknowledged as one of the largest redevelopments in post-war London and one of the most distinguished high density public housing developments. Following its construction it won four major architectural awards: the Housing Design Award 1961, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government Award for Good Design in 1970, a RIBA Award in 1970 and a RIBA Commendation in 1973."

The fourth phase of the development was the addition of the smaller Longmoore Estate bounded by Warwick Way, Vauxhall Bridge Road, Charlwood Street and Tachbrook Street.  It was, "... completed in 1980 by Westminster City Council in-house architects. Although not of the same quality as the first phases of development, this adjacent estate was clearly designed to sit harmoniously alongside the Lillington Gardens Estate"

Phases 1 and 2 of the Lillington Estate have been designated Grade II* Listed.  Historic England describe the estate as, " ....the first low rise, high density public housing scheme to be built. It proved that low rise flats with an interesting design could accommodate the same number of people per acre (density) as tower blocks. It influenced the style of council housing from the mid 1960s until the early 1980s. .....







The scheme won many awards including a Ministry of Housing and Local Government award for good design in 1970. The scheme provided homes for around 2,000 people with a high proportion provided for older people. There were also pubs, shops, doctors, a community hall and a library."