Originally part of Hackney Marshes, the Kingsmead housing estate was built in the 1940s. It has been subject to a large redevelopment project undertaken by Kingsmead Homes (Hackney) Limited in 1998. The estate is ethnically diverse with high mobility of residents. Spatial isolation resulting in social segregation coupled with language barriers, poor access to public services and high levels of poverty have contributed to this area having a negative reputation. Despite this fact, the estate hosts a large number of highly professional and pro-active community and youth centres.