In common with many urban neighbourhoods in the UK, the area suffered over decades from a lack of employment opportunities and underinvestment, leading to social problems and deterioration in some of its housing stock and amenities. Improvements to Fernhill in the 21st century as part of a regeneration masterplan included the opening of a new Community and Sports Centre in 2011 (replacing the outdated pavilion on the same site), energy efficiency improvements and recladding of the 'cube' blocks, murals to brighten public areas the rebuilding of local shops on the main road in 2014, and the demolition of the deck-access maisonettes which were replaced modern houses with gardens.