When the estate was first constructed, the portion between the A30 and Upper College Ride, was littered with demolished concrete blockhouses and military installations. An "ideal" playground for the dozens of children who moved there in the early 1950s. These were once the barracks and training grounds of Charles De Gaulle's Free French Army and the connection is maintained in the name of the primary school: Lorraine takes its name from the Cross of Lorraine, from the French Region, the School's badge features the Free French insignia. When the School opened under the tutelage of Mr MacKean, the then French Ambassador attended the opening ceremony and read a message from General De Gaulle. In the early 21st century more affordable housing was added.