One of east London’s largest regeneration projects has reached a major milestone.

The structure of the first block, known as Arbor Court, in the latest phase of the redevelopment of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking, is now complete.

To celebrate the milestone, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell joined Pat Hayes of Be First and Willmott Dixon’s Group Chief Executive, Rick Willmott, at a topping out ceremony.

Cllr Darren Rodwell said: “The redeveloped Gascoigne will be one of the greenest, most affordable places to live for ordinary working people in London.

“Reaching this real milestone in the redevelopment of the Gascoigne is a great day for the neighbourhood, Barking and Dagenham and east London.”

Chris Tredget, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon said: “The topping out of Arbor Court is a fantastic milestone to reach in the redevelopment of the east side of Gascoigne neighbourhood.

“We’re delighted to be able to celebrate this achievement and look forward to the completion of the first 52 homes to be delivered, as part of the 434 homes we are undertaking in partnership with Be First.”

Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First said: “Our ambition is for the new Gascoigne neighbourhood to be a model of 21st century urban living. So, this topping out ceremony is the first chapter in a fantastic new story for the Gascoigne area and another outstanding example of regeneration in Barking and Dagenham.”

Arbor Court will be fitted out and finished by January 2022. It will feature 52 homes with rents as low as £160 a week for a one-bedroom flat*

It will be the first block of 2,162 new homes for local people in the redevelopment of the Gascoigne neighbourhood.

The new Gascoigne neighbourhood will be one of the most sustainable ’15 minute’ neighbourhoods in London.

It will feature:

• Three new parks, tree lined streets and courtyards and walkable routes
• Community gardens and orchards
• Over 1,600 cycle spaces
• Roof terraces with solar panels

*2021/22 LAR rates for a one-bedroom flat.