Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is celebrating the completion of the latest phase of its regeneration of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking.
The £76m project is bringing over 200 new rental homes and six retail units to Gascoigne East, along with a large new park and play area, a climbing wall and extensive planting and trees. To encourage active travel, 300 cycle spaces have also been included in the new development.
The 215 new homes, which include a mix of market rent, shared ownership, and affordable rent options, have been built around a landscaped internal courtyard. All the properties have balconies and the majority are dual aspect, making them light and bright, with access to private outdoor spaces.
To celebrate the topping out of the new block, Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council joined Be First’s Tim Porter, Director of Delivery, and Willmott Dixon Director, Steve Kitchen and members of the construction team for a tour of the homes and community facilities.
Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “So far, over 1,000 high-quality new homes have been delivered across the Gascoigne neighbourhood, providing safe, well-built housing where residents and their families can live and thrive. The Council’s mission is to provide affordable, quality homes, vibrant green spaces and brilliant facilities for our young people to enjoy, and it’s great to see that mission coming to life at Gascoigne East Neighbourhood.”
Tim Porter, Director of Delivery at Be First, said: “The regeneration of the Gascoigne Neighbourhood isn’t just about creating new homes, it’s about building a community. As well as delivering high quality homes, creating spaces that bring people together, like the new park, play area and climbing wall are a vital part of the regeneration – which is why we’re really excited about completing this phase of the development project.”
Steve Kitchen, Director, Willmott Dixon, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the completion of a further 215 energy efficient, quality homes here at Gascoigne East. It’s an important milestone in the area’s transformation into a modern, sustainable community that’s fit for the future, which we’re proud to be delivering in collaboration with Be First.”
