The latest new homes in Barking’s Gascoigne neighbourhood, one of London’s largest regeneration projects, were completed this week. The £57m project sees 159 new homes added to the east side of the neighbourhood, built by Be First, the council’s regeneration arm, and contractor Willmott Dixon.
To celebrate the completion, an opening ceremony was held on site with Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Ben Addison, Assistant Delivery Director at Be First and Steve Kitchen, Director from Willmott Dixon.
Ben Addison, Assistant Delivery Director at Be First, said: “At Be First, we’re passionate about delivering for Barking and Dagenham, and making sure that the borough is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These safe, warm, and well-ventilated homes, support our mission to deliver more much-needed homes across the borough.”
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “As a former resident of the Gascoigne Estate myself, it warms my heart to see such beautiful, well-built homes being provided for our residents. The demonstrates the Council’s commitment to providing affordable, quality homes for local people and families with fantastic play areas and sustainable spaces for young people to have fun and grow-up in one of the greenest urban neighbourhoods in London.”
Steve Kitchen, Director, Willmott Dixon said: “It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate the completion of a further 159 homes for the Gascoigne neighbourhood, which is a tremendous milestone for us to reach on the second phase of regeneration here in Barking. To see residents already moving in and enjoying their new homes is wonderful for the whole team involved in delivering them.”
The new homes consist of one-to-three-bedroom flats and are in addition to the 52 units in Arbor Court next door, completed by Be First and Willmott Dixon last year. Bringing the total of completed homes across the whole neighbourhood to 685 out of 2000 so far.
The homes will be a mix of tenures, with most in the London Affordable Rent category. The development has a large central gated courtyard which the blocks are built around, featuring a children’s play area, bike storage and green space. 13 families have already moved into the block, with another 30 moving in this week.
