The building of hundreds of affordable homes is moving forward in one of London’s largest estate renewal programmes.
And there to see the construction of the first 52 homes take shape on Barking’s Gascoigne estate this week, was Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, Iain Ferguson of Be First, and Steve Kitchen of Willmott Dixon, who are building the homes for Be First.
Councillor Darren Rodwell said: “It’s great to see the redevelopment of the Gascoigne accelerate. These are just the first of over 1,300 new, quality affordable homes for local people which are under construction or in planning and will be part of one of the largest, most sustainable housing developments in London.”
Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director at Be First said: “Be First continues with its ambitious programme of delivering thousands of new affordable homes across the borough. Covid and a No Deal Brexit will damage our local economy but by pressing on with developments like this are helping to improve the future for local people.”
Steve Kitchen, Director at Willmott Dixon said: “We are delighted to be entering the construction stage of the first new homes on the Gascoigne estate and are looking forward to deliver high quality, sustainable homes which will benefit the local community for many years to come.”
The news comes as a revised planning application was submitted for 526 homes on the Gascoigne which will make the development among the greenest in the capital.
Lukas Thiel, Director, White Arkitekter said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see Gascoigne East taking shape on site, demonstrating that high-quality, affordable and sustainable neighbourhoods are achievable through strong collaboration and a clear shared vision. Our designs make efficient use of daylight conditions in the public realm, promoting walking and cycling to ensure that all residents enjoy the benefits of a cohesive and healthy neighbourhood.”
The plans include:
- Blocks ranging from four to 14 storeys arranged around a network of green courtyards and a new 5,130 sqm Gascoigne Park
- 65 per cent of the new homes will be let by the council at affordable rents or for shared ownership – with rents starting from £159 a week for a one bedroom flat (2020/21 prices).
- Almost care free development featuring almost 1,115 cycle parking spaces plus 53 on-street car parking spaces, three per cent of which will be dedicated blue badge.
- Extensive tree-planting, connection to the local district energy network, green roofs and solar panels
- Underground waste system – which cuts CO2 emissions from waste vehicle traffic and cleaner environment and streetsThe affordable homes will comprise flats at Affordable Rent, London Affordable Rent and some Shared Ownership properties.
