Nick Williams

In recognition of the great work it does, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) has been ranked joint first in the country in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Planning Performance Tables for two key metrics – on-time major and non-major decisions. The first of these is for non-major decisions […]

Be First wants to hear from Becontree Estate residents about their ideas, hopes and wishes for the future of the estate to help inform a new set of planning guidelines – known as a Design Code – that will preserve the character and heritage of the estate and decide the best way to ‘futureproof’ its

Be First, the successful regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, and developer Hollybrook Limited, are bringing 149 new, sustainably heated, homes to the borough as they start work on a £36.5m development on a former office block site, located south of New Road in Dagenham. The council-owned Transport House site, formerly home to Unite

A time capsule celebrating the past, present and future of the Curfew Tower in Barking has been buried by pupils from years one to six at St Joseph’s and St Margaret’s Primary Schools. As part of the project, children were asked to write experiences of Barking and imagine what it’s future might look like. The

Seventy new homes are coming to Marks Gate next year, as a housing block in the Padnall lake development nears completion. Delivered by Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, the new block sits adjacent to the newly opened Padnall lake. To celebrate the near completion, a topping out ceremony was held

• Successful bid confirmed in second round of Government’s Levelling Up Fund • Major development to rejuvenate Dagenham Heathway in consultation with local community • Projects will deliver improved public realm, 316 new homes and protect 241 jobs Be First, the council’s successful regeneration and development body, will push ahead with a groundbreaking scheme to

Be First has appointed leading developer Wates Residential to create 334 new homes as part of the ongoing regeneration of the Gascoigne Estate. Construction will start in June 2023, with the homes due for completion by Q1 2026. With a strong track record in delivering new, high-quality homes for people and communities in Barking and

WOW mascot encourages Barking & Dagenham pupils as they embark on healthy travel challenge As we enter 2023, many people will be setting their New Year’s resolutions. For Barking & Dagenham school pupils, they’ll be encouraging their parents and carers to swap the car for the cycle, scooter or a walk – thanks to a

Be First, is helping residents reduce energy bills by building eight, sustainable and affordable homes at Palomar Court in Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking, east London, using Willmott Dixon’s innovative Collida housing solution. To celebrate the topping out of Barking’s greenest housing block to date, Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of the Council, was joined by

Padnall Lake, the popular local lake in Chadwell Heath, which runs next to the Mark’s Gate neighbourhood, alongside the A12, officially re-opened to the public this week after a major refurbishment, delivered by Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council. Although popular with residents, the lake had suffered from a lack of