Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is celebrating the completion of 386 high-quality new homes in Gascoigne West Phase 2 at the Gascoigne Neighbourhood.
The delivery of the £165m project marks the completion of the largest phase of the development – one of London’s largest regeneration projects – with 31 townhouse units, 5 blocks of flats, outdoor communal areas and a community hub.
Barking and Dagenham Council’s commitment to boosting affordable housing is clear, with more than half of the new homes at Gascoigne West Phase 2 being available for either Affordable Rent, London Affordable Rent, or Shared Ownership.
The work has been completed in partnership with contractor Wates Residential. Together, Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Gascoigne West project have delivered 587 high-quality new homes.
Homes across the whole of Gascoigne Neighbourhood are connected to a district heating system and have been designed with energy efficiency in mind, ultimately providing a 40% CO2 emissions reduction against building regulations. On top of this, all phases of the Gascoigne Neighbourhood are adopting an active travel development strategy, meaning pedestrians and cyclists are prioritised which promotes sustainable travel and enhances a sense of community.
Gascoigne Neighbourhood focuses on placemaking, affordability, and providing community amenities to create a neighbourhood, not just a home. Homes have been designed to be tenure blind to promote inclusivity while providing safer, healthier, and sustainable homes.
Tim Porter, Director of Delivery at Be First, said: “The completion of Phase 2 of the Gascoigne West project is a huge achievement. We remain focused on placemaking, affordability and sustainability. Supporting residents is at the core of our mission, and we will continue to provide new green spaces, below market rent options and assistance with reducing energy bills.”
Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, said: “It is great to see the latest phase of construction completed at the Gascoigne Neighbourhood. This development marks a milestone in our commitment to delivering warm, environmentally friendly homes for people.
“What I’m most pleased about is the number of affordable houses we’ve been able to secure with this scheme – ensuring that the regeneration of the borough continues to work for everyone.”
Glen Roberts, Operations Director of Wates Residential, said: “As partners in this landmark project, Wates are proud to have contributed to the successful completion of one of London’s largest regeneration projects, offering much needed high-quality and affordable homes. We are dedicated to the development of sustainable and inclusive communities that prioritise both the environment and the well-being of residents.”
Linda Thiel, Partner at White Arkitekter, said: “This project gave us the opportunity to improve the quantity and quality of affordable homes for local people and enable a paradigm shift in how the public spaces are used; a move from estate to neighbourhood. We are proud to see West Phase 2 complete, our third project with Be First in the Gascoigne Neighbourhood. Having worked with the local community, we aimed to create a sustainable, vibrant place with parks, play and affordable homes, and it is lovely to finally see this part of the neighbourhood come to life.”
