East London council continues proud tradition

Barking and Dagenham is still building ‘exceptional ‘homes for ordinary people said Cllr Sade Bright this week after she viewed 19 new affordable homes on the iconic Becontree Estate this week.

The cabinet member for employment, skills and aspiration, said: “Around 100 years ago the first bricks were laid to build homes for heroes on the Becontree Estate.

“And this week we celebrate the building of more quality, council owned homes for a new generation of Londoners.

“It shows Barking and Dagenham is continuing its proud tradition of building exceptional homes for everyday people.”

The new development, 200 Becontree Avenue, was designed by Archio and features two villas comprising 19 homes which are in keeping with the style of the Becontree Estate. The homes are set to be completed this month and ready for tenants to move in later this spring.

Sarah Beth Riley, Associate Architect at Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm said: “200 Becontree Avenue is an exemplar scheme which sensitively responds to its surroundings and is the result of our inclusive approach of working with the local community to build on the proud legacy of the Becontree Estate.”

Peter Murray OBE, board member at Be First and Curator-in-Chief of New London Architecture (NLA), said: “The council and Be First have ensured people are at the heart of this development with its sensitive design and spacious landscaping.

“It upholds Barking and Dagenham’s noble tradition of building great, affordable homes for working people as well as commissioning the best designers to deliver them.”

Kyle Buchanan, Director at Archio said: “These buildings are the product of detailed research and stakeholder engagement. We wanted to produce homes that people would feel proud to live in, while also tapping into the overall pride felt for the estate.

“Becontree represents some of the best and most ambitious house building ever undertaken by the LCC and it’s been an honour to be a part of this new initiative by Barking and Dagenham Council to rekindle that spirit for the area.”

The development includes 13 one-bedroom, four two-bedroom, two three-bedroom flats and a community space plus a ‘playstreet’ runs alongside the homes linking to a nursery.