Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Be First London ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://befirst.london/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Building a Better Connected Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/building-a-better-connected-barking-and-dagenham/) - Will Norman, London’s Walking and Cycling Commissioner, met with Barking and Dagenham Council and Be First to discuss the key transport issues facing the borough, highlighting progress so far and emphasising key investment and development priorities for the years ahead. Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, said: “With our ambitious growth plans, Barking and - [Be First publishes Strategic Plan & Roadmap 2025–2030](https://befirst.london/be-first-publishes-strategic-plan-roadmap-2025-2030/) - Be First has launched its Strategic Plan & Roadmap 2025–2030, outlining the next phase of our work to accelerate inclusive regeneration in Barking and Dagenham.The plan sets out how we will evolve from direct delivery to a new partnership-led model, maximising the potential of the Council’s asset portfolio to drive growth, attract investment, and deliver - [Barking & Dagenham to play integral Role in London's Growth Plan](https://befirst.london/barking-dagenham-to-play-integral-role-in-londons-growth-plan/) - Borough recognised as a key driver of London’s economic and housing growth Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (LBBD) welcome the GLA’s new Growth Plan, which identifies the Borough as a key area for London's future economic and housing growth. The Plan - [Largest council-owned developer enters next chapter](https://befirst.london/largest-council-owned-developer-enters-next-chapter/) - Barking & Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm, Be First, introduces closer ties to the Council to take advantage of scale of opportunities in the BoroughBe First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is evolving into its next stage, signalling the adoption of a new business model that prioritises public-private partnerships. Several officers have been - [Topping out ceremony marks significant milestone in construction of sustainable new homes in Dagenham](https://befirst.london/topping-out-ceremony-marks-significant-milestone-in-construction-of-sustainable-new-homes-in-dagenham/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, celebrated the ‘topping out’ of 149 new, sustainably heated, homes as part of the redevelopment of the council-owned Transport House site. The topping out ceremony saw the completion of the building’s frame with key project partners and several local councillors, including the new Leader - [Be First completes latest phase of development on Barking’s Gascoigne Neighbourhood with the construction of over one hundred new homes](https://befirst.london/be-first-completes-latest-phase-of-development-on-barkings-gascoigne-neighbourhood-with-the-construction-of-over-one-hundred-new-homes/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, has celebrated the completion of 102 new homes at the latest phase of development at the Gascoigne Neighbourhood – one of London’s largest regeneration projects. The 102 new homes are part of Block I at Gascoigne East Phase 3A and means this phase of - [Be First delivers top quality new homes at Oxlow Lane](https://befirst.london/be-first-delivers-top-quality-new-homes-at-oxlow-lane-2/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is celebrating the completion of 63 new homes as part of the Oxlow Lane development. Following consultation with residents, Barking and Dagenham Council took the decision to replace the flats at 291 – 301 Oxlow Lane. Existing residents were involved in the design process - [Be First completes largest phase of development on Barking’s Gascoigne Neighbourhood with the construction of over 380 homes](https://befirst.london/be-first-completes-largest-phase-of-development-on-barkings-gascoigne-neighbourhood-with-the-construction-of-over-380-homes/) - 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 - [Barking and Dagenham council’s regeneration arm seeks financial partners for major new project](https://befirst.london/barking-and-dagenham-councils-regeneration-arm-seeks-financial-partners-for-major-new-project/) - The Factory District has a gross development value of £1.83bn and will deliver 3,500 new homes and 43,000 sqm of industrial floorspace Be First – the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council – recently launched its new investor video for “The Factory District” at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in - [A safer, greener Gascoigne Road moves one step closer](https://befirst.london/a-safer-greener-gascoigne-road-moves-one-step-closer/) - The next stage of the Gascoigne Road improvement plan in Barking has been reached, with a planning application for Phase One of the project now submitted to The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The planning application will now be reviewed and a decision made by the end of May 2024. Once implemented, this plan - [First occupiers welcomed at Industria, Barking](https://befirst.london/first-occupiers-welcomed-at-industria-barking/) - Trio of deals completed at the UK’s first multi-storey industrial scheme Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking & Dagenham Council, has completed three deals at Industria – the innovative and sustainable industrial scheme that launched in 2023. The scheme has been built to provide employment space for local businesses and help the growth of - [Town Quay Scheme Hits New Heights on the Roding Riviera: More Affordable Homes on the Way](https://befirst.london/town-quay-scheme-hits-new-heights-on-the-roding-riviera-more-affordable-homes-on-the-way/) - Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, along with partner Weston Homes, have reached a key milestone on their Town Quay development, set to bring 147 new homes to Barking. Building on the 11-storey block, which Be First have acquired on behalf of the Council, has now reached the top floor, and - [124 Affordable, Net Zero Carbon Homes Completed in Barking](https://befirst.london/124-affordable-net-zero-carbon-homes-completed-in-barking/) - Last week Be First and their contractor, Willmott Dixon celebrated the completion of 124 affordable homes in the Gascoigne neighbourhood. The new block is another step in the Council’s battle against climate change as it is the first net zero carbon building to be delivered by Be First, which is managing the redevelopment on behalf - [Small Sites to become available for more local housing](https://befirst.london/small-sites-to-become-available-for-more-local-housing/) - The London borough of Barking and Dagenham Council are taking part in the GLA’s Small Sites Small Builders programme. As part of the programme, several small sites in Barking and Dagenham will be up for sale to help facilitate the creation of new homes for local people. The first tranche of five sites are now - [Be First wins £100k of funding from the Government for improving digital planning services](https://befirst.london/be-first-wins-100k-of-funding-from-the-government-for-improving-digital-planning-services/) - Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, has been awarded £100,000 of funding from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, as part of the UK Government’s Digital Planning Improvement Fund. The funding will enable Be First, who run the Council’s statutory planning services, to develop modern planning practices within planning - [Marsh Green School Brightens up Building Site in Dagenham](https://befirst.london/marsh-green-school-brightens-up-building-site-in-dagenham/) - Last week School children from Marsh Green Primary School, unveiled their self-portraits which will adorn the hoardings around a building site in the borough. Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, are working with contractor Hollybrook Homes to bring 149 new homes to the site on New Road, Dagenham. On site to - [Barking and Dagenham draft Local Plan reaches next consultation stage](https://befirst.london/barking-and-dagenham-draft-local-plan-reaches-next-consultation-stage/) - The Barking and Dagenham 2037 draft Local Plan has reached the next stage of the statutory examination process: the Main Modifications consultation. It is anticipated that soon after this consultation has concluded, the Council will be able to formally adopt the Plan (subject to the Inspectors' report). Having an adopted Local Plan is essential to - [Public art commemorating Barking & Dagenham’s industrial and multicultural history unveiled](https://befirst.london/public-art-commemorating-barking-dagenhams-industrial-and-multicultural-history-unveiled/) - Barking & Dagenham Council and its regeneration arm, Be First, has unveiled the latest public art installation in the Gascoigne Neighbourhood - the Gascoigne Workers’ International Heritage mosaic. Commissioned as part of the Barking Heritage Project’s Heritage Art Trail and created by Mosaic Art Ltd, the artwork pays homage to the rich and diverse history - [Record level of funding for transport in Barking & Dagenham](https://befirst.london/record-level-of-funding-for-transport-in-barking-dagenham/) - Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking & Dagenham Council, has received millions in funding to support the borough’s transport infrastructure plans. The funds, received from Transport for London, total £4.8 million – the highest amount in Barking & Dagenham’s history and the most of any London borough in the 2024/25 financial year – and - [900 New Homes Coming to Barking and Dagenham in the First Half of 2024](https://befirst.london/900-new-homes-coming-to-barking-and-dagenham-in-the-first-half-of-2024/) - Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, estimate they will handover 900, completed new homes by the end of June this year, meaning Barking and Dagenham will continue to be one of the largest affordable home builders in the country with one in five of all affordable homes in London being built - [Be First’s Planning Team Get Dagenham SEND School Approved in Record Time](https://befirst.london/be-firsts-planning-team-get-dagenham-send-school-approved-in-record-time/) - Barking and Dagenham Council, in partnership with Be First (their regeneration arm) have recently resolved to grant planning permission for the construction of the Borough’s largest school for Children with Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLB), to be built in Dagenham. The Oxlow Bridge School will be a brand new, 100 place school, covering 3,700m2 of - [Barking and Dagenham local wins bursary award](https://befirst.london/barking-and-dagenham-local-wins-bursary-award/) - Anisha was sponsored by Be First and will study architecture at Central Saint Martins A young Barking and Dagenham resident, Anisha Shibly, sponsored by Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, has been accepted for a bursary to study architecture at Central Saint Martin’s University of the Arts London via The London - [“From Play To Work” - RCKa submits plans for new east London youth centre](https://befirst.london/from-play-to-work-rcka-submits-plans-for-new-east-london-youth-centre/) - Design proposals by RCKa for the Padnall Hall Youth Centre – a crucial new facility for young people in east London with a clear focus on improving outcomes for young people - have been submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council for planning approval. RCKa’s scheme sees the redevelopment and refurbishment of a derelict community hall - [Cycling home for Christmas](https://befirst.london/cycling-home-for-christmas/) - New bike scheme launches in Barking and Dagenham As we draw closer to the festive season, many people will be thinking about what to get as a present for their loved ones. A great practical gift idea is a bicycle, and helping families get prepared in time, Barking and Dagenham Council, in collaboration with Peddle - [Construction of more than 330 homes commences at one of London’s largest regeneration schemes](https://befirst.london/construction-of-more-than-330-homes-commences-at-one-of-londons-largest-regeneration-schemes/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, celebrated the start of construction on part of the third phase of Gascoigne East at Gascoigne Neighbourhood with a groundbreaking ceremony held with contractor Wates Group. The latest phase at Gascoigne Neighbourhood – one of London’s largest regeneration projects – will deliver 334 high-quality - [Be First announces winners of £35m design framework to accelerate housebuilding in Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/be-first-announces-winners-of-35m-design-framework-to-accelerate-housebuilding-in-barking-and-dagenham/) - Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, today announces the winners of its £35m design framework launched earlier this year to seek new architect and design team partners from 2023 to 2027. The design framework partners will support the delivery of Be First’s ambitions to build up to 4,000 homes in Barking - [Number of schools taking part in active travel awareness weeks in Barking and Dagenham nearly doubles](https://befirst.london/number-of-schools-taking-part-in-active-travel-awareness-weeks-in-barking-and-dagenham-nearly-doubles/) - Nearly 5,000 pupils participated, recording a total number of over 9,400 active travel trips Cycle to School Week (25th to 29th September) and International Walk to School Month (October) returned to Barking and Dagenham schools this year and the fruits of the borough’s labour have been clear to see. Barking & Dagenham has been accelerating - [Low carbon, affordable homes completed at Gascoigne Neighbourhood](https://befirst.london/low-carbon-affordable-homes-completed-at-gascoigne-neighbourhood/) - Barking and Dagenham’s greenest housing block has been completed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm. The eight new properties are all affordable and feature cutting edge technology to help its residents reduce their emissions and energy bills. The new homes are certified with the leading international design standard Passivhaus, meaning that the - [Barking and Dagenham scheme wins prestigious award for UK’s best new affordable housing](https://befirst.london/2236-2/) - A House for Artists, a London Borough of Barking and Dagenham scheme delivered by Be First, APPARATA Architects, Create London, and supported by the Greater London Authority, has won the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Neave Brown Award – the annual award recognising the UK’s best new affordable housing development. A House for - [Be First appoints Haworth Tompkins to lead Gascoigne West Phase 3 design team](https://befirst.london/be-first-appoints-haworth-tompkins-to-lead-gascoigne-west-phase-3-design-team/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, has appointed Haworth Tompkins to design the next phase of its regeneration of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking. Gascoigne West Phase 3 will see the delivery of a further 137 high-quality new homes and public landscape spaces as part of one of London’s largest - [BeFirst announces completion of London’s first new generation multi-storey scheme, Industria  ](https://befirst.london/befirst-announces-completion-of-londons-first-new-generation-multi-storey-scheme-industria/) - Be First, the regeneration arm of The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, has completed an innovative new industrial property development called Industria in Barking. The development is London’s first new generation multi-storey ramped industrial/warehouse scheme. The scheme has been built to provide employment space for local businesses and help the growth of SMEs in - [Party in the Park – Gascoigne Neighbourhood celebrates opening of new play park  ](https://befirst.london/party-in-the-park-gascoigne-neighbourhood-celebrates-opening-of-new-play-park/) - Residents at one of London’s biggest regeneration schemes came together to celebrate the opening of a new play park in the east side of Gascoigne Neighbourhood in Barking. A fun-filled family afternoon saw plenty of people turn out to take part in activities, including the ‘Community Wishes’ art project by local organisation Studio 3 Arts, - [Discover Barking and Dagenham at Open House Festival 2023](https://befirst.london/discover-barking-and-dagenham-at-open-house-festival-2023/) - The doors are open to discover Barking and Dagenham from a new perspective this September as part of the free annual Open House Festival. The two-week celebration takes place across the capital and offers people the chance to visit and learn more about some of London’s most exciting and interesting buildings and neighbourhoods. Across Barking - [200 Beautiful new homes completed in the Gascoigne Neighbourhood in Barking](https://befirst.london/200-beautiful-new-homes-completed-in-the-gascoigne-neighbourhood-in-barking/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is celebrating the completion of the latest phase of its regeneration of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking. The £76m project is bringing over 200 new rental homes and six retail units to Gascoigne East, along with a large new park and play area, a - [Introducing THE YARD: The Ultimate Community-Led Mini Street Food Market and Events Space Launches in Barking](https://befirst.london/introducing-the-yard-the-ultimate-community-led-mini-street-food-market-and-events-space-launches-in-barking/) - Barking is set to come alive with vibrant street food and social and cultural events with the launch of THE YARD. The community-led mini Street Food Market and Events Space launched at Factory 15 in the MAKE IT building in Barking. The event took place on Thursday 17 August and provided an unforgettable night of - [Be First announces five new members have joined its Board of Directors](https://befirst.london/be-first-announces-five-new-members-have-joined-its-board-of-directors/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm, has appointed five new members to its Board of Directors- with a sixth set to be announced in September. Gabrielle Berring, Jon Milward, Adam Towle, Pam Vick and Martin Cresswell have all joined the board at Be First. The organisation is responsible for the regeneration and redevelopment - [Get back on your bike – Cycleway 42 opens, now linking Barking Riverside to Barking Town Centre](https://befirst.london/get-back-on-your-bike-cycleway-42-opens-now-linking-barking-riverside-to-barking-town-centre/) - The new route connects more than 10,000 new homes in Barking Riverside to the Town Centre Barking & Dagenham is accelerating its journey to becoming one of the most cycle-friendly boroughs in London. This week the borough has seen the opening of Cycleway 42 with the route now providing a new link from Barking Riverside - [102 new homes near completion in Gascoigne Neighbourhood, Barking](https://befirst.london/102-new-homes-near-completion-in-gascoigne-neighbourhood-barking/) - More new, affordable, rental homes are nearing completion as part of a £36.1m regeneration project in the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking, east London. To celebrate the Topping out of the block that will bring 102 new homes to the area, Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, joined contractors Willmott Dixon, on site. - [Active travel school pupils enchanted by Road Safety Magic Shows](https://befirst.london/active-travel-school-pupils-enchanted-by-road-safety-magic-shows/) - Barking & Dagenham schools that participated in The Big Walk & Wheel welcome Allan Cadabra’s Education By Magic show Barking & Dagenham has been accelerating its active travel programme this year, encouraging school pupils to take part in walk to school challenges, providing borough residents with cycle hubs to repair their bicycles, and launching a - [Statement following the death of Lord Kerslake](https://befirst.london/statement-following-the-death-of-lord-kerslake/) - We are very sad to hear that the Chair of the Be First Board, Lord Bob Kerslake, died on Saturday 1 July. Despite his recent illness, he continued to offer guidance and support to Barking & Dagenham Council and the Be First team. Bob was a hugely respected public figure who lived and extolled the - [We want to hear from you to ensure development benefits Barking & Dagenham](https://befirst.london/we-want-to-hear-from-you-to-ensure-development-benefits-barking-dagenham/) - We’re continuing to progress the Barking and Dagenham 2037 draft Local Plan through the statutory examination process. Having an adopted Local Plan is essential to deliver the Borough’s ambitious growth plans over the next 15 years for housing, jobs and supporting social infrastructure e.g., health, schools and green space. The London Borough of Barking and - [Barking & Dagenham residents called to help improve the borough’s cycling infrastructure](https://befirst.london/barking-dagenham-residents-called-to-help-improve-the-boroughs-cycling-infrastructure/) - Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking & Dagenham Council, will be installing secure cycle facilities across the borough in 2023. The efforts will bring essential cycling infrastructure to the borough, continuing Be First’s Active Travel programme to encourage people to travel without their cars. Cycle hangars are a form of parking suitable in - [Be First celebrates topping out at Roxwell Road in Barking](https://befirst.london/be-first-celebrates-topping-out-at-roxwell-road-in-barking/) - The £26.7m project will deliver 87 new affordable homes, better links Newlands Park and enhanced external areas. Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration and development arm, celebrated the ‘topping out’ of the new, affordable residential development in Barking. Roxwell Road will welcome 87 new homes, which includes 80 apartments across three blocks and seven - [£53m mixed-use development adds 62 more affordable homes to the Roding Riviera in Barking](https://befirst.london/50m-mixed-use-development-adds-62-more-affordable-homes-to-the-roding-riviera/) - Be First, the successful regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is set to work with Weston Homes on a new site called Town Quay Wharf, which will bring 147 new homes to Barking. The Council will acquire 62 affordable units on a ‘turnkey’ basis whereby Weston Homes will build and deliver the completed units - [Barking and Dagenham Celebrates Landscaping Works In Front Of Historic Site](https://befirst.london/barking-and-dagenham-celebrates-landscaping-works-in-front-of-historic-site/) - Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council and David Harley, Interim Director of Development at Be First Regeneration, formally opened the improved public realm in front of the Curfew Tower, on Abbey Green on Thursday 25th May 2023, 1-2pm. The Curfew Tower (formerly the Fire Bell Gate) is the only remaining gateway of - [Roding riviera to mini-Manhattan – see it all in Barking & Dagenham](https://befirst.london/roding-riviera-to-mini-manhattan-see-it-all-in-barking-dagenham/) - Take a whistle stop bus tour through London’s most exciting borough to see what all the fuss is about Be First, the urban regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is offering people the chance to come and experience the borough and its vision for the future. The company is launching a unique bus tour - [BACK ON YOUR BIKE: Barking & Dagenham residents offered bicycle repair services and encouraged to get active](https://befirst.london/back-on-your-bike-barking-dagenham-residents-offered-bicycle-repair-services-and-encouraged-to-get-active/) - With brighter, warmer weather and school summer holidays fast approaching - there’s no better time for families to dust off their bicycles so they are ready for rides in the sunshine. To help residents at Becontree Heath in Barking & Dagenham prepare, Be First, Valence Ward Councillors, Vandome, Ride for Freedom, and Willmott Dixon launched - [Mixed-Use Thames Road Development, Tops Out in Barking](https://befirst.london/mixed-use-thames-road-development-tops-out-in-barking/) - A new, mixed-use employment and residential building, delivered by Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, reached the top floor of its construction, on Thames Road in Barking this week. To mark the occasion a topping out event was held up on the roof with Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham - [Barking & Dagenham tops national planning performance tables](https://befirst.london/barking-dagenham-tops-national-planning-performance-tables/) - 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 Transport Team secure over £4 million in TfL funding](https://befirst.london/be-first-transport-team-secure-over-4-million-in-tfl-funding/) - Be First, the Council's successful regeneration arm, have secured just over £4 million in funding from TfL, on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council. The funding is part of TfL’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP) programme which aims to improve all forms of transport across the capital, from cycle ways to bus lanes as well as - [Be First complete 159 beautiful new homes in the Gascoigne Neighbourhood](https://befirst.london/be-first-complete-159-beautiful-new-homes-in-the-gascoigne-neighbourhood/) - 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 - [Your chance to shape the future of Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/your-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-barking-and-dagenham/) - 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 - [Affordable, sustainably heated, new homes coming to Dagenham](https://befirst.london/affordable-sustainably-heated-new-homes-coming-to-dagenham/) - 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 - [Nine children from St Joseph’s and St Margaret’s Primary School in Barking take part in time capsule burial](https://befirst.london/nine-children-from-st-josephs-and-st-margarets-primary-school-in-barking-take-part-in-time-capsule-burial/) - 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 - [Affordable homes coming to Marks Gate](https://befirst.london/affordable-homes-coming-to-marks-gate/) - 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 - [Be First secure £10.9m for major transformation of Dagenham Heathway](https://befirst.london/be-first-secure-10-9m-for-major-transformation-of-dagenham-heathway/) - • 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 - [Wates Residential appointed to build 334 new mixed-tenure homes in Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/wates-residential-appointed-to-build-334-new-mixed-tenure-homes-in-barking-and-dagenham/) - 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 - [Striding to school with Strider](https://befirst.london/striding-to-school-with-strider/) - 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 - [Walking to school is a winner in Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/walking-to-school-is-a-winner-in-barking-and-dagenham/) - Walk to School Month and Cycle to School Week were so successful in Barking and Dagenham schools this year, that many are considering doing them more often. Last month, nine schools across Barking and Dagenham participated; pupils from reception to Year six walked, cycled, or scooted to school at least three times a week to - [Work gets underway on 102 new homes in Gascoigne neighbourhood, Barking](https://befirst.london/work-gets-underway-on-102-new-homes-in-gascoigne-neighbourhood-barking/) - New rental homes are coming to Barking, as part of the next phase of the regeneration of the Gascoigne neighbourhood. Councillor Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, joined a local apprentice on site, alongside contractors Willmott Dixon, to celebrate breaking ground on this £36.1m project. This new block will deliver an additional 102 - [See your house extension plans in 3D](https://befirst.london/see-your-house-extension-plans-in-3d/) - Residents who have submitted planning applications for house extensions will get the opportunity to see their designs brought to life using 3D technology as part of a trial from Be First, the independent urban regeneration company wholly owned by Barking and Dagenham Council. Using its new mobile planning app, Be First will create a 3D - [Barking and Dagenham’s battle against climate change continues](https://befirst.london/barking-and-dagenhams-battle-against-climate-change-continues/) - A major milestone has been reached in the building of Barking’s greenest housing block this week. The housing block in the redeveloping Gascoigne neighbourhood, features 124 affordable homes and will be the first net zero carbon building to be delivered by Be First, which is managing the redevelopment on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council. - [Need to build affordable homes is crucial says east London Leader](https://befirst.london/affordable-homes-gascoigne/) - An east London council leader has said this week, that the building of affordable rental homes for ordinary working people has never been more important. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “With the turmoil in the mortgage markets and a sharp rise in interest rates on the horizon, it remains vital - [Gas bill busting homes take shape in Dagenham](https://befirst.london/gas-bill-busting-homes-take-shape-in-dagenham/) - Building of 63 affordable homes in Dagenham reached a major milestone at a topping out ceremony this week. Once complete the new homes in Oxlow Lane will be heated by an air source heat pump meaning they will be gas free. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, who met George Legg of - [Industria – reaching new heights](https://befirst.london/industria-reaching-new-heights/) - A revolutionary industrial development in Barking has reached a major milestone at a topping out ceremony this week. And to see how ‘Industria’ was taking shape was Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Jared Birch of Be First and Paul Heather of builders McLaren. Once completed, ‘Industria’ will be the first multi-storey - [East London housing block named after legendary Ford striker](https://befirst.london/east-london-housing-block-named-after-legendary-ford-striker/) - A new housing block which will become part of a buzzing new Barking town centre has been named after a former Ford striker, Dora Challingsworth, who passed away earlier this year. Dora’s family, including Daughters, Jill Watson and Tracy Goodman; Son, David Challingsworth and Granddaughter, Tiffany Goodman, joined Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and - [Toolbox masterplan in line for architectural Oscar](https://befirst.london/toolbox-masterplan-in-line-for-architectural-oscar/) - An ambitious plan to transform a corner of East London into the capital’s ‘toolbox’ has been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Be First’s Chadwell Heath Masterplan is one of several projects in line for the NLA’s New London Awards in the Masterplans and area strategies category, one of 14 categories at these awards. The masterplan’s - [Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II](https://befirst.london/her-majesty-queen-elizabeth-ii/) - Public Statement by the Leader of the Council on the sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II Borough united in grief at Her Majesty the Queen’s sad passing Councillor Darren Rodwell, the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, has said the whole borough will be united in grief at the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen. - [Geoff Raw to become the new Managing Director at Be First, London](https://befirst.london/geoff-raw-to-become-the-new-managing-director-at-be-first-london/) - Following an extensive search that saw several impressive candidates, Be First, the regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, are delighted to announce that Geoff Raw will be joining Be First, in May, as the new Managing Director. Geoff has been Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service for Brighton & Hove City Council, since - [Be First celebrate Barking’s Brilliant Homes for a Better Planet](https://befirst.london/be-first-celebrate-barkings-brilliant-homes-for-a-better-planet/) - 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 - [A cleaner, greener Padnall Lake re-opens in Chadwell Heath](https://befirst.london/a-cleaner-greener-padnall-lake-re-opens-in-chadwell-heath/) - 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 - [We want your views on the draft Chadwell Heath Transformation Area Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document](https://befirst.london/we-want-your-views/) - Barking and Dagenham Council has ambitious plans for growth, including the creation of thousands of new homes and jobs. Many of these homes and jobs will be created in the Borough’s transformation areas as set out in the emerging Barking and Dagenham 2037 Local Plan. One of these areas covers the Chadwell Heath Industrial Estate, - [Make your voice count on development](https://befirst.london/make-your-voice-count-on-development/) - Residents, local businesses, and organisations are being urged to comment on a crucial planning document which will shape the future of the Borough. Planners from Be First are seeking views on the contributions that developers will be expected to provide in order to ensure necessary supporting infrastructure such as schools, green spaces and improves transport - [Innovative Dagenham development crosses finishing line](https://befirst.london/innovative-dagenham-development-crosses-finishing-line/) - Building work near a former Ford site in Chequers Lane, Dagenham, has been completed meaning 90 affordable homes are ready for local people to move into. And to celebrate the completion of the ‘turnkey’ development, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell met Deon Browne from Be First and Kevin Parsons, Director of - [Low emission homes are topping out and cutting down](https://befirst.london/low-emission-homes-are-topping-out-and-cutting-down/) - Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, Councillor Saima Ashraf attended a topping out ceremony at the Gascoigne Neighbourhood, marking the halfway completion of a further 215 affordable homes. The structure of Gascoigne East Block F1 has been completed, meaning the construction of another 215 homes is now - [New ‘old east end style’ development takes shape](https://befirst.london/new-old-east-end-style-development-takes-shape/) - Building of a new ‘old’ east end style development in Dagenham has reached a major milestone following a topping out ceremony. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, who met George Legg of builders Mulalley at the event, said the design of the new development at Woodward Road would create an old - [The struggle continues in Barking](https://befirst.london/the-struggle-continues-in-barking/) - A mosaic co-designed by local school children commemorating the history of protest movements has been unveiled in Barking. The ceramic celebration of the fight for social justice has been installed at a site known as the Three Lamps – which was a meeting place for early trade unionists and suffragettes by Abbey Green. The mosaic - [A park for peace opens in Barking](https://befirst.london/a-park-for-peace-opens-in-barking/) - Hundreds of local residents flocked to see the opening of a pocket park co-designed by students in the heart of one of east London’s redevelopments. EverDove Park in the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking opened to the public following a launch on Saturday 28 May. The meanwhile park was built by Willmott Dixon on behalf of - [First homes completed on landmark development](https://befirst.london/first-homes-completed-on-landmark-development/) - The first of over 2,000 homes on one of London’s largest regeneration projects have been completed this week. And to view the 52 homes in the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking was Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell. The 52 homes include one to four-bedroom flats and three-bedroom town houses all of which - [We’re kick starting a cycling revolution](https://befirst.london/were-kick-starting-a-cycling-revolution/) - An east London borough is looking to kick start a cycling revolution following the huge success of a bespoke biking event last weekend. Almost 10,000 people flocked to Abbey Green in Barking on Saturday (21 May) to enjoy the fun in the sun at BikeFest, sponsored by Amazon Key. As well as the professional Tour - [Gear up for a capital cycling event](https://befirst.london/gear-up-for-a-capital-cycling-event/) - With just one day to go to one of London’s biggest sporting events this weekend a final clarion call for Londoners to come to the Barking BikeFest was issued today (20 May), by Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Saima Ashraf. The event will feature the London leg of ITV 4’s Tour Series - [Buckle up for the Barking BikeFest](https://befirst.london/buckle-up-for-the-barking-bikefest/) - It’s just days away from what will be one of London’s biggest sporting events this weekend when professional cyclists on ITV 4’s Tour Series come to Barking on Saturday, 21 May. It’s been three years since the series last visited the capital and as part the day, Be First and Barking and Dagenham Council will - [Trailblazing planning team in tight fight for top award](https://befirst.london/trailblazing-planning-team-in-tight-fight-for-top-award/) - Be First’s Planning Consultancy team has been shortlisted for the RTPI's ‘Small Consultancy of the Year’ award, today. The team were shortlisted for the prestigious award because of their excellent delivery and work in delivering a socially responsible model of urban regeneration. Anna Sinnott, Director of Planning Consultancy at Be First, said: “It’s a real - [Amazon Key to sponsor unique East London cycling event](https://befirst.london/amazon-key-to-sponsor-unique-east-london-cycling-event/) - Amazon Key has today been announced as the headline sponsor of the Barking BikeFest next month which will feature the only London leg of the Tour Series cycling race which is televised on ITV4. Amazon Key provides safe, secure and convenient deliveries to customers enhancing the Amazon delivery experience for staff and residents of apartment - [A chance to cycle with the professionals](https://befirst.london/a-chance-to-cycle-with-the-professionals/) - Be First has issued a clarion call to cyclists of all ages and abilities to grab a chance to race around Abbey Green as part of the Barking BikeFest next month. Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm is urging budding bikers to sign up to the community cycle races for various age groups ranging from - [Double cycling Guinness World Record holder launches cycling support service for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking](https://befirst.london/double-cycling-guinness-world-record-holder-launches-cycling-support-service-for-survivors-of-modern-slavery-and-human-trafficking/) - Gordon Miller, a double Cycling Guinness World Record Holder, will launch the ‘Freewheel by Ride For Freedom Hub’ in Barking & Dagenham on 25 March 2022. The opening will take place on the UN International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade with a cycle starting at Dagenham & - [Convent conversion is second to none](https://befirst.london/convent-conversion-is-second-to-none/) - A former convent which has been redeveloped to provide 29 affordable homes for local people has received the thumbs up from the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council and Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council this week. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said: “I absolutely love the refurbishment of Sacred - [Three Lions’ estate marks delivery of 2,000th affordable home in proud East London borough](https://befirst.london/three-lions-estate-marks-delivery-of-2000th-affordable-home-in-proud-east-london-borough/) - An east London resident has spoken of her pride to be moving into a home named after legendary England captain Bobby Moore. Maria Alejandra Noguer Zabala moved into her newly completed home in February at Bobby Moore Court, which is part of a wider development featuring three blocks named after three legendary sporting icons, Bobby - [Community shop aims to breathe new life into the Heathway](https://befirst.london/community-shop-aims-to-breathe-new-life-into-the-heathway/) - A shop with a difference opened in the Heathway shopping centre in Dagenham today. Rather than selling goods or services, this brightly decorated new store will be collecting ideas. The shop unit will be the base for a team of people who hope to bring residents and businesses in the area together to share opinions - [A great school makes a great place](https://befirst.london/a-great-school-makes-a-great-place/) - Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council met pupils from Greatfields School in Barking this week to see how they were settling into their newly completed classrooms this week. Students moved into a £23 million building which forms the main part of the secondary school which is at the heart of the Gascoigne - [Technicolour dream crossing brightens up the school run](https://befirst.london/technicolour-dream-crossing-brightens-up-the-school-run/) - A multi-coloured road crossing has added a bright new twist to the journey to school for pupils of William Bellamy primary. The crossing, introduced by Becontree Heath Low Emissions Zone project team, aims to improve road safety and encourage children and parents to walk to school more regularly. Victoria Spashett, Be First’s Project Manager for - [East London council continues proud tradition](https://befirst.london/east-london-council-continues-proud-tradition/) - 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 - [Home is where the art is – and it’s in the heart of Barking](https://befirst.london/home-is-where-the-art-is-and-its-in-the-heart-of-barking/) - Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of the Council, met up with a new tenant of Barking’s unique ‘A House for Artists’ today (Monday 14 March). Cllr Rodwell met local photographer Jimmy Lee who is set to move into his new apartment in the Grayson Perry backed arts development. Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to meet Jimmy, - [Countryside and L&Q complete partnership deal with Barking and Dagenham Council to speed up housing delivery on Beam Park](https://befirst.london/countryside-and-lq-complete-partnership-deal-with-barking-and-dagenham-council-to-speed-up-housing-delivery-on-beam-park/) - Leading mixed-tenure developer Countryside and leading housing association L&Q have completed the sale of 936 homes at Beam Park to Barking and Dagenham Council, in a deal which will be crucial in accelerating much-needed housing delivery on their 72-acre regeneration of a former Ford manufacturing plant in east London. In one of the largest bulk - [East London innovation taking off by the river](https://befirst.london/east-london-innovation-taking-off-by-the-river/) - Building work at an innovative industrial and residential development in Barking is beginning to take off. And to see how work is progressing at the site on Thames Road this week was leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell. Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to see buildings beginning to take shape in what - [Local school celebrates history of Gascoigne neighbourhood with time capsule burial](https://befirst.london/local-school-celebrates-history-of-gascoigne-neighbourhood-with-time-capsule-burial/) - A time capsule celebrating the past, present and future of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking has been buried by Gascoigne Primary School and members of the local community following an art project led by Wates Residential, alongside Boathouse Studios and Art Collective, with over 120 pupils contributing. More than 40 people including Jennie Coombs, Head - [East London borough gears up for BikeFest](https://befirst.london/east-london-borough-gears-up-for-bikefest/) - Youngsters from Barking and Dagenham Cycling Club met professional cyclists from the AWOL O’Shea and Brother UK – LDN cycling teams today, together with Councillor Syed Ghani, of Barking and Dagenham Council, to announce a festival of cycling and sustainability in May, incorporating the UK’s leading gender equal cycling races. The races will be the - [We’re making it happen in Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/were-making-it-happen-in-barking-and-dagenham/) - Building work started today on the latest phase of one of London’s largest regeneration developments. Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, visited the site to meet staff, recruited locally, who are now working for contractors Willmott Dixon. Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to see work start on more affordable homes for local - [Barking gateway development deal sealed](https://befirst.london/barking-gateway-development-deal-sealed/) - An agreement to build 198 homes for local people at the gateway to Barking has been finalised this week. Railpen, the investment manager for the £35bn Railways Pension Scheme, has announced it has entered into a funding deal with real estate specialists Revenue + Capital and developer Fifth Capital for the development of a 28 - [East London pupils ask drivers to make the Parkwise Pledge](https://befirst.london/east-london-pupils-ask-drivers-to-make-the-parkwise-pledge/) - Students from Becontree Heath schools are asking parents to switch off their engines if they have to drop off their children by car as part of a campaign to make the local environment cleaner and safer. The schools and students are encouraging parents to make a ‘Parkwise Pledge’ to turn off idling engines, to be - [Work starts on truly affordable, energy secure homes](https://befirst.london/work-starts-on-truly-affordable-energy-secure-homes/) - Building work has started on 63 new homes in one of the most affordable developments in London. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, who was at the site in Oxlow Lane in Dagenham, said: “It’s great to see work get underway on these new homes for local people. “The rents will be - [Pupil’s wild at art adorns hoardings](https://befirst.london/pupils-wild-at-art-adorns-hoardings/) - Artwork inspired by the environment and wildlife is now being displayed on hoardings surrounding a new housing development in Marks Gate. The paintings and drawings by students from Rose Lane Primary school were created as part of a competition run by the council’s regeneration organisation, Be First, with help from Studio 3 Arts. This week - [Garden style industrial development will be UK first](https://befirst.london/garden-style-industrial-development-will-be-uk-first/) - Construction of a ‘garden style’ industrial development got underway by the Thames this week. Once completed, ‘Industria’ will be the first multi-storey light industrial development to be built in the UK and it will also feature two ‘living walls’, helping create a more sustainable space for industry to grow and develop. Leader of Barking and - [A minor miracle on Ketch Street](https://befirst.london/a-minor-miracle-on-ketch-street/) - The latest milestone in the redevelopment of Barking’s Gascoigne neighbourhood was marked by a topping out ceremony last week. The £56 million development alongside Ripple Road will provide 159 top quality affordable homes for local people, with rents as low as £159 a week for a one-bedroom flat at today’s prices. Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy - [Mural magic shines a light on Barking’s heritage](https://befirst.london/mural-magic/) - Barking’s stunning new heritage mural - on the wall of McDonalds on Short Blue Place - was brought to life in a magical light show on the evening of Wednesday 24 November. Bertie Sampson, Creative Technologist at Immersive-me, animated the mural using lights, giving the appearance that the elements of Jake Attewell’s work are moving. - [Ten days to go to get involved on local plan](https://befirst.london/ten-days-to-go-to-get-involved-on-local-plan/) - Residents have got ten days to take one last look at its final draft of the Local Plan this autumn, as public consultation on 28 November. The Local Plan is a vitally important planning tool that sets out where and what kind of development will be encouraged in Barking and Dagenham between now and 2037. - [Gascoigne pupils’ art unveiled](https://befirst.london/gascoigne-pupils-art-unveiled/) - Local school pupils’ artwork, celebrating the past, present and future of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking, is being displayed on hoardings surrounding redevelopment sites. The art by students from Gascoigne Primary School was created as part of the ‘Gascoigne Your Place’ competition run by Be First during the first lockdown in 2020. This week local - [Powerful message rings true 100 years on](https://befirst.london/powerful-message-rings-true-100-years-on/) - Artwork with a powerful message adorns hoardings surrounding an affordable development in Becontree thanks to local young people. The message – “Bricks make houses - People make homes” – is emblazoned across a stretch of hoardings at the new Woodward Road development, which will deliver 56 quality, new homes. The artwork was designed and made - [Planning in Barking and Dagenham is getting digi with it](https://befirst.london/planning-in-barking-and-dagenham-is-getting-digi-with-it/) - Householder planning applications are going digital as part of a drive by Be First to make the planning process more accessible and transparent. Thanks to a successful bid to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities PropTech Engagement Fund, over £100,000 will be ploughed into digital tools to improve public engagement in the planning - [Landmark art in the heart of Barking](https://befirst.london/landmark-art-in-the-heart-of-barking/) - A stunning piece of street art celebrating Barking’s rich heritage has been completed, bolstering the area’s reputation as London’s latest creative hotspot. This mural design, chosen by residents, incorporates East Street, Bascule Bridge, Curfew Tower, Wellington Windmill and the River Roding, all key parts of Barking’s history. Jake Attewell, the artist behind the mural, said, - [Cycling world record holder visits east end borough with a big heart](https://befirst.london/cycling-world-record-holder-visits-east-end-borough-with-a-big-heart/) - A Guinness World Record holder was given a heartfelt east end welcome from the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council and local cyclists as he visited the east London borough today (18 October) on the last leg of his attempt to break another record and highlight the scourge of modern-day slavery. Gordon Miller’s Guinness World - [Residents asked for views on growth](https://befirst.london/residents-asked-for-views-on-growth/) - The Council is calling on local residents to take one last look at its final draft of the Local Plan this autumn. The Local Plan is a vitally important planning tool that sets out where and what kind of development will be encouraged in Barking and Dagenham between now and 2037. Consultation started at the - [Make it London boost to buzzing Barking](https://befirst.london/make-it-london-boost-to-buzzing-barking/) - A six storey building at the heart of Barking will become home to London’s most exciting makers, food stars, retailers, content creators, designers, social enterprises and start-up businesses, Councillors agreed last night. The exciting plans to makeover Roycraft House on Linton Road, Barking, are the brainchild of Make it London, who were awarded the contract - [‘We’re talking ‘bout real regeneration’, says east London council leader](https://befirst.london/were-talking-bout-real-regeneration-says-east-london-council-leader/) - Real regeneration is not about bricks and mortar, but hearts and minds, said east London council leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell this week. Barking and Dagenham council’s leader was speaking at a topping out ceremony to mark a major milestone in the redevelopment of the Gascoigne Estate and the launch of Be First’s Social Value report, - [Memorial mosaic honours movie mogul’s hall](https://befirst.london/memorial-mosaic-honours-movie-moguls-hall/) - A mosaic of a former East London landmark which was damaged by bombing in the Second World War is set to be installed on the site where it stood this week. The artwork depicts a former Wesleyan Chapel in East Street in Barking, which then became a new Central Hall in 1928 thanks to funding - [East end students sample slice of London’s Hollywood](https://befirst.london/east-end-students-sample-slice-of-londons-hollywood/) - East London students enjoyed a taste of Hollywood this summer thanks to investment from the owners of London’s newest and largest film studios. Barking and Dagenham College students Mohammad Hussain, 20, Demar Bellamy-Foster, 20, Carla Kelleher, 18, Afridjan Bracaj, 19, Jasmine Mustafa, 18, helped out film crews working on productions by Amazon, Apple and Netflix - [Tenants show off their stunning new homes](https://befirst.london/tenants-show-off-their-stunning-new-homes/) - Councillor Saima Ashraf, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, met two very happy Becontree Heath residents this week. She popped in to visit Kyle Belshaw and Omolola Fashedemi who moved into recently built homes in Althorne Way in Dagenham to see how they were enjoying their new homes six - [On your bike!](https://befirst.london/on-your-bike/) - No, not an insult but a programme or free activities to encourage cycling, and to mark cycle to work day. Now that the weather’s (a bit) better, we’re delighted to team up with Vandome Cycles and Barking and Dagenham Council to offer free bike checks and training, to children and adults, whether you’re an absolute - [Big fun at pocket park launch](https://befirst.london/big-fun-at-pocket-park-launch/) - More than 150 people helped to celebrate the opening of Phoenix Park in the Gascoigne neighbourhood of Barking on Saturday. The event featured a host of activities including table tennis, a children’s drawing competition and giant chess. Local councillors, both Deputy Leaders, Cllr Dominic Twomey, Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Core Services and Cabinet - [Riverside homes for working Londoners at an affordable price](https://befirst.london/riverside-homes-for-working-londoners-at-an-affordable-price/) - Councillors at Barking and Dagenham approved an agreement with Weston Homes this week to buy 62 new homes on their Town Quay Wharf development along the River Roding. The decision means once the development is complete, the council will get the homes for around £14.6mil and then offer them for rent at affordable prices to - [Marks Gate students produce inspirational art](https://befirst.london/marks-gate-students-produce-inspirational-art/) - Pupils from Rose Lane Primary School were presented prizes by local councillors for their winning entries in an art competition run by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration organisation. Councillors Sade Bright and Simon Perry handed out the prizes to 11 children who took part in the Your Marks Gate competition inspired by the - [Guinness world record holder raises awareness of modern-day slavery](https://befirst.london/guinness-world-record-holder-raises-awareness-of-modern-day-slavery/) - A cycling Guinness World Record holder is set to visit Barking and Dagenham on his way to Wembley today (11 July). Gordon Miller, who is leading a gruelling bike ride, The Premier League & Euro 2020 Cycling Tour, during Euro 2020, will visit Barking and Dagenham on his way to West Ham United’s London Stadium - [Stunning new linear park opens](https://befirst.london/stunning-new-linear-park-opens/) - London’s Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, and Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, officially opened the newly designed Ripple Greenway linear park on Thursday 24 June 2021. The 1.3km park provides a beautiful new walking and cycling route for thousands of local people and a much-needed green space for residents. The park - [‘Turnkey’ Dagenham development tops out](https://befirst.london/turnkey-dagenham-development-tops-out/) - Building work on 90 affordable homes at a former Job Centre site in South Dagenham reached a major milestone this week. The structure of the new homes in Chequers Lane is now complete. And, to celebrate the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell met Kevin Parsons, Director of Hollybrook Ltd, who are - [Three lions honoured](https://befirst.london/three-lions-honoured/) - Roberta Moore, daughter of England and West Ham legend Bobby Moore OBE, visited the building site of one of east London’s newest housing developments, which will have its three constituent buildings named after her father, Sir Alf Ramsey and Martin Peters MBE. All three Lions were either born or bred in Barking and Dagenham and - [Major redevelopment reaches milestone](https://befirst.london/major-redevelopment-reaches-milestone/) - One of east London’s largest regeneration projects has reached a major milestone. The structure of the first block, known as Arbor Court, in the latest phase of the redevelopment of the Gascoigne neighbourhood in Barking, is now complete. To celebrate the milestone, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell joined Pat Hayes of - [Landmark building nears completion](https://befirst.london/landmark-building-nears-completion/) - An east London development which is a key part of the regeneration of Barking town centre has reached a major milestone this week. The 20-storey tower in Linton Road – currently known as Crown House - has reached its full height and is set to be finished in the Spring of 2022. It will provide - [Big hearted pocket park](https://befirst.london/big-hearted-pocket-park/) - An east London pocket park co-designed by local residents is set to open in Barking next month. The pop-up Phoenix Park will open on 1 June for residents of the Gascoigne neighbourhood which is currently being redeveloped. The new pocket park is a result of a grassroots project involving Gascoigne Residents’ Forum, Be First, engagement - [History buffs take to the streets!](https://befirst.london/history-buffs-take-to-the-streets/) - An interactive heritage trail is being launched this week on the streets of Barking. The digital trail, which can be accessed on a smart phone using the pioneering Street Tag app, uses augmented reality technology to encourage people to tour the streets of Barking to discover its rich history and tell their own stories. The - [Massive improvement in quality of life, say new tenants](https://befirst.london/massive-improvement-in-quality-of-life-say-new-tenants/) - Tenants of new council flats met with Councillor Cameron Geddes this week to show off their homes in Sugden Way in Barking. Cllr Geddes, Cabinet member for Social Housing and Regeneration, said: “It’s great to meet Pam and Dan and see them settle into their new homes. “I am very impressed with the quality of - [Council consults on planning power to prevent poor quality development](https://befirst.london/council-consults-on-planning-power-to-prevent-poor-quality-development/) - Barking and Dagenham Council is inviting views on its proposal to seek extra planning powers to prevent poor quality development. The new powers would give local residents and Council planners the right to scrutinise developers’ plans for additional floors on existing buildings in residential parts of the borough. The Council hopes that the change to - [Barking’s heritage mural – the results are in!](https://befirst.london/barkings-heritage-mural-the-results-are-in/) - Residents have given their verdict on the options for a heritage mural in the heart of Barking town centre. Almost 170 people voted and substantially more than half favoured mural artist Jake Attewell’s striking design featured above. Jake has vowed to honour the residents’ decision and will start work on the mural above McDonalds on - [Big stride forward in helping the homeless](https://befirst.london/big-stride-forward-in-helping-the-homeless/) - The Council this week took a big stride forward in its strategy to improve housing for local homeless and vulnerable people, as tenants started to move into the first of three new temporary housing developments in the borough. Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, visited the first in Cook Road, Dagenham - [London’s Growth borough approves historic markets move east](https://befirst.london/londons-growth-borough-approves-historic-markets-move-east/) - Councillors approved plans to move historic City of London wholesale markets to Dagenham last night (22 March). The news follows a string of new investments in Barking and Dagenham. Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “This is yet more great news for the borough. The move will bring jobs as well as - [New homes for local homeless - built with bricks and mortar for hearts and minds](https://befirst.london/new-homes-for-local-homeless-built-with-bricks-and-mortar-for-hearts-and-minds/) - New homes providing emergency accommodation for local homeless people have been completed this week. Councillor Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, visited the new look Grays Court in Dagenham this week. Cllr Bright said: “The pandemic has underlined just how important a stable home is and, at the same time, just how - [Major investment and jobs boost for London’s Hollywood](https://befirst.london/major-investment-and-jobs-boost-for-londons-hollywood/) - Combined with Eastbrook Studios, Hackman Capital Partners’ second investment brings up to £350m into the borough and the potential for over 1,800 new jobs. The global demand for content produced in the UK received welcome news about increased capacity when Barking and Dagenham Council announced this week that global media real estate giants Hackman Capital - [Your vote will count, says heritage mural artist](https://befirst.london/your-vote-will-count-says-heritage-mural-artist/) - Mural artist, Jake Attewell, is asking residents to help him decide which of three possible designs he should paint on the wall in Short Blue Place, Barking, this spring. He has come up with three stunning suggestions and wants residents’ help to decide which celebrates Barking’s heritage best. “I’ve spent a lot of time researching - [Work gets underway on Riverside to Barking walking and cycling route](https://befirst.london/work-gets-underway-on-riverside-to-barking-walking-and-cycling-route/) - Work gets underway this week to introduce a walking and cycling route between Barking and Barking Riverside. The 7km Cycleway is designed to improve the connection between the two growing neighbourhoods, creating streets that are much more welcoming, easier and safer to cross for pedestrians and cyclists alike. New 'continuous' pedestrian crossings will give priority - [Industria revolution in River Road](https://befirst.london/industria-revolution-in-river-road/) - Proposals to create modern business spaces of the future in the River Road Employment Area in Barking were given the thumbs up by Barking and Dagenham councillors at a planning committee meeting this week (16.02.21). Industria – the brainchild of Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm – will be a high-tech business hub, - [Barking set to be home to inspirational east end street art](https://befirst.london/barking-set-to-be-home-to-inspirational-east-end-street-art/) - A street style mural depicting Barking’s rich history will adorn the side wall of McDonald’s Restaurant in East Street this summer. The initial design by Jake Attewell was voted the Winner of the Heritage Wall Commission competition, which was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of the Barking Town Heritage Project and - [Consultation gets underway on unique ‘One Borough’ development](https://befirst.london/consultation-gets-underway-on-unique-one-borough-development/) - Residents of the Andrew’s Corner neighbourhood on the Becontree Estate are being invited to give their views about a unique housing and community development at Brocklebank Lodge. Leaflets have been distributed to 500 residents asking for comments on the council’s latest proposals for replacing the former old people’s home in Becontree Avenue. The initial plan - [We’re delivering local jobs for local people](https://befirst.london/were-delivering-local-jobs-for-local-people/) - Around 20 per cent of all construction staff working on Be First developments in Barking and Dagenham live in the borough according to new figures released today from Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm. As of today (8 February), 231 workers out of 1,150 who have started work across Be First’s 11 development sites, are - [Consultation gets underway on latest plans for the Gascoigne neighbourhood](https://befirst.london/consultation-gets-underway-on-latest-plans-for-the-gascoigne-neighbourhood/) - Local people are being invited to give their views on the designs for the latest phases of new homes in the Gascoigne neighbourhood. The plans, developed by the Council’s regeneration organisation, Be First, set out ideas for more than 440 top quality new homes set in an attractive green landscape. They focus on three areas. - [Landmark development in heart of Barking approaches half-way point](https://befirst.london/landmark-development-in-heart-of-barking-approaches-half-way-point/) - Building work on a new affordable housing development in the heart of Barking is gathering pace. The new development in Linton Road, which will feature 169 affordable homes, has hit a significant milestone with frames of two lower story blocks now complete and the main 21 storey tower has reached 11 floors. Iain Ferguson, Commercial - [Intelligent industrial-resi development is future of regeneration](https://befirst.london/intelligent-industrial-resi-development-is-future-of-regeneration/) - Plans to create a mixed use business and residential development in Barking were approved by the Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee this week (Monday, 21 December). It means 156 new high quality affordable homes for rent will be built alongside 5,085sqm of light industrial space in Thames Road, Barking. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member - [Council to trial measures to make Station Parade safer](https://befirst.london/council-to-trial-measures-to-make-station-parade-safer/) - The Council plans to restrict unauthorised traffic along Station Parade, Barking from January 2021 in response to residents’ concerns about road safety. The improvements outside Barking Station will be introduced for an 18-month trial period and are designed to reduce traffic danger for the thousands of people who work, live or travel through the area - [Plans for new model 21st Century urban development agreed](https://befirst.london/plans-for-new-model-21st-century-urban-development-agreed/) - Plans to transform one of east London’s largest 1960s housing estates into a new model for green urban living were approved by Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee this week. The council’s approval of two planning applications from its regeneration arm, Be First, means over 900 new homes at rents and prices ordinary working Londoners - [Help us revitalise our riverside](https://befirst.london/help-us-revitalise-our-riverside/) - Residents and businesses have been asked to give their views on a masterplan to transform industrial land in and around Barking Creek and the River Thames. The outline plans look to breathe new life into the area around River Road and Thames Road in a bid to boost business growth, deliver modern industrial buildings, new - [Unique ‘One Borough’ development gets green light](https://befirst.london/unique-one-borough-development-gets-green-light/) - A development at Brocklebank Lodge in Becontree Avenue which will feature 53 new homes for local residents, including 15 for people who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), was hailed by the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, as highly innovative. Cllr Rodwell said: “Housing needs for people with ASD are unique and - [New homes and better green spaces will be massive boost for Marks Gate](https://befirst.london/new-homes-and-better-green-spaces-will-be-massive-boost-for-marks-gate/) - The council approved plans from Be First to build affordable new homes at Marks Gate last night (30 November). The members of the planning committee voted to support the application for permission to build the first phase of 81 high quality, affordable homes for the council, and approved the construction of up to 219 more - [We’re still building great homes and places for working people](https://befirst.london/were-still-building-great-homes-and-places-for-working-people/) - A plan to build high quality, below market price homes, a community space and a nursey on the site of a former Royal British Legion (RBL) hall and adjacent flats has been agreed by Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee. The 64 new homes will replace the existing 18 flats on Jervis Court and the - [Homes for local homeless families to be completed in record time](https://befirst.london/homes-for-local-homeless-families-to-be-completed-in-record-time/) - New factory-made homes were delivered to Barking and Dagenham last week as part of a project to house local homeless people. The 20 two-bedroom modular homes will be finished off by Jerram Falkus, at a former garage site in Wivenhoe Road, Barking and are set to be completed in 30 weeks. Cllr Saima Ashraf, Deputy - [Movies will be Made in Dagenham](https://befirst.london/movies-will-be-made-in-dagenham/) - Barking and Dagenham Council today signed an agreement with global media real estate leader Hackman Capital Partners (HCP) to build London’s largest film and TV production centre in Dagenham. Eastbrook Studios London will be the capital’s largest studio campus. The project comes with planning permission, and HCP’s ambitious plans include up to 12 sound stages, - [Modular is marvellous says council leader](https://befirst.london/modular-is-marvellous-says-council-leader/) - Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, has described 13 new modular council owned homes in Barking as ‘marvellous’ following a tour of a show flat this week. Cllr Rodwell said: “There’s a myth that modular homes are just a cheap type of prefab but from what I have seen here today at - [More homes and local labour coming to a former job centre site](https://befirst.london/more-homes-and-local-labour-coming-to-a-former-job-centre-site/) - Construction of 90 affordable homes at a former Job Centre site in South Dagenham started this week. The development in Chequers Lane is the result of an innovative agreement between Barking and Dagenham Council and Hollybrook Ltd, who will build the homes for the council. Initially the site had planning permission for 77 homes of which - [Call to creatives - design our heritage mural](https://befirst.london/call-to-creatives-design-our-heritage-mural/) - Be First has joined forces with The National Lottery Heritage Fund to offer a £20,000 commission to an artist, or artists, to create a heritage mural in Short Blue Place, Barking. The plans to commemorate Barking’s forgotten history were hatched by local heritage volunteers who have been researching the area’s lost history. They have unearthed - [Dagenham film studios project moves forward](https://befirst.london/dagenham-film-studios-project-moves-forward/) - The development of London’s largest films studios is set to be considered at Barking and Dagenham Council’s cabinet this month (20 October). A report drawn up by the council’s regeneration arm, Be First, recommends that the most effective way to deliver a world-class film and TV production centre in Dagenham would be to lease the - [Council Leader visits innovative project turning historic building into housing](https://befirst.london/council-leader-visits-innovative-project-turning-historic-building-into-housing/) - The conversion of a former convent in Dagenham into new housing is beginning to take shape and the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell visited the site this week to see how work was progressing. Cllr Rodwell was joined by Iain Ferguson of Be First and Paul Hart of Murphy Group who - [Residents asked for views to help shape the borough](https://befirst.london/residents-asked-for-views-to-help-shape-the-borough/) - Residents, businesses, and developers in Barking and Dagenham are being asked to share their views on the future of the borough as the council launches a new public consultation on the emerging Local Plan. The Local Plan sets out the visions for the future of the borough until 2037 and covers a wide range of - [Former pub site makes way for new homes for local people](https://befirst.london/former-pub-site-makes-way-for-new-homes-for-local-people/) - Plans to build nearly 200 new homes in Barking were given the green light by councillors at planning committee meeting on Tuesday (25 February). Up to 35 per cent of the 196 new rental homes will be affordable with rents as low as £161 per week for a studio flat.* The new homes will be - [Redevelopment accelerates in Barking](https://befirst.london/redevelopment-accelerates-in-barking/) - 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 - [300 pupils pedal into 2020 Bike to School week](https://befirst.london/300-pupils-pedal-into-2020-bike-to-school-week/) - Over 300 pupils are taking training lessons at Barking and Dagenham schools this year, as the delayed 2020 Bike to School week gets underway. The national ride-to-school initiative, which was rescheduled from its usual spot in May due to Covid-19, will see bikeability training delivered in 25 local schools. Bikeability is a cycle training programme - [A13 tunnel will turbo charge East London economy](https://befirst.london/a13-tunnel-will-turbo-charge-east-london-economy/) - Barking and Dagenham Council, together with its urban regeneration company Be First, have submitted a representation to the government’s comprehensive spending review to request investment for a game-changing transport package that could deliver 30,000 homes by 2041 and unlock 12,000 homes more immediately in the Castle Green area. The proposal would see the construction of - [A sustainable future for Gascoigne](https://befirst.london/east-london-estate-sets-new-green-standards/) - Plans to build a further 226 new homes as part of one of east London’s largest housing redevelopments were approved this week. Councillors at Barking and Dagenham Council agreed to the proposals for the new homes on Barking’s Gascoigne estate thanks in part to the fact that the latest development will be one of the greenest - [A revolution by the river](https://befirst.london/a-revolution-by-the-river/) - Consultation has started on a new industrial hub at the heart of the River Road industrial estate in Barking. Dubbed Industria, the striking-looking building boasts top quality, flexible industrial workspaces in a modern structure that sets pioneering new standards for sustainability. And, the experience for visitors and neighbours will be enhanced by a green wall, - [We’re bringing art to the thriving heart of Barking](https://befirst.london/were-bringing-art-to-the-thriving-heart-of-barking/) - Piling work for the new House for Artists started in the heart of Barking this week. The development on Linton Road, which has been backed by world renowned artist, Grayson Perry, will be home to 12 artists and features ground floor studio space for the artists to work with the local community. It forms part - [Mayor gives go-ahead to major new film studios in Dagenham ](https://befirst.london/mayor-gives-go-ahead-to-major-new-film-studios-in-dagenham/) - The Mayor has given his approval to plans by Be First, on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council, to build the capital’s largest film studios in Dagenham, boosting the borough and London’s growing film and TV industries. The plans, which were approved by the council’s planning committee last month, will see six sound stages, productions - [Plans to enhance setting of one of London’s oldest buildings approved](https://befirst.london/plans-to-enhance-setting-of-one-of-londons-oldest-buildings-approved/) - Proposals to improve the area around Barking’s 500-year-old Curfew Tower were approved last night (Monday,10 August). The plans to open up views of the tower and improve the landscaping were approved at Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, said: “We’re massively proud of our heritage. - [More homes and art in the heart of Barking](https://befirst.london/more-homes-and-art-in-the-heart-of-barking/) - Construction of an independent cinema, affordable housing and a new facility for older people – has started. The development by Lindhill Properties, will replace the former Abbey Sports Centre in Axe Street in Barking. It includes 170 homes for rent, and will include one, two and three-bedroom residential flats, 60 at affordable rent. Councillor Darren Rodwell, - [New plans for a greener Gascoigne to meet the climate change challenge](https://befirst.london/new-plans-for-a-greener-gascoigne-to-meet-the-climate-change-challenge/) - Consultation is now underway on revised proposals to build 526 new homes in the latest phase of redevelopment of the eastern end of Gascoigne estate, as part of the borough’s commitment to meet the climate challenge head on. The new flats and houses, which will be built for the council by the authority’s development arm, - [Inspirational design for new homes in Dagenham bring best of old and new together](https://befirst.london/inspirational-design-for-new-homes-in-dagenham-bring-best-of-old-and-new-together/) - Construction of a further 56 new affordable homes for local people in Dagenham got underway this week. Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, went to the site in Woodward Road along with Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director of Be First and Eamon O’Malley of builders Mulalley. Cllr Rodwell said the development is another - [Building of landmark development accelerates](https://befirst.london/building-of-landmark-development-accelerates/) - Construction of 95 new modern, affordable homes on the site of a former 1960s estate, Sebastian Court, is now back up to full speed. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, visited the site to see how work was progressing at the site in Upney Lane, Barking, together with Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director at - [Dagenham studios given the go-ahead](https://befirst.london/dagenham-studios-given-the-go-ahead/) - Plans to build London’s largest film studios on former industrial land in Dagenham were approved at a meeting of Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee last night. Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council hailed the decision as ‘momentous’. He said: “This is a huge decision for the borough. It gives the green - [East London council keeps building](https://befirst.london/east-london-council-keeps-building/) - Building work on a new affordable housing development in the heart of Barking is now underway as Barking and Dagenham Council’s drive to build more affordable homes for working people gathers pace. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, visited the site in Linton Road to see how construction of the latest phase - [Gascoigne - a model for 21st century affordable housing](https://befirst.london/gascoigne-a-model-for-21st-century-affordable-housing/) - Building work on one of east London’s largest regeneration projects is continuing at pace on Barking’s Gascoigne Estate. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, visited site on Friday 19 June, to see how construction of the latest phase of 200 new homes is progressing. Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to see our - [It’s time to lift the curfew!](https://befirst.london/its-time-to-lift-the-curfew/) - Barking’s 500 year old Curfew Tower is set to get a makeover, if plans by Be First, the borough’s regeneration organisation, get the go ahead in July. The plan is to declutter the approach to the tower and radically improve the landscaping to make this historic gem more visible and a much more attractive place - [Plans to move City of London markets to Dagenham submitted](https://befirst.london/plans-to-move-city-of-london-markets-to-dagenham-submitted/) - Plans to move the City of London wholesale markets to Dagenham Dock were submitted to Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm, today (3 June). The planning application proposes to move Billingsgate, New Spitalfields and Smithfield markets to the 42-acre site of the former Barking Reach Power station, at Dagenham Dock. If approved, the - [Winning hearts and minds with bricks and mortar](https://befirst.london/winning-hearts-and-minds-with-bricks-and-mortar/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm, has published detailed guidelines to help architects and contractors deliver its aspirations for a new standard of design for municipally owned housing. The series of three guides – titled Hearts, Minds, Bricks and Mortar - were launched at an online event hosted by the New London Architecture (NLA) - [Plans for more affordable homes approved](https://befirst.london/plans-for-more-affordable-homes-approved/) - Proposals to build 56 affordable new homes have been agreed by Barking and Dagenham’s planning committee. The plans to build the homes in Woodward Road Dagenham, include redeveloping a locally listed former library, which is currently being used as a furniture workshop. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, said: “This decision - [More homes and funds for frontline services](https://befirst.london/more-homes-and-funds-for-frontline-services/) - Councillors in Barking and Dagenham have approved the Business Plan of Be First, the council’s in-house regeneration organisation for the next five years. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “Be First is delivering hundreds of new affordable homes for local people and making a financial surplus which can be used to fund - [Thumbs up for more affordable homes](https://befirst.london/thumbs-up-for-more-affordable-homes/) - Plans to build 150 new affordable homes were given the go ahead by councillors following a planning meeting last night (23 March). The new council owned homes will replace 58 homes on sites in Roxwell Road and Stebbing Way, and at the junction of Oxlow Lane and Rainham Road North. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member - [Consultation event postponed](https://befirst.london/consultation-event-postponed/) - In the interests of public safety Be First has postponed a consultation event on proposals to build more homes on the Gascoigne Estate. The event was due to open on Thursday, 19 March at The Boathouse Studio in the Icehouse Quarter off Abbey Road. A Be First spokesperson said: “We will arrange a further public - [Help us make a greater Gascoigne](https://befirst.london/help-us-make-a-greater-gascoigne/) - Local residents will be asked to give their views on plans to redevelop the Gascoigne area this month. Be First is hosting two consultation events on proposals to deliver more homes and improve the environment while making it better connected to the town centre and the River Roding. Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First, - [London’s Hollywood on track](https://befirst.london/londons-hollywood-on-track/) - New designs for the Dagenham Studios were unveiled today as part of a planning application to transform a former factory site into London’s Hollywood. The plans were submitted by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration organisation, and are expected to be considered by the Council’s Planning Committee in July this year. Councillor, Darren Rodwell, - [If you love films - you’ll love this hotel](https://befirst.london/if-you-love-films-youll-love-this-hotel/) - The Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council checked out the new ‘Hotel Hollywood’ this week in Dagenham East in the run up to Valentine’s Day. Councillor Darren Rodwell went to see the new London Dagenham East Travelodge – which is just a stone’s throw away from the site which is set host the Made in - [Made in Dagenham studio plan takes significant step forward](https://befirst.london/made-in-dagenham-studio-plan-takes-significant-step-forward/) - Residents are being asked to give their views on the plans for the building of the Made in Dagenham studios as the Borough launched a pre-application planning consultation on the next stage of the project which is going to the council’s planning committee for permission for the studio buildings. Local people will be able to - [Secret lemonade drinker’s 100 year old bottle found in Barking building site](https://befirst.london/secret-lemonade-drinkers-100-year-old-bottle-found-in-barking-building-site/) - Eagle eyed excavators unearthed a 100 year old R.White’s bottle as they prepared a new housing site on Upney Lane, Barking last week. The Doulton Lambeth Salt glazed pottery bottle was spotted by Rob Finbow, Site Manager for contractors Jerram Falkus, who are working to build 95 new council-owned flats for the borough’s regeneration - [Special delivery – the homes built in half the time](https://befirst.london/special-delivery-the-homes-built-in-half-the-time/) - The last of the modules making up 13 new council homes were delivered to Sugden Way, Barking today (Monday, 27January). Be First, the council’s pioneering regeneration company, commissioned specialist construction company Rollalong to build and deliver the modular homes, which are built offsite and then bolted together and finished on site. The first modules were - [Ringing in a new era](https://befirst.london/ringing-in-a-new-era/) - A new era of quality affordable housing in the borough is truly underway, said Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration this week. Cllr Cameron Geddes was speaking after a site tour to see the latest phase of demolition get underway along Ripple Road on Barking’s Gascoigne Estate. It includes the iconic 12 storey - [Demolition begins on 200-home Gascoigne West project in Barking](https://befirst.london/demolition-begins-on-200-home-gascoigne-west-project-in-barking/) - Demolition is now underway on the west side of the Gascoigne Estate, making way for the delivery of more than 200 new homes in Barking over the next two years. Barking and Dagenham Council leader Cllr Darren Rodwell and Managing Director of Be First Pat Hayes joined together with Wates Residential Operations Director, Adrian Fennessy - [See for yourself, urges regeneration head](https://befirst.london/see-for-yourself-urges-regeneration-head/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s urban regeneration organisation, has announced a third year of its unique free bus tour which is designed to give residents and visitors an insight into regeneration in this fast-growing borough. Managing Director of Be First, Pat Hayes, said: “Be First’s mission is to accelerate growth in the borough so - [Putting a decent roof over local people’s heads](https://befirst.london/putting-a-decent-roof-over-local-peoples-heads/) - Plans to convert a disused hospital building into emergency temporary housing for local homeless families were given the go-ahead on Monday night at Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee. The proposal to refurbish the former Grays Court hospital in Dagenham includes 62 temporary accommodation rooms, a new community space and a GP out of hours - [Gifts made in the east star in Christmas special](https://befirst.london/gifts-made-in-the-east-star-in-christmas-special/) - Jewellery, ceramics, stationery, art, clothing, gifts, and games made by local residents will be on sale for Christmas in a pop-up shop in Barking station as part of a grassroots regeneration project this festive season. The pop-up shop is a joint venture between Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, and the Barking - [Residents asked for views on development](https://befirst.london/residents-asked-for-views-on-development/) - What sort of development should be allowed in Barking and Dagenham over the next few years and where should it take place? These are some of the key questions the council is encouraging residents to help answer as it launches its consultation on the Local Plan. Every borough is legally required to have a Local - [A new west side story](https://befirst.london/a-new-west-side-story/) - Plans to build more than 200 new homes for local people on the west side of the Gascoigne Estate were given the thumbs up last night at Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee. Over 60 per cent of the homes will be affordable, with rents starting from £134 a week .* Pat Hayes, Managing Director - [Gifted Griffi nails her edgy art in Barking](https://befirst.london/gifted-griffi-nails-her-edgy-art-in-barking/) - A local artist who incorporates nuts, nails and screws to explore neuroscience, physics and psychology is displaying her ground-breaking work at Barking station’s pop up gallery this month. Griffi, who lives locally, said: “I use an array of reclaimed materials such as screws, nails, kitchen utensils and other building paraphernalia, some of which have been - [We’re still building quality homes for working people](https://befirst.london/were-still-building-quality-homes-for-working-people/) - New affordable homes will be built on the site of a former Royal British Legion (RBL) hall and adjacent flats after plans were agreed by the Council at a cabinet meeting last night (12 November). The 56 new affordable homes will replace the existing 16 flats on Jervis Court and the ex-RBL land on Rectory - [More affordable homes for local people](https://befirst.london/more-affordable-homes-for-local-people/) - Plans to build at least 200 new affordable homes for local people were given the green light last night (12 November) by councillors. The proposals, which are subject to planning permission, are to build the homes on land alongside the A12 in Marks Gate, and emanate from the council’s regeneration company, Be First. They feature - [We’re building quality careers for local people](https://befirst.london/were-building-quality-careers-for-local-people/) - Contractors working in Barking and Dagenham have agreed to create over 560 new construction jobs and hundreds of new apprenticeships by 2025. The Council’s regeneration company, Be First has reached an agreement with its construction industry partners to deliver full time jobs and extensive training and educational opportunities. The news comes in the run up - [Forget about Downton Abbey – here’s Barking Abbey!](https://befirst.london/forget-about-downton-abbey-heres-barking-abbey/) - Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council was joined by fellow fans of the east London borough to pose for a tongue in cheek picture in the grounds of Barking Abbey. The picture – loosely based on the Downtown Abbey film poster – is part of a drive to promote the borough’s history - [Plans for Made in Dagenham film studios move forward](https://befirst.london/plans-for-made-in-dagenham-film-studios-move-forward/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, has announced new plans to deliver films studios in Dagenham today. The proposals, which were given the go-ahead by councillors tonight, are for Be First to design and seek planning permission for London’s largest film studios for 25 years on over 20 acres of the former - [Grand designs: Consultation on new homes gets underway](https://befirst.london/grand-designs-consultation-on-new-homes-gets-underway/) - Residents and neighbours of two housing estates are being invited to get involved in designing new homes for local people at a series of drop-in events starting next week. The events follow a decision to build new homes at the junction of Roxwell Road and Stebbing Way, Barking, and at the corner of Oxlow Lane - [Barking gallery hosts inspirational art](https://befirst.london/barking-gallery-hosts-inspirational-art/) - African infused art will be on display at east London’s latest pop up gallery over the next few weeks. Kemi Oloyede’s exhibition will be on display at the gallery in Barking station until the end of October. Kemi said: “It’s great to be exhibiting my art in Barking which is really becoming a destination for - [It’s not rocket science – Greatfields is great](https://befirst.london/its-not-rocket-science-greatfields-is-great/) - Students from one of east London’s fastest growing schools tried out 11 new science classrooms last week. The newly built science laboratories were among 18 classrooms handed over to the Greatfields School this term by Mid-Group working with Be First, the Council’s regeneration company on behalf of the Council on the £55.8million school build, which - [More affordable homes in the heart of Becontree](https://befirst.london/more-affordable-homes-in-the-heart-of-becontree/) - Plans to build 19 affordable homes for local people and a new community facility in the heart of Becontree were given the go-ahead at a planning committee meeting this week. The decision will mean that local people will be able to apply for the shared ownership homes, which will be part rent part buy. Councillor - [Providing homes for local homeless families](https://befirst.london/providing-homes-for-local-homeless-families/) - Three Councillors inspected a newly built two-bedroom flat this week which will soon be home for a local homeless family. Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, was joined by Cllrs Sade Bright, Cabinet Member for Employment, Skills and Aspiration, Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Social Housing, and Tara Mahony, of - [Views sought on new homes in Woodward Road](https://befirst.london/views-sought-on-new-homes-in-woodward-road/) - Local residents are invited to a special drop-in session at Woodward Hall, between 3-7.30pm on Tuesday 24 September to view the proposals for more than 50 new homes on Woodward Road, near Becontree station. Architects and project staff from Be First, the Council’s regeneration company, will be attending to gather residents’ views on plans for - [Clip clop not hip hop](https://befirst.london/clip-clop-not-hip-hop/) - The sound of horses’ hooves will be mingling with the folk music around Barking this weekend, thanks to a heritage feature presented by Be First. As part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded, Barking Town Heritage Project, a Victorian style horse and carriage will be on display in the town centre, to coincide with the - [Park to open-up access to Thames takes shape](https://befirst.london/park-to-open-up-access-to-thames-takes-shape/) - Work has begun this week to create a new mini ‘linear’ park which will join up walking and cycling routes from the River Thames at Barking Riverside to Barking town centre and central London. Thanks to £440,000 from the Mayor of London’s Green Capital Grants and an investment of £350,000 from Be First, the new - [We will save last vestiges of London Bridge](https://befirst.london/we-will-save-last-vestiges-of-london-bridge/) - Some of the last remnants of the 1831 London Bridge will be protected and restored as part of £1.8million heritage project by Be First, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The last pieces of the old bridge, which was sold to an American developer in 1967 and relocated to Arizona, will be restored by Barking - [A new lease of life for Grays Court](https://befirst.london/a-new-lease-of-life-for-grays-court/) - Residents have been urged to make their views known on plans to refurbish a former hospital in Dagenham. The proposals to renovate Grays Court Hospital in John Parker Close include temporary accommodation for local people, a flexible use community space, and the continuation of out of hours GP services. Matthew Westwood, Senior Development Manager at - [Plans submitted for latest phase of Gascoigne estate redevelopment](https://befirst.london/plans-submitted-for-latest-phase-of-gascoigne-estate-redevelopment/) - The planning application for the latest stage of redevelopment of the Gascoigne Estate was submitted to the council this week. Be First, the council’s regeneration company, submitted the latest designs for more than 200 new homes, which would be built on Abbey Road on the western side of the estate, on Monday 5 August 2019. - ['Something’ in New Abbey Road studios](https://befirst.london/something-in-new-abbey-road-studios/) - Barking’s burgeoning reputation as London’s latest creative hotspot took another boost this week when Be First issued a call for organisations to run new artist’s studios by the River Roding. Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company hopes the new Abbey Road studios will be as inspiring to artists as its St John’s Wood’s namesake. - [Iconic estate stages Tour De Becontree](https://befirst.london/iconic-estate-stages-tour-de-becontree/) - Young east London cyclists took to the streets in a Tour De Becontree to celebrate 100 years of the Addison Act on Friday, 26 July. Around 50 young people from the Barking and Dagenham Cycling Club, Dorothy Barley Junior School and Manor Junior School Cycle Clubs were led on a special circuit by qualified instructors - [Summer fun at transformed Tantony Green](https://befirst.london/summer-fun-at-transformed-tantony-green/) - Chadwell Heath children have a new state of new state of the art playground to have fun in the sun this summer. Locals say the Tantony Green play area in Marks Gate has been transformed from a tired old boring playground into an exciting new space complete with multi-use games area, a bespoke adventure tree - [Former hospital to provide homes for local families](https://befirst.london/former-hospital-to-provide-homes-for-local-families/) - Councillors gave the green light to proposals to convert a former hospital into an exciting new community facility together with nearly 60 new family homes at a cabinet meeting last night. The redevelopment of Grays Court Hospital in John Parker Close, Dagenham, will deliver a vibrant new community hub, providing a range of services and - [Barking and Dagenham home of European art](https://befirst.london/barking-and-dagenham-home-of-european-art/) - East end artist David Bailey’s photograph of the Dagenham Idol will be one of the star exhibits at a new pop-up gallery in Barking this summer. The picture of the prehistoric figurine – believed to be one of the first known examples of figurative art in Europe – will be displayed as part of a - [New sports hall helps students reach new heights](https://befirst.london/new-sports-hall/) - Barking Abbey School pupils were jumping for joy this week as they were put through their paces during a PE lesson in a new, state-of-the-art sports hall. The hall is part of a £17.9 million expansion which allows the school, which is a specialist sports and humanities college, to accommodate 90 more students each year. - [Critical friends appointed to oversee top quality design in Barking and Dagenham](https://befirst.london/critical-friends-appointed-to-oversee-top-quality-design-in-barking-and-dagenham-2/) - A team of ‘critical friends' made up of 25 architects, environmental experts and town planners has been appointed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, to act as design champions for the borough. Their appointment to the Barking and Dagenham Quality Review Panel comes as the borough emerges as one of London’s - [Help us write a new Westside story](https://befirst.london/help-us-write-a-new-westside-story/) - Local residents are being urged to help shape the next phase of development of the Gascoigne estate, Barking. The council’s regeneration company, Be First, is holding a consultation event next week to allow local people to give feedback on the latest plans for the western side of the estate. The exhibition sets out the designs - [Road and pavement work on the way in Barking town centre](https://befirst.london/road-and-pavement-works-on-the-way-in-barking-town-centre/) - As part of its commitment to build a better Barking and deliver 169 affordable and shared ownership homes on a former car park at Linton Road, Be First has announced there will be a series of pavement and road works in Cambridge and Linton roads during the summer. Starting on Tuesday, 18 June, there will - [Green Gascoigne estate will set new environmental standards](https://befirst.london/green-gascoigne-estate-will-set-new-environmental-standards/) - Councillors approved plans to build over 500 homes on a new look eco-friendly Gascoigne estate at a Barking and Dagenham Council planning committee last night (3 June 2019). The development, in the heart of Barking town centre, will feature eleven new buildings and 526 flats, of which 65% will be affordable rent or shared ownership, - [We're moving on Upney](https://befirst.london/were-moving-on-upney/) - Plans to build 95 new affordable homes on the site of a poor quality building in Upney were approved last night at Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee tonight (3 June). The development at Sebastian Court, which being managed for the Council by Be First, the Council's regeneration company, will provide a mixture of one - [Be First to build hundreds more council homes](https://befirst.london/be-first-to-build-hundreds-more-council-homes/) - Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, Be First, will build even more council homes in the borough over the next five years than previously projected. The extra homes, detailed in its 2019 business plan, will mean Be First will build 3,088 council homes by 2024 – 880 more than the original target set by the council when the - [Champions of change take to the streets](https://befirst.london/champions-of-change-take-to-the-streets/) - Over 500 east London school pupils took to the streets to march against car use near their junior school today. The protest by children from Manor Junior School in Barking is part of Living Streets’ national campaign, Walk to School Week. The pupils joined the demonstration to encourage less cars around the school to combat - [We’re putting our heart into building homes and communities](https://befirst.london/were-putting-our-heart-into-building-homes-and-communities/) - A stylish terrace of ‘east end’ style council homes has been delivered by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering development company. Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell and Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director of Be First, visited the development to see how the tenants of Tarling Close, Dagenham, were settling in. - [Call for sites for the Barking and Dagenham Local Plan](https://befirst.london/call-for-sites-for-the-barking-and-dagenham-local-plan/) - Be First has issued a public ‘call for sites’ to anyone wishing to develop land in the borough. The Council’s regeneration company has written to over 1,000 landowners, businesses and agents to ask them to suggest sites that may be suitable for new housing or other development so that they may be considered for inclusion - [We're booting out bigotry](https://befirst.london/were-booting-out-bigotry/) - Be First has teamed up with Dagenham and Redbridge FC to sponsor the club’s 10th Daggers Against Racism Day. The Daggers Against Racism Day takes place alongside the East London club’s home match against Barrow AFC on Saturday 6th April, with a 3pm kick-off. And Be First is opening up the event to the community by - [Be First appoints McLaren Construction for Barking town centre scheme](https://befirst.london/be-first-appoints-mclaren-construction-for-barking-town-centre-scheme/) - Pioneering urban development company, Be First, has today confirmed the appointment of McLaren Construction to build a flagship project at the heart of Barking Town Centre (24 April 2019). The contract award, at an undisclosed value, is for the construction of 169 affordable and shared ownership homes on a former local authority car park at - [Building better homes for aspirational working people](https://befirst.london/building-better-homes-for-aspirational-working-people/) - Demolition of an old 1960s block in Barking, east London, is now underway to make way for over 90 quality affordable homes for local people. And to see how the works are coming along was Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell and Be First’s Tom Mather. Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s great to - [Homes for local homeless under-weigh](https://befirst.london/weighbridge/) - Work to build nearly 100 new temporary homes for local homeless people is now underway on a former weighbridge site in Dagenham. The Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell and Be First’s Construction Director, Tom Mather went to see how work was progressing on Thursday (28 March 2018). Cllr Rodwell said: “It’s - [‘We’re putting a roof over local people’s heads’](https://befirst.london/a-roof-over-local-peoples-heads/) - Ninety-two new homes for local homeless people will be built at pace on a former weighbridge after councillors gave the thumbs up to plans at Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee last week. The new modular built homes will be delivered at the site in Cook Road, Dagenham, before the end of the year. Councillor - [Building a buzzing Barking](https://befirst.london/building-a-buzzing-barking/) - The latest plan to boost Barking’s growing reputation as one of east London’s most vibrant town centres was given the green light at planning committee last night (18 March). Proposals to demolish Crown House, Barking, and to redevelop the site and neighbouring Linton Road car park, were approved by councillors at the meeting. The dated - [Art in the heart for school for the brave](https://befirst.london/art-in-the-heart-for-school-for-the-brave/) - The arts are now firmly at the heart of an east London school thanks to a multi-million-pound expansion. The investment means students at Robert Clack School, whose motto ‘for the brave nothing is difficult’, will be able enjoy a new space dedicated to drama and music, built as part of a £6 million refit which - [Plans to refurbish Barking station look to retain its Roman heritage](https://befirst.london/plans-to-refurbish-barking-station-look-to-retain-its-roman-heritage/) - Residents have been urged to give their views on plans to refurbish Barking Station by Be First planners today. The proposals from C2C look to retain the Grade II listed building’s roof which was closely modelled on Italy’s best-known railway station, the iconic 50s modernist structure Roma Termini. Caroline Harper, Be First’s Chief Planning Director, - [Billion-pound builders ready to deliver thousands of affordable homes](https://befirst.london/billion-pound-builders-ready-to-deliver-thousands-of-affordable-homes/) - Seven firms who have recently won the right to be part of Be First’s billion-pound Construction Framework are ready to pick up the pace of delivering thousands of affordable homes in London’s growth borough. The seven; McLaren Construction Ltd, Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd, Wates Residential, J. Murphy & Sons Ltd, Jerram Falkus Construction Ltd, Mulalley - [Take art to the heart of Barking](https://befirst.london/take-art-to-the-heart-of-barking/) - Ambitious artists and creative organisations have just days left to bid to secure a lease of a new arts space in the heart of London’s latest creative hotspot. Be First launched its ‘Art in the Heart’ competition last month, calling for organisations and artists who would like to take on the 400 sqm space on - [Coming soon! London’s Hollywood hotel](https://befirst.london/coming-soon-londons-hollywood-hotel/) - Building work is underway on a new 78 room hotel in the heart of the area set to become London’s Hollywood. The new Travelodge in Dagenham East will be just yards from the site of the soon-to-be largest film studios in London. The hotel is being built by Barnes Construction through a funding agreement with - [Development Framework winners named](https://befirst.london/development-framework-winners-named-2/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, has today (28 January) named the three companies that will join the second Lot of its new Development Framework for major projects of £10 million and over. They are: McLaren Construction Ltd Wilmott Dixon Construction Ltd Wates Residential Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director at Be First, said: - [East London hidden gem unearthed and polished](https://befirst.london/hidden-gem-unearthed-and-polished/) - Improvements have been made to a memorial of a Thames shipping disaster as part of drive to bring back to life one of east London’s hidden gems. The works included cleaning a mural commemorating the sinking of the SS Princess Alice in River Road, Barking, and improving signage to a riverside greenspace along Barking Creek - [Hollywood comes to Dagenham](https://befirst.london/hollywood-comes-to-dagenham/) - Plans for films made in Dagenham took another step towards reality this week when the preferred bidders to build what will be London’s largest studios visited the site to meet the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council. Cllr Darren Rodwell met with Dana Arnold, Chief Executive Officer of Pacifica Ventures and Sasha Shapiro, Managing Director - [Famous five east end women honoured](https://befirst.london/famous-five-east-end-women-honoured/) - Five famous east London women have been honoured after their images painted by Barking school children went up on hoardings by their school. The paintings of entertainers Dame Vera Lynn, who was from East Ham and lived in Dagenham, Sandie Shaw, who hailed from Dagenham, former Barking MP, Jo Richardson, Humanitarian Elizabeth Fry, who lived in - [Development framework winners named](https://befirst.london/development-framework-winners-named/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, has named the four construction companies that will join its new Development Framework, Lot 1 for projects up to £20 million. They are: J.Murphy & Sons Ltd Jerram Falkus Construction Ltd Mulalley & Company Ltd United Living (South) Ltd Iain Ferguson, Commercial Director at Be First, - [Coming soon – hundreds of homes and an arthouse cinema](https://befirst.london/coming-soon-hundreds-of-homes-and-an-arthouse-cinema/) - Permission was granted for more than 200 new homes in Barking and Dagenham at planning committee last night (10 December 2018). Councillors approved three very different schemes proposed by Be First, the borough’s pioneering regeneration company, each set to provide affordable homes for local people. The first project, planned for the site of the old - [We’ll build Care City with art and soul](https://befirst.london/well-build-care-city-with-art-and-soul/) - Barking and Dagenham’s burgeoning reputation as London’s latest creative hotspot took another boost after councillors gave the green light to plans at a cabinet meeting (13 November) to create a new arthouse cinema on the site of a former leisure centre. The plans to redevelop the old Abbey Sports Centre, Barking, will see a new - [Construction expert joins Be First](https://befirst.london/construction-expert-joins-be-first/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s affordable housing developer and regeneration company, has appointed a new Director of Construction. Tom Mather, who up until recently, Programme Managed the Stansted Airport transformation programme for Manchester Airports Group, joined the east London company this month. Tom said: “It’s hugely exciting to be joining Be First. They are spearheading London’s - [New park will open up Thames to all](https://befirst.london/new-park-will-open-up-thames-to-all/) - Residents of Thames Ward have been invited to design a new mini-park which will open up walking and cycling routes from Barking and central London to the River Thames at Barking Riverside. Thanks to £440,000 from the Mayor of London’s Green Capital Grants and an investment of £350,000 from Be First, the new park will - [Helping local people find a home](https://befirst.london/helping-local-people-find-a-home/) - Plans to build over 30 modular flats for local people and families were given the thumbs up at a planning committee meeting last night (12 November). The developments by Be First in Wivenhoe Road and Sugden Way will help the council house local people who are on the housing list. Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member - [Putting a roof over people’s heads](https://befirst.london/putting-a-roof-over-peoples-heads/) - Residents have been invited to give their views on a proposed development of state-of-the-art modular homes on the former Weighbridge site between Cook Road and Richard Ryan Place, Dagenham. The plans developed by Be First, the council’s pioneering regeneration company, will deliver 92 temporary accommodation flats for homeless people on the council's housing waiting list. - [Bold plan to keep London’s growth borough booming](https://befirst.london/bold-plan-to-keep-londons-growth-borough-booming/) - Residents are being urged to make their views known on the plans to improve the borough’s transport network. The draft Local Implementation Plan (LIP), which was drawn up for the council by regeneration company, Be First, sets out a series of short and long-term investment bids, which will be considered by the Mayor of London - [Building more great schools](https://befirst.london/building-more-great-schools/) - Building work of a brand-new all through school in Dagenham is underway as part of a wider schools’ investment programme. The £26 million new Robert Clack Lymington Fields School, will serve up to 1,350 pupils once completed in 2020. It will also be part of Robert Clack School, which is on a separate site, and - [Former Fords land to be site of trains, homes and parks](https://befirst.london/former-fords-land-to-be-site-of-trains-homes-and-parks/) - Barking and Dagenham Council’s leader has welcomed the decision by the deputy mayor of London to give the green light to the proposed Beam Park development. The decision by Jules Pipe, London’s deputy mayor for housing, means thousands of more homes, new primary schools and a new rail station on the former Fords site. Councillor - [Former civil service chief warns builders to buckle up for chaotic Brexit](https://befirst.london/former-civil-service-chief-warns-builders-to-buckle-up-for-chaotic-brexit/) - Lord Kerslake has warned the construction industry to buckle up in the face of the UK crashing out of the European Union. The former civil service supremo who is Chair of Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, said a chaotic No Deal Brexit would place a huge burden on builders and developers. Lord - [School for the brave in seventh heaven](https://befirst.london/school-for-the-brave-in-seventh-heaven/) - Up to 360 Year Seven pupils at a Dagenham school of science will be able to enjoy 12 brand new classrooms this term. To celebrate the opening of the new facilities at Robert Clack Lower School, Headteacher Russell Taylor, met Councillor Evelyn Carpenter, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, - [Artists take a trip east to Barking - not Berlin](https://befirst.london/artists-take-a-trip-east-to-barking-not-berlin/) - Artists from all over London and the UK met up with the leader of Barking and Dagenham Council to view the proposed site of the ground-breaking ‘House for Artists’ in Barking. Councillor Darren Rodwell hosted a tour of Barking town centre, including the site itself, for artists who are interested in taking up residence at - [Digital Dagenham on the way](https://befirst.london/digital-dagenham-on-the-way/) - Barking and Dagenham’s drive to become a centre for digital and media industries has received a massive boost after the council gave the thumbs up to plans to build two of the UK’s largest data centres. The planning decision, which had been referred to the Mayor of London’s office for review, gives the seal of - [New bungalows recreate east end neighbourly feel](https://befirst.london/new-bungalows-recreate-east-end-neighbourly-feel/) - Tenants of a brand new ‘old east end style’ bungalow development met Barking and Dagenham Council leader, Councillor Darren Rodwell, this week as he viewed a pioneering council home swap scheme. Mr Rodwell went to see how Josephine Rudd and her neighbours Pauline Branch and Brenda Lowe were settling in to their new homes in - [Tours galore as Barking and Dagenham steps out to London Open House](https://befirst.london/tours-galore-as-barking-and-dagenham-steps-out-to-london-open-house/) - Double decker buses, Land Rovers and a range of guided tours feature in September’s London Open House festival in Barking and Dagenham. The annual festival of architecture, which runs over the weekend 22-23 September, encourages the public to visit little known venues and areas, and the tours and attractions are free of charge. In Barking - [A great new school grows](https://befirst.london/a-great-new-school-grows/) - Work is underway on a new state of the art school in the heart of one of east London’s largest regeneration schemes. The latest phase of Greatfields School, in Barking’s Gascoigne Estate, will provide 18 new classrooms and specialist teaching areas, including science, design technology and music, for 540 new pupils. The works will mean - [Looking to Be First at cycling](https://befirst.london/looking-to-be-first-at-cycling/) - Barking and Dagenham's regeneration company Be First has announced its sponsorship of Barking and Dagenham Cycling Club as part of its drive to improve the life chances and opportunities of local people. Be First, has backed the club with £6,000 to help get more young people into cycling. Pat Hayes, Managing Director of Be First, - [Making a Mini-Manhattan in Barking](https://befirst.london/making-a-mini-manhattan-in-barking/) - New images and plans have been released by Be First of the first stages of a re-developed Barking town centre – recently dubbed mini-Manhattan. The plans feature 400 new affordable and shared ownership homes as well as private rental, in two sky scrapers which will replace a run-down tower block, Crown House in Cambridge Road. - [The Lord moves in mysterious ways](https://befirst.london/the-lord-moves-in-mysterious-ways/) - A statue of Jesus at a former convent in Dagenham has found a new home in Southend this week after an agreement between The Sacred Heart Church in the seaside town and Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company. The celestial move will allow Be First to develop the former Sacred Heart Convent - [New Grayson Perry-backed development will make Barking not Berlin the place for the arts](https://befirst.london/new-grayson-perry-backed-development-will-make-barking-not-berlin-the-place-for-the-arts/) - Plans, backed by Turner prize winner Grayson Perry, to build innovative and affordable homes for artists in Barking have been given the green light. The proposal for the £3.5 million ‘artists’ house’ has been developed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, together with partners Create London. It will see 12 below - [It’s more house than garage in Barking](https://befirst.london/its-more-house-than-garage-in-barking/) - A row of seven houses for local people will be built on a former site of garages in Barking after councillors gave the green light to plans from Be First at a town hall planning committee this week. The development in Wivenhoe Road, Barking, will feature five two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses. Jennie Coombs, - [Expanding schools and minds in Barking](https://befirst.london/expanding-schools-and-minds-in-barking/) - Barking and Dagenham Council’s cabinet member for education met the Head Teacher and pupils to see how the building works at Barking Abbey School are gathering pace. Councillor Evelyn Carpenter met Head Teacher, Jo Tupman, and students at the school’s Longbridge Road campus to see how the new specialist teaching accommodation with dining hall, and - [‘Dagenham Dynamo’ hotel deal clinched](https://befirst.london/dagenham-dynamo-hotel-deal-clinched/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, has agreed a deal to build a new 78 room hotel adjacent to the site of the soon-to-be largest film studios in London. The hotel will be run by Travelodge and built by Barnes Construction through a funding agreement with Berkeley Square Developments on behalf of - [Brace of top teams to deliver new homes](https://befirst.london/brace-of-top-teams-to-deliver-new-homes-2/) - Be First has appointed two top class teams to deliver the next phases of its ambitious development programme. Jerram Falkus, together with architects Pollard Thomas Edwards, will be providing up to 90 new flats on the site of Sebastian Court, Barking, which is scheduled for redevelopment. Their imaginative proposal is for three separate mansion blocks - [Green light for Gascoigne West](https://befirst.london/green-light-for-gascoigne-west/) - Barking and Dagenham Councillors granted outline planning permission earlier this week (11 June) for an exciting 850 home development on the Gascoigne West estate, in Barking. The proposal, which involves demolishing and replacing 179 flats bordering St Pauls Road and Abbey Road, Barking, will also mean an extra 671 homes are built, with more than - [Modern villas to be built alongside iconic estate ](https://befirst.london/modern-villas-to-be-built-alongside-iconic-estate/) - Be First has appointed architects Archio to work on the development of a former Synagogue site in Dagenham. Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company gave the east London firm the green light after they submitted designs for ‘two villas on a green carpet’. The villas will deliver around 20 homes for shared ownership. Pat - [Billion pound Be First development framework announced](https://befirst.london/billion-pound-be-first-development-framework-announced/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham’s pioneering urban regeneration company, is now advertising for contractors to join a brand new development framework, estimated to be worth £1 billion over the next four years. The company, whose mission is to accelerate growth in the east London borough, has more than 44 projects in the pipeline and will - [Bus tour takes residents back to the future](https://befirst.london/bus-tour-takes-resident-back-to-the-future/) - From abbeys and artists' quarters to Ford factories and film studios, Barking and Dagenham’s history has shaped the country’s economic past and sign posts its future. To celebrate this, Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering urban regeneration company, has launched a unique free bus tour of the borough to give an insight to why - [Scandinavian style and traditional terraces set for new look east London estate](https://befirst.london/scandinavian-style-and-traditional-terraces-set-for-new-look-east-london-estate/) - Be First has announced two winners of its competition to design the next phases of regeneration of Barking’s Gascoigne East estate. White Arkitekter and HTA design consortia were selected by Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, to take forward phases 2 and 3 respectively, of one of London’s largest regeneration schemes. Jennie Coombs, Head - [Plans unveiled for affordable artists’ house backed by Grayson Perry](https://befirst.london/plans-unveiled-for-affordable-artists-house-backed-by-grayson-perry/) - Consultation has opened this week on plans, backed by Turner prize winner Grayson Perry, to build innovative and affordable homes for artists in Barking town centre. The proposal for the £3.5 million ‘artists’ house’ has been developed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, together with partners Create London. It will see - [325 homes to be built on former Ford car park](https://befirst.london/325-homes-to-be-built-on-former-ford-car-park/) - Plans to build over 300 homes on a former Ford car park in Dagenham were given the green light by Barking and Dagenham Council on Monday 23 April. The proposals from Aviva Life and Pensions Ltd for their development at Merrielands Crescent feature 325 flats with a mixture of tenures including 35 per cent at - [Made in Dagenham studios preferred bidder revealed](https://befirst.london/made-in-dagenham-studios-preferred-bidder-revealed/) - The largest new film and new media studios to be built in London for decades will be constructed and operated in Dagenham by Pacifica Ventures in partnership with Media Content Capital (MCC) it was announced today. Darren Rodwell, the Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council announced that the USA based Pacifica Ventures, in partnership with - [Ed lured by Barking and Dagenham’s eastern promise](https://befirst.london/ed-lured-by-barking-and-dagenhams-eastern-promise/) - Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering regeneration company, has secured its interim Development Director on a permanent basis. Ed Skeates, who joined the east London company last summer, said Barking and Dagenham offered unrivalled opportunities for growth in London. He said: “This was always going to be an exciting role as the borough has - [Be First’s setting its Gold standard](https://befirst.london/be-firsts-setting-its-gold-standard-2/) - Five Architects and Master planners have been shortlisted by Be First in its competition to find a team to design the next phase development of the Weavers Quarter regeneration scheme and review the Masterplan for the later phases of development. The five shortlisted companies are; PRP Architects, HTA Design consortia, Hawkins Brown Architects, Coffey Architects - [Mini-Manhattan on the horizon in Barking](https://befirst.london/mini-manhattan-on-the-horizon-in-barking/) - A futuristic vision for a Barking town centre for aspirational Londoners was launched today (14 March) by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering urban regeneration company. The concepts designed by architects Weston Williamson + Partners were unveiled at MIPIM Cannes to an audience of investors, developers and city planners. The centrepiece is a major - [East London council rails against delay threat to Overground extension](https://befirst.london/east-london-council-rails-against-delay-threat-to-overground-extension/) - Barking and Dagenham Council’s leader has said any delays to extension of the Overground to Barking Riverside will be unacceptable. Councillor Darren Rodwell was speaking after it emerged the design tender exercise has slipped by five months, according to media reports. Cllr Rodwell said: “Any possible delay to the extension of the Overground to Barking - [An east end epic is coming](https://befirst.london/an-east-end-epic-is-coming/) - Be First – Barking and Dagenham Council’s pioneering urban regeneration company – today issued an invitation to ambitious investors, entrepreneurs and businesses to help build London’s largest film studios and media complex in Dagenham. Announcing the hunt for partners, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Leader, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: “We are looking for like-minded partners to - [East London leader backs Made in Dagenham star for Oscar win](https://befirst.london/east-london-leader-backs-made-in-dagenham-star-for-oscar-win/) - Barking and Dagenham Council’s leader has sent a good luck message to Sally Hawkins who has been nominated for best actress at the Oscars for her role in the Shape of Water. Councillor Darren Rodwell said: “Like most Brits, I hope Sally Hawkins grabs an Oscar, not only for her role in Shape of Water. - [Lord Bob Kerslake brands budget a ‘mixed bag’ on housing](https://befirst.london/lord-bob-kerslake-brands-budget-a-mixed-bag-on-housing/) - Former Civil Service Head and Chairman of Be First, Lord Kerslake, has branded the Chancellor’s budget ‘a mixed bag’ which will struggle to deliver the governments’ ambition on new housing. Lord Kerslake said: “I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement of £15bn of new support for housing but it doesn’t reflect the government’s ambition to solve the - [A bridge not far enough](https://befirst.london/a-bridge-not-far-enough/) - Although the Mayor of London has dropped plans to build a garden bridge, Barking and Dagenham Council’s leader wants a new bridge a bit further down-stream spanning the River Roding – linking two massive regeneration hotspots. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “With the Mayor dropping the Garden Bridge plan, I - [Name change is not enough](https://befirst.london/name-change-is-not-enough/) - Former civil service supremo, Lord Kerslake, has commented on the decision to add ‘housing’ to Sajid Javid’s job title. The Chair of Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company said: “In what is the most urgent priority for the Government, I fear it will take a lot more than a name change to tackle - [A great new school ensures no child is sent to the back of the class](https://befirst.london/a-great-new-school-ensures-no-child-is-sent-to-the-back-of-the-class/) - A new super state of the art school has opened in east London as part of a flagship regeneration development. Greatfields School in Barking, which will eventually be part of a campus for 2,430 students, including a primary school, secondary school and sixth form first opened its doors in September 2016, and has just moved - [Drive for Digital Dagenham on track](https://befirst.london/drive-for-digital-dagenham-on-track/) - Barking and Dagenham’s ambition to rival Old Street area as the capital’s new tech city took a step closer to reality this week after a planning application was submitted to develop two new buildings in the borough, which will be used as data centres. NTT Communications Corporation has submitted an application to develop the 212m - [Official tender for Made in Dagenham film studios launched](https://befirst.london/official-tender-for-made-in-dagenham-film-studios-launched/) - The race to find the operator for London’s largest film studios in 25 years is officially underway. Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, announced the official tender exercise today. Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “We want a visionary partner to help us make the Made in Dagenham film - [East London borough grabs yellow jersey in race to win top transport gong](https://befirst.london/hello-world/) - Barking and Dagenham won a prestigious London Transport Award yesterday for its work to encourage more residents to take up cycling and walking. The Marks Gate DIY streets project – which involved around 800 adults and children taking part in a range of cycling activities and introduced traffic calming measures – won the Excellence in ## Pages - [Homepage](https://befirst.london/) - Be First Accelerating growth in Barking and Dagenham Barking and Dagenham is at the heart of London’s eastward growth, attracting developers and investors to the most affordable and accessible opportunities in the whole of the Southeast.With 400 hectares of development land, we plan to provide 50,000 high quality new homes and 20,000 new jobs by - [Contact Us](https://befirst.london/contact-us/) - Contact Us Please call or email to arrange a visit to our offices, as our staff operate to a hybrid working environment, and we cannot guarantee all staff will be in the office any specific date. Your Name Company Your Email Address Phone Number Your Message Send - [Design and Sustainability](https://befirst.london/design-and-sustainability/) - Design & Sustainability Who we are The Be First Design Team exists to work with the communities of Barking and Dagenham to build healthy and sustainable neighbourhoods where people thrive. We believe that great housing conditions, energy efficient buildings and a public realm everyone can be proud of will lead to healthy, happy and creative - [Engagement and Social Value](https://befirst.london/engagement-and-social-value/) - Engagement and Social Value Who we are Be First is delivering substantial physical change across the Borough. Whilst the change is focussed on improving the life chances and opportunities for existing and new residents, it is acknowledged change can be difficult and that it is important that residents feel involved and have a sense of - [Decant (Estate renewal)](https://befirst.london/decant-estate-renewal/) - Decant (Estate renewal) Who we are Delivering high quality affordable homes is a key part of Be First’s agenda and in a number of cases this involves regenerating existing housing estates. The Decant team are responsible for engaging with existing leaseholders and tenants to make residents aware of their options and address concerns to help - [Commercial](https://befirst.london/commercial/) - Commercial Who we are Delivering jobs and modernising the local economy is a key part of Be First’s agenda. The Commercial team are focussed on unlocking commercial opportunities, assembling land and delivering modern employment space. The team work closely with the private sector to deliver shared objectives. We make it happen through: Land acquisition and - [Regeneration](https://befirst.london/regeneration/) - Regeneration Who we are A team focussed on delivering Inclusive growth through production and implementation of plans for the Borough’s Transformation Areas helping support the modernisation of the local economy and delivery of homes and jobs. The team leads on delivery of turnkey schemes and inward investment activity. We make it happen through: Transformation Area - [Transport](https://befirst.london/transport/) - Transport Who we are The Be First Transport Team designs, manages, and delivers transport projects around Barking and Dagenham, which are essential to support growth and the everyday needs of our residents. We believe that providing safe and sustainable transport infrastructure, will encourage more people to travel actively, provide alternatives to car use, support growth, - [Planning and Design Consultancy](https://befirst.london/planning-and-design-consultancy/) - Planning and Design Consultancy Who we are Be First Planning Consultancy provide proactive and commercially astute town planning advice on projects across London and the South East. We are driven by making better places for all, to deliver a socially responsible model of urban regeneration. Our responsive approach helps to shape projects and guide them - [News](https://befirst.london/news/) - Latest News September 12, 2025 Be First publishes Strategic Plan & Roadmap 2025–2030 May 22, 2025 Building a Better Connected Barking and Dagenham March 4, 2025 Barking & Dagenham to play integral Role in London’s Growth Plan February 6, 2025 Largest council-owned developer enters next chapter October 23, 2024 Topping out ceremony marks significant milestone - [Our Frameworks](https://befirst.london/our-frameworks/) - Our Frameworks All three of our Frameworks, operate in the same way, they offer a pre-procured pool of suppliers who can deliver services associated with the scopes as outlined in the respective agreements. Commission of Design and Construction Works for Homes and Mixed-use Development. Construction Related Professional Services. Construction Related Professional Multi-Disciplinary Designers For more - [About Us](https://befirst.london/about-us/) - What we do Our mission is to accelerate regeneration in the borough, so that no-one is left behind.We aim to ensure that 50,000 new homes are built, and 20,000 new jobs created by 2037. Our services Regeneration Economic Development Commercial Asset Management Turnkey Resident Engagement Grant Funding Estate Decants Project Delivery Planning and Design Consultancy - [Thames Road – The Factory District](https://befirst.london/thames-road-the-factory-district/) - The Factory District Transformation Area Located in the Thames Estuary Growth Corridor in Barking and Dagenham and just 30 minutes from the City of London, Be First’s Thames Road development, also known as The Factory District, is looking for investment partners. The Factory District is a designated Transformation Area with policy support for 3,500 homes - [Homepage](https://befirst.london/homepage-2/) - Be First Accelerating growth in Barking and Dagenham Barking and Dagenham is at the heart of London’s eastward growth, attracting developers and investors to the most affordable and accessible opportunities in the whole of the Southeast. With 400 hectares of development land, we plan to provide 50,000 high quality new homes and 20,000 new jobs - [Innovative Sites Programme](https://befirst.london/opportunity/innovative-sites-programme/) - Innovative Sites Programme The London borough of Barking & Dagenham’s Innovative Sites Programme (ISP) seeks to promote good design on small sites throughout the borough, help diversify the pool of developers working In the borough and promote high standards of sustainability and use of Modern Methods of Construction.In line with the GLA’s Small Sites Small - [Privacy Policy](https://befirst.london/privacy-policy/) - Privacy Policy What this policy coversAt Be First we take our privacy obligations seriously and we’ve created this summary of our privacy policy to explain how we treat your personal information collected on this website. Personal information is information we hold which is identifiable as being about you. Our collection, use and disclosure of your - [Opportunities](https://befirst.london/opportunity/) - Opportunities Why Barking and Dagenham? Great connections Excellent road and rail links mean we are just 15 minutes from the City of London, the M25 and London City Airport Positive about development The borough is committed to support growth to provide opportunities for local people. Our expert team of planners, funders and project managers will - [The Story so Far](https://befirst.london/the-story-so-far/) - The Story so Far Barking & Dagenham People. Place. Purpose Since it was established, Be First has been responsible for the regeneration and development of Barking and Dagenham. We have a strong and demonstrable track record of delivering for local people, communities and businesses. Our live projects add up to the value of £1bn, with - [Projects](https://befirst.london/projects/) ## Jobs - [Building Control Support Officer](https://befirst.london/job/building-control-support-officer/) ## Frameworks - [Procurement Process](https://befirst.london/framework/procurement-process/) - The framework procurement process has two stages: Selection Questionnaire (SQ) and Invitation to Tender (ITT). The contractor and designer frameworks will be procured in parallel.Following SQ submission, we expect to shortlist between 15-20 consortium teams to go through to ITT for the design framework, and 12-15 contractor teamsFollowing ITT submission, we expect to select eight - [Framework Ambitions](https://befirst.london/framework/framework-ambitions/) - Sustainable Design Barking and Dagenham Council has declared a climate emergency, and we are accelerating our roadmap towards zero carbon in operation whilst reducing our embodied carbon as much as possible. Be First recently developed a sustainability framework setting out benchmark and stretch targets on all Be First developments. We are currently on site delivering - [About the frameworks](https://befirst.london/framework/about-the-frameworks/) - Design Framework We are looking to procure a number of design team consortia to a single framework lot. Each consortium will consist of a lead architect alongside a number of sub-contracted organisations required to undertake the scope of works. The sub-contracted organisations required at a framework level includes small architecture practices, landscape architects, structural, civil - [Introduction](https://befirst.london/framework/introduction/) - Be First is an ambitious and forward thinking development company with an impressive track record of accelerating regeneration in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham. Our design and contractor partners play a key part in supporting our vision of making the borough a better place for people and communities to live and work. Our ## Categories - [Uncategorized](https://befirst.london/category/uncategorized/) ## Tags - [Dagenham](https://befirst.london/tag/dagenham/) - [Barking](https://befirst.london/tag/barking/) - [Film](https://befirst.london/tag/film/) - [Film Studios](https://befirst.london/tag/film-studios/) - [Princess Alice](https://befirst.london/tag/princess-alice/) - [Be First](https://befirst.london/tag/be-first/) - [regeneration](https://befirst.london/tag/regeneration/) - [Gascoigne](https://befirst.london/tag/gascoigne/) - [Tour](https://befirst.london/tag/tour/) - [bus tour](https://befirst.london/tag/bus-tour/) - [free tour](https://befirst.london/tag/free-tour/) ## Member Categories - [Board](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=board) - [Team](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=team) - [Planning consultancy](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=planning-consultancy) - [Design and Sustainability](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=design-and-sustainability) - [Transport](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=transport) - [Engagement and Social Value](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=engagement-and-social-value) - [Decant (Estate renewal)](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=decant-estate-renewal) - [Commercial](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=commercial) - [Regeneration](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=member-category&term=regeneration) ## Sponsor Categories - [Gold](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=sponsor-category&term=gold) - [Silver](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=sponsor-category&term=silver) - [Bronze](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=sponsor-category&term=bronze) ## Project Categories - [Design and Sustainability](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=design-and-sustainability) - [Planning Consultancy](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=planning-consultancy) - [Transport](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=transport) - [Engagement and Social Value Team](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=engagement-and-social-value-team) - [Decant (Estate renewal)](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=decant-estate-renewal) - [Commercial](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=commercial) - [Regeneration](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=project-category&term=regeneration) ## Newsletter Categories - [Gascoigne Gazette](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=newsletter-category&term=gascoigne-gazette) - [Marks Gate Matters](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=newsletter-category&term=marks-gate-matters) - [Abbey Green](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=newsletter-category&term=abbey-green) ## Site Categories - [Leasing](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=site-category&term=leasing) - [Partnership Opportunity](https://befirst.london/?taxonomy=site-category&term=partnership-opportunity)