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 east end style community spirit.

Cllr Ashraf said: “It is amazing to be here today and see real regeneration happening onsite – you can see the old east end style street taking shape and sense the community feeling already.”

The development is based on a mews design featuring 56 new homes include 32 one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom and 1 three-bedroom flat plus 13 three-bedroom houses.

It also includes retaining a locally listed former library which will be put to future community use including a digital and arts hub.

John Moore, Mulalley New Build Managing Director said: “Mulalley is proud to have worked in partnership with Be First on this exciting project to help them deliver the Woodward Road scheme.

“We have said it before, but Barking and Dagenham has always been a special place and this scheme will greatly benefit the Borough by providing high-quality affordable new homes to support the local community.”

Jared Birch, deputy construction director at Be First, said: “At Be First we’re not just building great new affordable home but also communities – the new Woodward Road epitomised this approach.”

Building work is set to be completed by June 2023