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 Dagenham, through its work Be First has seen the borough named the most affordable for housing in the capital. The latest phase of this major development will complement the award-winning regeneration of the eastern side of the Gascoigne Estate, where Be First is delivering 526 new flats.
In a testament to their collaborative and ongoing partnership, this will be the third project that Wates has undertaken for Be First in the Gascoigne area. The £142m Gascoigne East Phase B3 scheme will provide 277 apartments, 46 houses and 11 maisonettes as well as new public spaces connecting pedestrian and public transport links, centred around a Garden Square at the east of the site.
Be First places a strong emphasis on ensuring that local communities benefit as much as possible from the development and regeneration projects happening in the borough. Through the Gascoigne East Phase 3B project, Wates is planning 13 apprenticeships and a minimum of 40 placements for local people as part of £30m delivered in social value to the area.
The wider Gascoigne Estate will include tree-lined public spaces, a new 5,000 sqm park – Gascoigne Square – along with public art and stunning designs in a mixture of traditional and modern styles.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking & Dagenham Council, said:
“Despite the current economic climate our progress continues in the Gascoigne Neighbourhood, where we will continue to provide safe, warm, affordable housing for our residents. Once finished the new Gascoigne neighbourhood will be one of the greenest, most affordable neighbourhoods in town.
“This project is part of our wider commitment to build 50,000 new homes by 2037 across the borough. We look forward to seeing the development become reality and further increasing our supply of good quality housing for the people of Barking and Dagenham.”
Kevin O’Brien, Managing Director, Be First London, said:
“We’re passionate about delivering for Barking and Dagenham and making sure that the borough is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Wates shares our commitment and values and has demonstrated this on existing projects within the borough, which is why we are happy to be working with them on this latest phase of the Gascoigne Estate.”
Helen Bunch, Executive Managing Director, Wates Residential, says:
“Having recently successfully delivered 201 homes for people in Barking at Gascoigne West Phase 1 we are delighted to continue our commitment to deliver high quality homes to this community.
“We believe everyone deserves a great place to live, and key to this is the overarching economic, social and environmental benefit to local people and businesses that will be intrinsic to this project.”
