Plans to build more than 200 new homes for local people on the west side of the Gascoigne Estate were given the thumbs up at Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning committee
Over 60% of the homes will be affordable, with rents starting from £134 a week. Pat Hayes, managing director for Be First, said: “Redeveloping the Gascoigne Estate is a major step in the regeneration of the borough. This decision paves the way for more quality homes local people can afford.”
The new development in Abbey Road will include:
- 201 new homes – 89 one-bedroom, 88 two-bedroom, and 24 three-bedroom apartments
- new children’s play area
- electric car charging points and over 360 new cycling parking spaces, and
- 40% reduction in carbon emissions thanks to a connection to the forthcoming Barking Town Centre District Heating Network and solar panels.
Leading national developer, Wates Residential, has been appointed to undertake the work, and their team has recently moved onto the site to prepare for the build.
Paul Nicholls, managing director for Wates Residential, said: “Today’s decision marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Gascoigne Estate in the delivery of much needed high quality new homes for local people, because we believe that everyone deserves a great place to live.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Be First to help realise this vision and also look forward to working with the local community to deliver education, training and skills opportunities as we commence work on-site.”
Linda Thiel, of White Arkitekter, architects of Phase 2 of Gascoigne East and Phase 1 of Gascoigne West and now overall ‘Design Guardian’ for Gascoigne West, added: “We’re very proud of being involved in this important project.
At White Arkitekter we take our responsibility of planning sustainable, equitable cities very seriously. We’re delighted to team up with Be First and effect change together.”
The first phase of the redevelopment is due to start on site in January 2020, with completion expected Spring 2022.
