Demolition has begun on one of London’s largest housing regeneration projects, as the £1bn scheme takes a step forward
The housing regeneration project will deliver around 5,200 high-quality homes over the next 12 to 15 years, doubling the amount of council rented accommodation and more than doubling the number of affordable homes.
The right to return is also guaranteed to all residents, meaning families that have been relocated from the estates under development will be able to return, if they wish to.
The Napier and New Plymouth House site in Rainham is the first of 12 to be regenerated as part of the joint venture partnership between Havering Council and Wates Residential.
Proposals for the housing regeneration site were submitted to Havering Council’s planning committee in May as part of Phase One of the wider project. They include 126 affordable homes and a further 71 homes for private sale. Phase one also includes the Waterloo Estate in Romford and Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts in Hornchurch.
As part of Havering Council and Wates Residential’s pledge to deliver a borough-wide legacy and boost the local economy, the demolition will be carried out by local contractor Kilnbridge Construction Services, which has offices in Rainham.
The appointment comes after the joint venture partners held four Meet the Buyer events earlier this year for local suppliers to learn about contract opportunities on the biggest housing regeneration project in the borough.
Kate Ives, development director for Wates Residential, said: “With demolition now underway on our first site, we are one step closer to providing the thousands of new and affordable homes that Havering needs.
“Working with local businesses is particularly important for us and we are delighted that Kilnbridge Construction Services has been appointed to carry out the demolition. As our long-term partnership with Havering Council progresses, we will continue to increase opportunities for residents and local businesses through our investment in education, training and skills.”
Councillor Damian White, leader of Havering Council, added: “Today marks a new and exciting chapter in the future of Havering and the Council’s commitment to double the amount of council rented accommodation and more than doubling the number of affordable homes for local people, including former residents, who will get the right to return to a brand new home.
“We are ensuring that this investment in the borough goes much further than just creating new homes; through our supply chain initiative, Meet the Buyer events, training opportunities and apprenticeships, we can make sure the project benefits as many businesses and residents of Havering as possible”.
