Construction on a massive housing regeneration in Barking, London, will start early next year following granting of planning approval by Barking and Dagenham Council’s planning authority.
The council’s planning authority has approved the first phase of the regeneration scheme which will see 1579 new homes built in Barking’s Gascoigne Estate, a run down 1960’s development.
Housing provider East Thames, in partnership with the Council, will start construction of the first 421 homes early next year. Once completed in 2024 the regeneration project is expected to transform the eastern side of the Estate and provide housing for 5500 people.
East Thames and the Council are sharing the responsibility for funding, design, construction and maintenance.
The proposals, designed by architects Levitt Bernstein and Allies & Morrison, include homes ranging from one to four bedrooms and a new new medical centre.
A 690 pupil primary school and a 1850 pupil secondary school will be built in the latter stages of the project.
The scheme will also involve construction of a new community centre and various retail and office spaces in addition to green spaces and a public square.
All of the new homes and facilities will be built to a high specification with features to improve environmental sustainability.
The planning application for the first phase was submitted in early September.
Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The Council is committed to creating thriving and sustainable communities by investing in new and high quality homes.”
East Thames director of development Trevor Burns said: “We are delighted to be working with the council on this fantastic project. East Thames is recognised for our high quality approach to building and the Gascoigne Estate will be no exception to this. The new homes will be spacious and light, and all will have a generous terrace, garden or balcony. Residents will also benefit from well-designed green spaces and community facilities.”
