A new west side story
Plans to build more than 200 new homes for local people on the west side of the Gascoigne Estate were given the thumbs up last night at Barking and Dagenham Councils planning committee (11 November).
Over 60 per cent 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 childrens play area
- electric car charging points and over 360 new cycling parking spaces, and
- 40 per cent 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 site to prepare for the build.
Paul Nicholls, Managing Director for Wates Residential, said:
Todays 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, said:
Were very proud of being involved in this important project.
At White Arkitekter we take our responsibility of planning sustainable, equitable cities very seriously. Were 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.