Phase two of Havering regen scheme gets underway

The second phase of a £1bn regeneration scheme in Havering, east London, has kicked off with the demolition of a number of sheltered accommodation buildings (pictured) in order to deliver 172 new homes.

Wates Residential is working with Havering council to deliver a total of 5,000 homes on the £1bn scheme, which will see 12 housing estates in the borough revamped over the next 12 to 15 years.

The overall development will double the amount of council rented accommodation and affordable homes in the borough.

Havering is to receive a £33m grant from the GLA to deliver the estates, where 40% of the homes will be affordable.

The latest work will see construction of the 172 new homes aimed at retirement-age residents, once the former Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts sheltered accommodation site has been completely cleared.

Existing residents have been moved into new housing while the project is underway.

Kate Ives, Wates Residential’s development director, said: “It is great that we have been able to celebrate demolition starting on the second site of our joint venture with Havering council.”

Ives said the Solar, Serena and Sunrise Court site will deliver high-quality apartments, “meeting the needs and aspirations of local people around retirement age”.

The first phase of the regeneration work began in July with the demolition of the Napier and New Plymouth House housing estate, to make way for nearly 200 new homes.

Wates has committed to investing at least 10% of the overall project’s value in appointing local firms to work on the scheme.