Contractor to build homes as part of revamp of 1960s housing estate

Gascoigne estate, Barking

Wates Residential is part of the redevelopment of the Gascoigne estate in Barking, east London.

The job to build the 200 homes is part of phase one of the revamp and valued at £55m. Wates said more than 40% of the newly-built homes would be affordable.

Work is expected to start in February next year and run into 2022.

The contractor was one of three firms to win spots on the Be First Development Framework, a major project programme worth £1bn over two lots, earlier this year.

Be First was set up by Barking and Dagenham council to act as the local authority’s development company, building thousands of homes over the next two decades. 

The 1960s Gascoigne council estate is gradually being overhauled and replaced with new homes as part of the council’s wider regeneration plans.

Last month, Be First’s plans to build more than 500 new homes across part of the site of the Gascoigne estate were approved by Barking and Dagenham council. 

The new estate will feature 11 new buildings and 526 flats, of which 65% will be affordable rent or shared ownership and 35% for private sale.

The existing estate is comprised of around 180 flats in low-rise blocks, which will be demolished.

As well as Wates, McLaren and Willmott Dixon secured spots on the Be First framework. McLaren is revamping Crown House, a former office block in the centre of Barking that will be demolished, with 200 homes set to built on the site.

Wates is also working in partnership with Havering council on plans to build 5,000 homes for the east London local authority.