New residents of New Green, Rainham were officially welcomed to their homes and community earlier today, Thursday 15 June 2023.
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing and Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration, along with Council officers from the Housing Team and representatives from joint venture partner Wates attended the meet and greet session for new residents, as the final residents have now moved in.
Residents got to meet their new neighbours, Housing Officer and also find out about local services available to them.
Havering Council, with their regeneration joint venture partner Wates, have built 197 affordable homes for local people, the first development to be completed in the 12 estates regeneration programme.
The properties range from one, two, and three bedroom, and all the residents that were moved from the original Napier and New Plymouth site were offered the right to return, with 12 residents choosing to do so.
126 of the homes are social housing, helping to reduce the burden on the housing register.
The final 71 were available through shared ownership, to assist Havering residents onto the property ladder, prioritising Havering teachers, social workers and NHS staff.
Of these, only nine one-bedroom homes now remain.
Suzanne, a council tenant, successfully bid for a one-bed property and said her new home is beautiful.
Suzanne said:
“I can’t thank the Council enough for the help they have given me, New Green is a fantastic place and I really want to make the most out of living here with my new neighbours.
"I love hearing the kids playing outside and there’s a sense of opportunity to create this new community together.”
Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing, said:
“It has been a real pleasure to be here today with Cabinet and Council colleagues to mark this milestone moment in the 12 estates programme with our New Green residents.
“I want to warmly welcome them and their new neighbours to New Green. I am really looking forward to watching this community flourish over the coming months, and wish all the residents a happy and healthy future in their new homes.”
The wider £1.5 billion regeneration project will span the next decade, delivering 3,500 new homes across the borough.
The new retirement village, Park Rise, formerly Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts in Hornchurch, is expected to be completed in December this year and will provide 175 new properties for the over 55’s, including new council rented homes, shared ownership homes and properties for sale.
For more information about the 12 estates programme please visit our 12 Sites Regeneration Programme pages.