Park Rise development is now welcoming back social housing tenants who lived in the former development on the site Serena Court. Alan Jones is one of those returning.
Alan Jones has lived in Hornchurch since he was seven years old, giving him a finger on the pulse of the community and a valuable perspective on the Hornchurch regeneration project.
Park Rise offers 175 new homes designed for later living, built as part of a twelve-year partnership between Wates and Havering Council to regenerate twelve estates across the borough and double the amount of affordable rented housing available.
Of the 175 new homes at the development, 80 are for affordable rent, 54 for shared ownership and the remainder available for open market sale.
As a former resident of Serena Court and a loyal devotee of the area, Alan is delighted to be reaping the benefits of the regeneration project in his new home.
Hornchurch across a lifetime
Alan has lived in Havering all his life and has seen the area change and develop in front of his eyes.
While shops have come and gone and pubs changed hands, Alan has felt that the strong community spirit of the area has endured.
A career in a car dealership took Alan across England, Scotland and Wales, but the pull of life in Hornchurch was strong.
For a stint, he moved to Peterborough, but was drawn back to his roots and the friendly faces of Hornchurch.
Alan finds the area has the intimacy of a village – where a morning greeting goes a long way.
More space, closer to nature
Alan was excited to move into his new apartment at Park Rise. With his youngest daughter by his side, a helpful removal company and the support of the staff from the Council, the moving process was stress free and Alan was keen to see how the place had been revived.
The last time he had visited the site was following the demolition phase of the old Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts in November 2021.
His first impressions were of the improved outdoor space: with a much larger patio than his original flat and more communal garden areas.
Despite there being more flats than previously, Alan says it doesn’t feel crowded or busy, with a peaceful feeling to the regenerated site.
The Hornchurch community
Alan is looking forward to settling into his surroundings and routines with his new neighbours and wants to establish a friendship group at Park Rise. Regular coffee afternoons have brought residents closer together in the past, and Alan is keen to get them re-started.
The quiz nights are also a focal point of the Hornchurch social life – bringing a buzz that Alan describes as "the good type of noisy".
Residents would take it in turn designing the quiz. Alan is positive about taking these forward – “It’s a good way to meet new people.”
A contented life
Alan was keen to express what a happy life he’s had in Hornchurch – at peace with his surroundings and with a community that acts like extended family.
“Initially I was hesitant to retire”, he shared – “but now I’m glad I did”.