Demolition work has started at Waterloo and Queen Street Romford, as part of Havering Council’s ‘12 Estates’ regeneration programme with Joint Venture partner, Wates Residential.
This step, which will involve the demolition of two existing 12 storey residential tower blocks and 25 two, four and six-storey buildings on the site, represents a significant milestone in the creation of high-quality new homes in the borough.
The current proposals for Waterloo and Queen Street include over 550 affordable homes, providing a mixture of 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom properties.
There is also a village garden at the heart of the development, as well as workspaces and technology solutions for residents working from home.
The Joint Venture programme between Havering Council and Wates Residential, which is part of leading privately-owned construction, property services and development company, the Wates Group will see around 3,500 high-quality new homes delivered in the London borough over the next 12 to 15 years.
The £1.5 billion project will seek to double the amount of council accommodation and more than double the number of affordable homes, prioritising sales to local people first.
As part of the project, the Joint Venture partners have pledged to work together to increase education, skills and training opportunities and boost the Havering economy by employing local businesses.
For this phase of the scheme, at least one new apprentice and four work experience placements for local residents through links with local colleges and work programmes will be created.
The overall programme will also create employment for Havering residents in the construction industry.
Alongside this the partnership are committed to buying British where possible, with 20 percent of the programme also being spent with local Small and Medium Enterprises, valued at £100m.
Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“This is a landmark moment in the largest estate regeneration scheme on Council-owned land in London.
"The creation of nearly 1,400 new properties are not just about bricks and mortar but will be places for local people to live, enjoy and thrive.
“I am proud that this project is delivering millions of pounds of investment into the local economy at the same time, generating new opportunities, training and jobs to help shape the borough for a better, brighter future.”
Hugh Jeffery, Regional Development Director for Wates Residential, said:
“The demolition works at Waterloo and Queen Street mark the start of a positive new future for this part of Romford.
"The regeneration of this estate will leave a lasting legacy that will meet local needs, deliver social value and create great places to live.
“The next step in realising this promise is the completion of planning before construction can start in earnest at the beginning of next year.”