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Contractor named for London borough's major £1bn regeneration programme

An east London borough has named its joint venture partner for a giant £1bn regeneration programme covering 12 of its estates.

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A computer generated image of the plans for one of the regenerated estates
A computer generated image of the plans for one of the regenerated estates

Havering today named Wates Residential as partner on the scheme, which will see 3,000 new homes built in the borough over the next 12 years.

The contractor said the scheme will double the amount of affordable housing across these 12 estates, with the programme in line to receive £33m in grant from the mayor of London.

It will involve replacing the council’s 856 homes with a total of 3,112 mixed-tenure properties.


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The scheme will be funded entirely through Havering’s Housing Revenue Account – the income stream from council rents – in addition to investment from the Greater London Authority and Wates.

The number of general needs rented homes will increase from 414 to 694, while the total number of affordable homes, including homeownership products, will go from 595 to 1,186.

This will include 383 homeownership properties such as shared ownership.

The affordable homes will make use of smart technology, and many will have solar panels installed.

The first phase of the development is due to start in late 2019. The whole project is expected to be delivered over the next 12 to 15 years.

The plans include the creation of a construction academy through a partnership with Havering College and the Construction Industry Training Board, and it is intended that around 165 apprenticeships will be delivered over the life of the scheme.

Consultation with residents started 18 months ago and to date has involved 741 residents across the 12 sites, 154 group meetings and 82 newsletters. There have also been more than 600 one-on-one meetings with tenants.

The council has said a right to return is guaranteed to all tenants on the estates being regenerated. Homes will be replaced on a like-for-like basis.

Roger Ramsey, leader of Havering Council, said: “This is the most exciting and ambitious council home building programme in London, and I’m confident our new partner will be able to help us deliver our future vision for the borough.

“Forming this joint venture will allow us to provide high-quality new homes for existing residents and young people who want to stay in the borough.”

Tim Wates, director of Wates, said: “Wates Residential is delighted to have been chosen as the London Borough of Havering’s partner on this extremely exciting project, and we look forward to working with the council as we build more than 3,000 high-quality homes over the next 12 years.”

Estate regeneration schemes in London have faltered in recent months, due to political pressure and falling values in the prime end of the market.

In Haringey, the borough’s plan to set up a joint venture deal with Lendlease led to widespread protests, which ultimately resulted in the deselection of many Labour councillors and the announcement by leader Claire Kober that she would step down after local elections in May.

New guidance from Mr Khan will also require resident ballots to approve estate regeneration schemes.

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