The past 12 months have highlighted the importance of local amenities and community – and careful consideration of these factors will be vital to the success of future residential schemes.

While some buyers have headed to the countryside in response to Covid-related lifestyle changes, for those in towns and cities the emphasis on the quality of neighbourhood centres and the public realm will play an ever more pivotal role in deciding where to live.

In London, the unique affordability and current undersupply of housing in the eastern boroughs of Waltham Forest, Havering, Redbridge, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham and Barking & Dagenham are creating significant opportunities for buyers and developers.  Meanwhile, public and private sector investment in the region, led by the creative and digital industries in particular, is adding to the overall desirability of this eastern corridor.

In our recent report, we identify five development hotspots to watch:

Ilford town centre

Ilford has capacity for 6,000 new homes according to the new London Plan. A cultural quarter including a new library, theatre, leisure centre, restaurants and outdoor seating, as well as improved streetscaping, are all part of the regeneration making it a more attractive place for residents and visitors alike.

Barking town centre

This town centre redevelopment epitomises the concept of the 15-minute city, aiming to create a high quality of life for locals by ensuring all essential amenities are within a quarter of an hour’s walk. Enhancing green space will be an essential element. Through the development of the Town Quay, the River Roding will also become more accessible.

Gascoigne Estate, being redeveloped by Be First, will see a new 1.25-acre park, green roofs and solar panels, tree planting and community spaces that are central to the concept of a 15-minute city. On the other side of the river, Countryside’s Fresh Wharf will create over 16,000 sq m of open space, as well as new pedestrian walkways and cycle paths.

Barking Riverside

Barking Riverside has plans to include 21 hectares of open space and sports pitches, alongside the delivery of schools and other amenities such as a health and leisure hub.  Creating a vibrant community through events and community platforms such as Thames Talk, which will provide a platform for local residents to give feedback and collaborate, is an essential part of the development.

So far over 1,500 homes have been built, along with new schools and community facilities. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has recently signed off on an extra £40 million of funding for further groundworks and infrastructure improvements.

Dagenham Dock and Beam Park

With Billingsgate, New Spitalfields and Smithfield markets moving to the 42-acre site of the former Barking Reach Power station in 2025, Dagenham Dock will be home to the largest wholesale food market in the UK. Ford’s Dagenham engine plant will be part of the new Thames Freeport, a project that will create over 25,000 jobs and is forecast to add £5.1 billion GVA according to the bid submitted.

The development of the former Dagenham Stamping Plant has been supported by an £80 million grant from the Affordable Housing Programme and will deliver over 3,100 homes. Neighbouring Beam Park will not only deliver an additional 3,000 homes, but build a new railway station and create a new 2.5-hectare central park.

Romford town centre

A draft masterplan for the town centre includes revamping Market Place and creating complementary activities and events to engage the community. There are plans to improve the public realm by introducing trees and green links to the town centre as well as enhancing existing key public realm spaces. There are also plans to make best use of the River Rom by providing green spaces and eateries along its edge. Operational services for Romford’s Crossrail station are due to start in 2022 with an estimated travel time of 35 minutes to Bond Street.

Further information

Contact Alex Soskin

Savills Spotlight: East London Corridor Development