A major new joint venture will see 12 council estates regenerated to provide more than 3,000 new homes in the borough over the next 12 to 15 years.
Havering’s existing council accommodation will see a complete overhaul, with council rented accommodation increasing by 70pc and the building of 400 low-cost home ownership properties.
The new partnership with Wates Residential will see the council’s current stock of 856 homes replaced to create 3,112 homes of mixed tenure and the amount of affordable housing on the 12 estates will double.
Phase one of the project will start in 2019 on the Waterloo Estate in Romford, New Plymouth Estate in Rainham and the Serena, Solar and Sunrise Court in Hornchurch.
Other sites on the Estate Regeneration Programme include the redevelopment of Royal Jubilee Court in Gidea Park as an older persons’ village, the demolition and redevelopment of Brunswick Court in Cranham as an extra sheltered housing scheme and total regeneration of the Oldchurch Gardens estate in Romford.
Working with Wates, the council predicts the social value benefits from phase one of the project will be worth around £6.8m.
Councillor 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.
“This, together will the arrival of Crossrail, and plans for two dedicated housing zones, means developers, businesses and residents will all want to be part of a future Havering.”
Funding for the project will come through the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Wates Residential and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Havering will receive £33m grant monies from the GLA to deliver new estates where 40pc of homes will be affordable.
The council’s plans include the creation of a Construction Academy through a partnership with Havering College and the Construction Industry Training Board, and a plan to deliver around 165 apprenticeships over the life of the scheme.
Furthermore, the regeneration plan includes a comprehensive programme of community initiatives for the borough.
Commitments include apprenticeships, skills and experience, schools curriculum support, and investment in local communities and facilities.
In addition, Havering Council explained that the new homes will be energy efficient, with many having solar panels installed to help keep fuel costs down for residents.
The total number of affordable homes will go from 595 to 1,186, doubling the current offer.
This will include 383 low cost home ownership properties.
Tim Wates, director at Wates said: “Wates Residential is delighted to have been chosen as 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.
“As a family owned business, we have always been committed to giving something back to the places that we build in.
“I am proud that we will not only provide crucial additional housing, but also significant benefits to the community through our investment in skills, training, education and jobs for local people.”
The family owned business was chosen after an extensive procurement process that measured the capabilities, capacity and suitability of potential development partners.
“The ability to deliver wider community benefits through our long-term partnership is what will set this project apart,” Mr Wates added.
Havering Council’s extensive consultation which began 18 months ago, continues.
To date, this has involved 741 residents across the 12 sites, 154 group meetings and more than 6000 one-to-one meetings with tenants.
Each household has been invited to attend both regular one-to one and estate group meetings.
All existing tenants will be provided with alternative homes, and they are also being offered the right to return to their site.
Among the architectural practices involved in delivering this major redevelopment, are leading international design practice Conran and Partners.
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