An application to build 1,010 new homes on the former Romford Ice Rink site has been submitted for review.
Permission already exists for a 620-home development on the seven-acre site in Rom Valley Gardens, with this new proposal the product of a lengthy design process undertaken by developer Impact Capital Group.
When plans to redevelop the land were initially mooted, Impact Capital did receive some backlash. In October last year, The Rom Way Action Group argued there were a number of problems with building on the site, including fears it would "turn the town into a concrete jungle ghetto" - claims the developer disputed.
In an exclusive interview with the Recorder, founder and chairman Robert Whitton discussed his plans, possibilities and personal motivation driving this development.
Though currently being used as a temporary car park for the adjacent Queen's Hospital, the site has been empty for a number of years.
For Romford born and bred Robert, this is a "waste" - and not just from a development standpoint: "I remember this - I was born when the ice rink was here. I used to come skating here, and to watch the Raiders play, so there's a sentimentality to it as well. It really feels like a blank canvas to create something amazing."
So, what is planned for this blank canvas?
Housing
The fresh application includes plans to build 1,010 new homes, up almost 400 from the scheme granted permission in 2018.
In terms of affordable housing, the application is to have a viability assessment which will determine the final number. Preference for all housing will be given to Havering residents.
Robert considers intergenerational living to be one of the themes of the proposal, reflected in the fact that there are 232 "later living" homes set aside for older residents.
"Havering has one of the biggest populations of elderly people in the whole of London, and there's a real care need," he said. "This would offer them independent living alongside care facilities, potentially freeing up the bigger homes they vacate."
He explained that "mixing generations - old and young" is the main emphasis, particularly given its known positives to combatting segregation and isolation in older people.
NHS Diagnostic Centre
A new clinical diagnostic hub features in the latest application, positioned in the plans to sit opposite the existing A&E.
While the full specification and terms of the 3,000m square ft facility are to be finalised, Robert said talks with the hospital indicated that any such hub would relieve pressure on the health service.
He said: "The hospital have been very supportive, not just because we're providing that facility for them, but in terms of housing - they say the biggest problem they have with retention is housing.
"There's a real lack of good quality housing close to this hospital."
Havering Council has since confirmed with the developer that a nomination agreement can be made under the affordable housing allocation, meaning NHS staff can be prioritised in such schemes.
Wellness Trail
Beyond two gyms - one outdoor, the other indoor for residents and NHS staff - the latest application includes a wellness trail.
Described as a "green route through the neighbourhood", the trail seeks to connect the complex to Oldchurch Park; an open space Robert believes isn't currently "very well utilised".
Retail Parade
There are also plans for a small retail parade - including a café, pharmacy and coffee shop - opposite Queen's Hospital's main entrance.
According to Robert, the Costa Coffee inside the hospital building is believed to be the busiest in the UK, which he cites as evidence of need for fresh amenities - particularly if permission is granted and more people move into the area.
Sustainability
Design sustainability is "really high on the agenda", Robert said, and explained the initial aim to provide "50 per cent betterment in terms of carbon" - housing which is 50pc better than the building regulations standard.
Plans-submitted-to-redevelop-old-Romford-Ice-Rink-site
Robert hopes the application will reach the council's planning committee by June. Should permission be granted, he aims to break ground on the scheme - projected to take five years - in early 2022.
His ultimate aspiration is to "curate a community" by managing the site once built.
He said: "We're not just build, sell and go. I see this development as a legacy."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here