East London scheme delivers first homes

An east London regeneration scheme has reached a key milestone with the completion of its first affordable homes.

Housing association Peabody and housebuilder The Hill Group have delivered the first 68 affordable rent properties at Dagenham Green, with residents set to move in from March. 

A further 67 affordable rent homes are due to complete later this spring as part of Phase One of the joint venture.

The first phase will provide 935 homes in total, including 328 affordable properties made up of London Affordable Rent and Shared Ownership options. 

Homes range from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom maisonettes, designed for individuals, couples and families of different sizes.

James McMylor, managing director for development in London North for Peabody, said: “Completing the first affordable homes at Dagenham Green is a really important milestone for us and our partners. 

“Dagenham Green has a strong history, both as an industrial site that supported the community for generations and as a place where people stood up for fairness and change. 

“Delivering affordable, family-sized homes here, alongside new green and community spaces, allows the site to continue serving local people in a new way. 

“We look forward to welcoming new residents and wish them well as they settle into their new homes.”

Andy Hill, founder and group chief executive of The Hill Group, added: “Reaching this point at Dagenham Green is a real milestone for all of us involved. 

“From the start, there’s been a shared ambition to provide much-needed new homes while also creating a vibrant neighbourhood with green spaces, play areas and facilities that help people connect with Dagenham and its past. 

“Working closely with our partners has helped turn that vision into reality, and we look forward to seeing residents enjoy their new homes for many years to come.”

The 45-acre site, formerly home to Ford’s car stamping plant, is being transformed into a mixed-use neighbourhood featuring green space, commercial units and a five-acre urban park. 

Energy for all homes is supplied by an air-source heat pump energy centre.

Backed by funding from the mayor of London’s Affordable Housing Programme, the wider masterplan will eventually deliver more than 3500 homes, around half of them affordable.

Tom Copley, the deputy mayor of London for housing and residential development, added: “Dagenham Green is a great example of how former industrial land can be transformed to deliver the affordable homes Londoners need, including much needed four-bed homes for families.

“Sadiq and I are proud that support from the mayor of London’s Affordable Housing Programme has helped unlock this site, bringing forward homes for the local community, while creating a sustainable new neighbourhood, as we work to build a fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”

Councillor Dominic Twomey, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, added: “Great to be at the completion of more high-quality affordable homes in the borough, at the site of the historic Ford plant. 

“But it’s not just more housing that is needed. 

“That’s why I’m so pleased that this development includes a park for its residents and the community to enjoy.”

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