Hornchurch Keswick Avenue Car Park Construction Drone Photos

Key Points

• Drone photos captured the first sight of construction works at Keswick Avenue car park in Hornchurch, which will be redeveloped into six new three-bedroom homes with off-street parking.
• The car park was closed on Monday, January 5, 2026, as confirmed by Havering Council.
• Planning permission for the project was granted in April 2024.
• Drone images taken on Wednesday morning, January 7, 2026, by Hornchurch-based photographer Peter Barrett show three rectangular holes dug on the site, one of which is fenced off.
• Entrances and exits to the car park have been blocked with metal fencing.
• Vehicles visible on site include a car, a van, a pickup truck, and a yellow excavator digger.
• Havering Council spokesperson confirmed alternative parking options in Hornchurch, including Fentiman Way, Billet Lane, and Appleton Way car parks, which remain open, plus customer car parks at Sainsbury’s and Lidl in the Town Centre.
• Fentiman Way and Appleton Way car parks are part of a new parking pilot scheme designed to “support local shops and businesses”.
• Billet Lane car park is available but not part of the parking pilot scheme.
• On December 30, 2025, Councillor Ray Morgon stated: “Delivering new homes for local people is a top priority for our administration, and these developments in Hornchurch by Mercury Land Holdings are an important step toward meeting that need. At the same time, we know how vital it is to support local traders and maintain a thriving town centre. That’s why we’re working closely with business owners and residents to ensure that the car parking pilot and these closures are managed in a way that keeps Hornchurch accessible and vibrant for everyone.”

Drone photographs have revealed the initial stages of construction at the Keswick Avenue car park in Hornchurch, marking the start of a project to replace the site with six new three-bedroom homes complete with off-street parking. The car park closed on Monday, January 5, 2026, according to Havering Council, with planning permission granted in April 2024. Images taken by local photographer Peter Barrett on January 7, 2026, show diggers at work amid fenced-off areas, as the local authority directs drivers to alternative parking facilities to mitigate disruption.

What Do the Drone Photos Reveal?

As captured in drone photos taken this morning, January 7, 2026, by Hornchurch-based photographer Peter Barrett, the first visible signs of construction activity have emerged at the Keswick Avenue car park site. Three rectangular holes have been dug into the ground, with one of these excavations fenced off for safety. The entrances and exits to the car park have been securely blocked with metal fencing to prevent unauthorised access during the works.

Additionally, the images depict a car, a van, and a pickup truck on site, alongside a prominent yellow excavator digger actively engaged in the groundwork. These details, as documented by Peter Barrett, provide a clear snapshot of the early demolition and preparation phase, underscoring the transition from a public parking facility to residential development.

When Was the Car Park Closed and Why?

Havering Council confirmed that the Keswick Avenue car park was closed on Monday, January 5, 2026, to facilitate the commencement of construction works. This closure aligns with the project’s timeline following the granting of planning permission in April 2024, allowing Mercury Land Holdings to proceed with building six new three-bedroom homes, each equipped with off-street parking.

The decision reflects broader efforts by the council to address housing needs in the area while repurposing underutilised public spaces. No specific reopening date for the site as a car park has been announced, given its permanent redevelopment.

What Alternative Parking Options Are Available?

A Havering Council spokesperson outlined several alternative parking provisions for Hornchurch residents and visitors affected by the Keswick Avenue closure. These include the Fentiman Way, Billet Lane, and Appleton Way car parks, all of which remain fully open to the public. Further options exist at the Sainsbury’s and Lidl Town Centre customer car parks, providing convenient access for shoppers.

Fentiman Way and Appleton Way car parks form part of a new parking pilot scheme explicitly designed to “support local shops and businesses” by encouraging footfall in the town centre. Billet Lane car park, while available, operates outside this pilot scheme but continues to serve as a reliable alternative.

What Is the Parking Pilot Scheme?

The parking pilot scheme at Fentiman Way and Appleton Way car parks aims to bolster local commerce amid ongoing town centre adjustments, including the Keswick Avenue redevelopment. As part of this initiative, Havering Council seeks to maintain accessibility for shoppers, thereby sustaining a vibrant retail environment.

This scheme complements the council’s dual focus on housing delivery and economic support, ensuring that parking disruptions do not unduly harm local traders. Details on the scheme’s operational aspects, such as pricing or capacity enhancements, have not been specified in council statements to date.

What Did Councillor Ray Morgon Say?

On December 30, 2025, Councillor Ray Morgon emphasised the administration’s commitment to housing provision, stating:

“Delivering new homes for local people is a top priority for our administration, and these developments in Hornchurch by Mercury Land Holdings are an important step toward meeting that need.”

He further addressed economic concerns, adding:

“At the same time, we know how vital it is to support local traders and maintain a thriving town centre.”

Councillor Morgon continued:

“That’s why we’re working closely with business owners and residents to ensure that the car parking pilot and these closures are managed in a way that keeps Hornchurch accessible and vibrant for everyone.”

These remarks, made ahead of the January 5 closure, highlight a balanced approach to urban development in the borough.

What Is the Background of the Planning Permission?

Planning permission for the Keswick Avenue project was formally granted in April 2024, paving the way for Mercury Land Holdings to transform the disused car park into residential accommodation. The development comprises six three-bedroom homes, each designed with off-street parking to minimise reliance on public spaces.

This approval followed standard consultation processes typical of Havering Council’s planning framework, though specific details of objections or approvals during that period remain unreported in available coverage. The project exemplifies efforts to increase housing stock in Hornchurch, a key priority for local governance.

Who Is Leading the Development?

Mercury Land Holdings serves as the developer for the Keswick Avenue site, tasked with delivering the six new homes as endorsed by Councillor Ray Morgon. The company’s involvement underscores private sector collaboration with Havering Council in addressing local housing demands.

No further details on Mercury Land Holdings’ prior projects in the area or the expected completion timeline have been disclosed in council statements or photographic documentation.

How Does This Fit into Hornchurch’s Town Centre Plans?

The Keswick Avenue redevelopment forms part of Havering Council’s wider strategy to balance housing growth with town centre vitality, as articulated by Councillor Ray Morgon. By integrating the parking pilot scheme, authorities aim to safeguard local businesses against potential footfall reductions from site closures.

Havering Council’s spokesperson reiterated the availability of multiple parking alternatives, ensuring continuity for Sainsbury’s and Lidl customers. This multifaceted approach seeks to foster a sustainable urban environment in Hornchurch, where residential expansion supports rather than undermines commercial activity.

What Impact Might This Have on Local Residents?

Local residents face immediate adjustments due to the Keswick Avenue car park closure, with reliance shifting to Fentiman Way, Billet Lane, Appleton Way, and supermarket facilities. Photographer Peter Barrett’s drone images from January 7, 2026, illustrate the site’s rapid transformation, potentially signalling longer-term changes to local parking dynamics.

Councillor Ray Morgon’s assurances of close collaboration with residents aim to mitigate concerns, though the permanence of the housing development may prompt discussions on future infrastructure needs. The project’s focus on three-bedroom homes targets family housing, potentially benefiting Hornchurch’s community demographics.

Why Is Housing a Top Priority for Havering Council?

Councillor Ray Morgon explicitly positioned new homes as a “top priority” for the administration, with the Mercury Land Holdings project at Keswick Avenue exemplifying this focus. The development addresses ongoing demand for affordable family accommodation in Hornchurch, amid broader pressures on London’s suburban boroughs.

Simultaneously, the council’s management of parking provisions reflects sensitivity to resident and trader needs, as outlined in the December 30, 2025, statement. This dual emphasis positions the initiative as a model for integrated urban planning in Havering.