Key Points:
- 23 of 98 new affordable homes at Barkingside Yard in Redbridge have been completed, with the rest to follow by summer.
- All homes are social rent properties designed for residents on Redbridge Council’s housing waiting list.
- The development is a collaboration between Peabody, Vistry Group, and Places for London, funded partly by the Greater London Authority’s affordable housing grant.
- The project includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, with 8 homes designed for families, 3 fully wheelchair-accessible, and 7 adaptable homes with accessible bathrooms.
- Sustainability features include air source heat pumps, green roofs, allotments, and communal gardens to enhance local biodiversity.
- Located next to Barkingside Station, the homes provide excellent transport links, with central London reachable in under 45 minutes.
- Community improvements include solar lighting, cycle parking, reconfigured station car parking, and new pedestrian crossings.
- The development is car-free except for Blue Badge holders, with cycle storage available.
- Redbridge Council leader Kam Rai praised the quality and size of the homes, calling them “warm, safe, high-quality homes.”
- The project will also contribute to improvements at Fairlop Waters Country Park as part of the planning agreement.
First Homes Completed at Barkingside Yard Development in Redbridge
A major step in addressing the housing crisis in Redbridge has been achieved as the first 23 homes in the Barkingside Yard development are completed, offering affordable social rent housing for local residents.
The Barkingside Yard project, a partnership between housing association Peabody, Vistry Group, and Places for London, has delivered its first 23 affordable homes, with the remaining 75 homes expected by summer. All homes in the development are designated for social rent, prioritising residents on Redbridge Council’s housing waiting list.
Who Will Benefit from These Homes?
The new homes, located on the site of a former builder’s yard, consist of one-, two-, and three-bedroom properties, with 8 homes tailored for families.
Additionally, the development prioritises accessibility with 3 fully wheelchair-accessible homes and 7 adaptable properties featuring accessible bathrooms.
Kam Rai, leader of Redbridge Council, highlighted the importance of the project:
“Any new developments that will help lessen the impact of the housing crisis are warmly welcomed.
“Our residents deserve warm, safe, high-quality homes, and these are exactly that.”
What Are the Sustainability and Community Features?
Sustainability is central to the Barkingside Yard development. Features include:
- Air source heat pumps to reduce carbon emissions.
- Green roofs, new allotments, and communal gardens designed to boost local biodiversity.
- The project is car-free, except for Blue Badge parking, and provides cycle storage to encourage sustainable transport.
Community enhancements include solar-powered lighting, improved pedestrian crossings, reconfigured car parking at Barkingside Station, and expanded cycle parking facilities.
What Is the Location Advantage?
Situated next to Barkingside Station on the Central line, the homes offer excellent transport links, allowing residents to reach central London in under 45 minutes.
This connectivity makes the development ideal for residents looking for affordable housing with access to London’s opportunities.
Who Are the Key Stakeholders?
Representatives from Peabody, Vistry Group, and Places for London gathered to celebrate the milestone.
James McMylor, Regional Managing Director of Development at Peabody, said:
“The completion of these homes, in collaboration with our partners, is a significant milestone for the project.
“These new homes and the ones still to come will provide essential affordable housing for local people, while also enhancing the community with sustainable and green spaces.”
Rachel Wood, Senior Development Manager at Places for London, added:
“It’s fantastic to see the first 23 of these homes at Barkingside Yard completed, bringing a range of affordable homes to the area.
“By working with Peabody, we’re proud to reach this important step while keeping affordability and accessibility at its heart.”
What’s Next for the Development?
The Barkingside Yard project is expected to deliver the remaining 75 homes by summer, completing a total of 98 affordable homes.
The development will also fund improvements at Fairlop Waters Country Park as part of its planning agreement with Redbridge Council.
This project reflects a broader effort to tackle the housing crisis while promoting sustainability and enhancing the community infrastructure in Redbridge.