Autumn 2017
Clear vision Enterprise hub; space to grow; better connected
THE BIG DEAL
Seeking out the sites, ready for investment
CULTURAL CLASS
Entrepreneurs and creative thinking in the green belt
HOME ZONE
Prime land for housebuilding and opportunity
Open for growth, business and opportunities
Beechwood, Basildon
These stylish, modern homes will be built in our new factory in Basildon, Essex, using modern methods of construction. In a high-tech manufacturing environment, the modules (made of sustainable Cross Laminated Timber) will be constructed and fitted out before delivery to site. The benefits of our high quality modular homes are: • • • •
Precision engineered Completed in 50% of usual construction timescales Energy efficient and sustainable Indistinguishable from traditionally built homes
This method also standardises quality, reduces cost and buyers benefit from 60 year insurance cover. So if the question is ‘how can we meet growing demand for housing?’, we think modular housing is part of the answer.
As one of the first Housing Associations to have our own in-house developer (NU living) and to build for private sale, our new factory will produce up to 300 homes a year - with our secured development pipeline of over 3,500 homes, we’ve plenty to build. In fact, 570 modular homes will be delivered to our £150m regeneration of Craylands in Basildon, known as Beechwood, a project we are delivering in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency and Basildon Borough Council. We will use modular to deliver 330 new homes in Waltham Forest to the Mayor of London’s first 100% affordable scheme and we’ve just received planning permission for Watts Grove in Tower Hamets where we will build 65 stylish modular homes. Modular won’t be right for every scheme, so we’ll still build traditionally too and we have a great track record. Our on-going project, Blackwall Reach is a £300m scheme we’re delivering
Is modular housing the answer? Laindon Shopping Centre
in partnership with the Mayor of London and London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The scheme is bringing an additional 1,248 high quality homes to Poplar, of which, over 50% will be affordable tenure (including large family homes) and 80% of these homes are for social rent. It is perhaps unsurprising then, that the Mayor of London recently chose this “exemplar” scheme to launch his new housing strategy. So, after almost a quarter of a century of delivering great homes and communities, we still believe we can do more. That’s why we are committed to working with partners to deliver more high quality modular and traditionally built homes to meet housing demand in the South East. If you would like to find out how together, we can deliver more in Havering, contact Geoff Pearce, Executive Director of Regeneration & Development (gpearce@swan.org.uk).
Watts Grove, Tower Hamets
Anderson_Havering_ad_v7_061017_PRINT.pdf
1
06/10/2017
15:35
TRANSFORMING LOCAL COMMUNITIES AS WELL AS CREATING NEW COMMUNITIES, WE INVEST IN THEM, TOO!
We go above and beyond to transform local eyesores into landmark developments, creating much-needed housing, new schools, country parks amongst other community facilities for everyone to enjoy. A privately owned, family-run business, we have over 400 employees and have heavily invested in the Anderson Apprenticeship Scheme for over ten years. With 20 apprentices coming through each year, we put great emphasis on the benefits of working in the construction industry and building futures for young people. Employing all our groundworkers and engineers directly means sourcing local labour is never a problem. Guiding projects from land purchase to completion, we work closely with neighbouring residents, local authorities, community groups and landowners, throughout the whole process. We don’t just build homes for future generations, we regenerate whole areas – and provide social, environmental, economic and sustainable benefits that will help people change their lives for the better. Giving something back is important to us and our recent development of a school for the National Autistic Society in Chigwell, funded by our charity the Anderson Foundation, shows our commitment to going above and beyond.
For further information, please contact: Chris Criscione c.criscione@andersongroup.co.uk
You’re hired!: Anderson’s current crop of top apprentices getting stuck in laying the foundations for the UK’s landmark school for autistic children
“ “
This scheme is great because we get nationally recognised qualifications at the end of it ROBBIE BROOKS, ANDERSON APPRENTICE
I like seeing the progression both in myself and in the sites we are developing JACK VELLA, ANDERSON APPRENTICE
Anderson School for the National Autistic Society, completed September 2017
CONTENTS
10
5
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: JAMES RENOUX-WOOD NEWS AND DIGITAL EDITOR: NATALIE VINCENT ART DIRECTION: KATE MONUMENT PRODUCTION MANAGER: CHRISTOPHER HAZELDINE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: PAUL GUSSAR SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: SHELLEY COOK
14 33
PROJECT MANAGER: SUE MAPARA SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER: SIMON MAXWELL
41
MANAGING DIRECTOR: TOBY FOX COVER IMAGE: Romford Leisure Centre, photo by Grant Smith
IMAGES:
38 TOWN CENTR ES 06 NE WS
Latest updates on the regeneration of Havering.
1 0 QUA L IT Y O F L IF E
Havering’s numerous open spaces are teeming with wildlife – and culture is blossoming too.
14 R E G E N E RAT IO N : THE B IG D E A L
Senior council representatives take Havering magazine on a walkabout to visit the borough’s key development sites.
2 0 PROJ EC TS
What is planned, where are the key schemes located and how much progress has been made?
2 9 C ON N ECT I V I T Y
With some Crossrail trains already stopping at stations in Havering, connectivity will be boosted even further.
3 3 H OUSI N G
House tenures for a widening demographic – first-time buyers, PRS and family homes.
Romford, Rainham, Hornchurch: big plans are afoot for the borough’s urban centres.
41 ECO NO MY
A hotspot for manufacturing and engineering, the local economy is getting a boost.
44 MAR K ETS
Jobs, housing, investment: summarising the key achievements and ambitions.
46 SITEMATCH
Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Grant Smith, NU Living, CEME, Havering Council, Broadford Primary School, © TfL, © Guy Rogers / RSPB Images, Flickr - ncrob1 (CC BY-SA 2.0), Willmott Dixon, Countryside/L&Q/Patel Taylor, GT3 Architects/Render3D/Fira Landscape, Highways England, Squease
haveringmagazine.com PUBLISHED BY: 3FOX INTERNATIONAL PRINTED BY: PARK COMMUNICATIONS The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of 3Fox International Limited. © 2017 3Fox International Limited. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of 3Fox International Ltd is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors.
A closer look at opportunities in Romford: a key area for potential investors.
H AV E R I N G
6
NEWS
BROAD CURRICULUM IS A NATIONAL WINNER
B
roadford Primary School in Romford has been named both Overall School of the Year and Primary School of the Year in the prestigious national awards run by the Times Educational Supplement. The awards recognise the efforts that education teams make to help students inside and outside the classroom. The school has raised reading levels with book clubs and reading leagues.
H AV E R I N G
Every child has opportunities to visit museums and sporting events to give them different cultural experiences, as well as learning new skills to boost their enthusiasm about school. The judges were also impressed with the school’s work to support other primaries in the local area. The panel’s choice of Broadford as School of the Year was unanimous – and it was agreed that “the school goes
far beyond traditional expectations of education, as well as being “a brilliant example of what can be achieved beyond the four walls of the classroom.” The announcement that the school has won Best Primary carried a statement from the judging panel that “Broadford is clearly a school where every child and teacher is encouraged to do the very best they can within a rich, imaginative environment for learning.”
NEWS
7
IN-IT-TO WIN-IT
FREE BUSINESS PROMOTION
Companies who want to highlight their success have entered into this year’s Havering Business Awards. There are seven categories, including Large Business of the Year for the first time. The awards ceremony will take place on 8 February 2018 at the borough’s prestigious event venue, the CEME Conference Centre in Rainham (see page 41), which is also one of Havering’s biggest business hubs. Last year’s Small Business award winner Purple Valentine Aesthetics is expanding and moving into new premises since receiving promotion through the award.
CULTURE MATTERS
A record 55,000 people attended the 39th annual Havering Show over the summer bank holiday weekend, with crowds enjoying musical entertainment on three stages, food stalls and other activities. Council leader, Councillor Roger Ramsey, said: “We’ve never seen such big crowds at the Havering Show, and of course, the great weather had a big part to play, but the entire offer was very impressive. “Generous sponsorship from local businesses meant we again kept the show free for all to attend.”
GLOBAL OUTLOOK FOR LOCAL CENTRE A new community centre that aims to be good for people and the environment is set to open at the end of the year. The new Sapphire Jubilee community centre in Collier Row is carbon neutral, with solar panels to generate electricity, ground source heating and rainwater collection. The pre-fabricated timber building was constructed by Scotts of Thrapston, Northamptonshire. The main hall can accommodate 80 people seated and has built in wifi throughout, thanks to a grant from The Breyer Foundation. There is also a new play area for under 10s next to the building and improvements are taking place to the neighbouring park.
H AV E R I N G
8
NEWS
THE BEST PLACE TO START
LAUNCHPAD GETS A ROYAL BOOST The Launchpad, a facility that supports nascent and early-stage businesses at the CEME campus in Rainham (see page 41), has attracted royal attention. Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, visited the centre to host an event for prospective entrepreneurs, who pitched business ideas to a panel, in a competition giving winners access to high-level networks and support. Opened earlier this year on CEME’s business, skills and education campus, The Launchpad offers a mix of desks and small office space to-let. Available to any earlystage business working in the manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors, Launchpad – backed by Havering Council and the mayor of London – aims to help companies survive and thrive through their formative years. When they are ready to expand, they will be helped to move to larger premises at London Riverside. H AV E R I N G
TRAINS AT THE VANGUARD The first new trains that will be part of the new Elizabeth line network to central and west London are running on the Liverpool Street to Shenfield route, stopping at stations in Havering. By November, there will be 11 trains operating on the line, calling at Gidea Park, Harold Wood and Romford stations. The seven-carriage trains are just over 160 metres long, the right size to fit existing platforms at Liverpool Street. By the time the Elizabeth line officially launches in December 2018, passengers will be able to travel through the central London tunnels. By December 2019, a fleet of 66 new 200-metre long trains will operate on the completed line, taking passengers to Reading and Heathrow without changing trains. Station improvements are also taking place as part of the Crossrail programme. They include improved ticket halls, new lifts and longer platforms, while around the stations the council is refurbishing the approaches with new paving, lighting, planting and street furniture.
Havering has been named the best borough for tech companies to set up businesses by recruitment firm Talentful, specialising in the technology industry. This follows recognition in 2015 when Havering was called the “start-up capital of Britain”. New tech startups in the borough have a high success rate; nine in 10 survive beyond one year. The council offers support by investing in affordable workspace and through its dedicated StartUp programme, launched in July 2016 and managed by Enterprise Nation. Help includes delivering workshops, one-to-one consultations, tender-ready training and a series of webinars. The programme continues until March 2018 with a dual focus on encouraging people to start a business and supporting them to grow. Emma Jones, founder of Enterprise Nation, says: “In the past year of working in Havering, we’ve seen first-hand the depth of entrepreneurial talent in the borough and the ambitious nature of the area’s founders.”
Galliard. The pioneers of regeneration across London – and proud to be working in partnership with Havering
020 7620 1500
10
QUALITY OF LIFE
TAKING FLIGHT H AV E R I N G
QUALITY OF LIFE
With its abundant green spaces, history of conservation, places to visit and cultural venues to enjoy, Havering’s unsung attributes are beginning to be discovered. Carly Cassano reports
H
avering straddles the border of the rural Essex county and about half of it lies within London’s Green Belt. It is not hard to see the inherent dichotomy of city and country life in the area has been both a challenge and an inspiration. Consider that environmental protections of the early 20th century were, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), a response to the “wanton destruction” of wildlife in London. Specifically, it was common for ladies
11
and dignitaries to wear bird plumes in their hats. Because the RSPB advocated against it, conscious consumers became convinced that wearing decorative feathers was unethical – and thereby totally unfashionable. This kind of environmental forward-thinking was an effort to reconnect to the natural world, while maintaining urban sensibilities.
L IFE BAL ANCE Havering has been a bright star in this balancing act for many years. From the 1930s until the early 1980s, the Greater London Council recruited student architects to work with local communities and sociologists to design innovative common spaces, schools, centres for the arts and council housing. Today, Havering is known for its Green Flag-standard parks and open spaces, award-winning artistry and theatres – and some really solid residential areas. Homes, restaurants, markets and community centres in the borough have stood the test of time alongside – and in many cases in harmony with – ancient lands and rare wildlife. In 2000, Havering became home to part of the largest area of wetlands in the upper Thames Estuary – the Rainham Marshes. Together with surrounding marshlands, its waving grasses and natural dykes date back to the early Middle Ages. Owned and protected by the RSPB (they were previously used as a military firing range), they’ve become a sanctuary for native wildlife such as the avocet, a large wading bird (pictured) that returned to Great Britain after 100 years of local extinction, and the brown water vole, perhaps better known as “Ratty” from Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 novel, The Wind and the Willows. Restoring the marshlands has resulted in these creatures of “olden days” H AV E R I N G
12
QUALITY OF LIFE
floroushing, as well as rare birds of prey, glittering dragonflies and butterflies, and native plant species intrinsic to the wellbeing of the entire borough.
S PAC E TO BRE AT H E Guy Selfe, the council’s health and wellbeing manager, says: “Parks and green spaces are integral to the health and wellness of the community.” The borough was rewarded for its conservation efforts when Chris Beardshaw, from BBC TV show Gardeners’ World, presented Havering with second place in the “Britain in Bloom” competition, 2016. Bedfords Park, the largest in Havering, is a designated Local Nature Reserve and home to herds of red deer and cattle. James Rose, Havering’s parks development manager, says: “The Red Poll cattle are part of a plan to encourage ecodiversity through natural grazing.” Less than a mile from Romford town centre, Raphael Park has existed since the early 13th century. It opened to the public in 1904 when it was given to the council by the barrister Herbert Raphael “for the benefit of the townspeople”, and retains its 18th century gardens and canals. Selfe notes it’s also a popular fitness destination: “Locals love the tennis courts, football club and pop-up skate ramps,” he says. “The lake is good for swimming and fishing, and it has two wooded islands: perfect for exploring.” The park has also been the open-air setting for The Rookery Theatre’s muchloved summer Shakespeare productions since 1962, when it first put on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Beyond the wood, the Queen’s Theatre in Hornchurch centre is one of Havering’s gems. Voted “Most Welcoming Theatre in the East 2017” by the UK Theatre H AV E R I N G
Parks and green spaces are integral to the health and wellness of the community
Top to bottom: A sculpture in Raphael Park; Swans at Upminster Park; Made in Dagenham (top) and Our House (bottom), both performed at The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch in 2016.
Organisation, its programme is modern and accessible, featuring works by and for young people and women. It also hosts master classes and popular acting, comedy and movement workshops. These events draw over 24,000 participants annually. Across the street, the Fairkytes Arts Centre features educational events and live music, including an annual “battle of the bands”. Romford, Havering’s biggest town, is also known for its outdoor makers and sellers market, which has been bustling since 1247. There’s also a traditional indoor marketplace, a contemporary high-street retail centre and stylish bars and clubs. In Havering, community engagement is valued. Its heritage has always been strengthened by volunteers, neighbourly spirit and a connection to nature. There are added benefits that each major town in Havering also has a connection to London’s city centre – approximately 15 miles in 30 minutes, as the crow flies. Naturally.
We’re Building Lives Less Ordinary At Willmott Dixon Construction we believe it is our responsibility to take the ordinary and make it extraordinary. That’s why every project we take on has to deliver a positive and memorable impact. 18 year old Havering resident Jordan Fox is a Technician Apprentice at Willmott Dixon under the Evolve Apprenticeship Scheme. After leaving school Jordan studied bricklaying at Havering College. Although Jordan enjoyed bricklaying, it wasn’t something he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Jordan first came across Willmott Dixon while attending an interview skills workshop where he met Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Hensman. Steph saw real potential in him and advised him on work experience and future qualifications.
Wilmott Dixon is, truly, a company that is genuinely interested in its position as an integral part of the community.
When the opportunity arose for Willmott Dixon to provide a Technician Apprenticeship, Jordan excelled in his interview with CITB. Jordan has now been with Willmott Dixon since September 2015 working on our site at Jenny Hammond School in East London. This role is very hands on, and also gives him an insight into all the job roles within construction.
Norma Green, Chair of the Yes Partnership
Jordan is now working towards his future, studying a BTEC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment (QCF) and NVQ Level 3 in Construction Contracting Operations.
Pictured above l-r: Tom Turner, Tony Shevlane, Jordan Fox, Luke Aspland
£2.1m
£2.1 million community investment last year.
55,000
55,000 hours of staff time invested in the community.
4,586
Made a difference to the life chances of 4,586 young people last year.
In Havering... training 783 Short courses workshop 202 School places 62 Apprentice weeks 99%
Waste diverted from landfill
Willmott Dixon @WillmottDixon
www.willmottdixon.co.uk
Pictured right: Sapphire Ice and Leisure Centre Romford
14
REGENERATION: THE BIG DEAL
SCENE SETTERS As plans for Crossrail speed along, Havering is set for a transformation – also spurred by the council’s masterplan for Romford and sites across the borough ready for development. Noella Pio Kivlehan went on a walkabout with the council’s senior representatives to see what’s in the pipeline
H AV E R I N G
REGENERATION: THE BIG DEAL
15
W
alking out of Havering Town Hall, past the award-winning horticultural crown designs (above) and planted Union Jack, the official contingent from the council’s hierarchy pass through the subway to embark on a tour of the borough’s regeneration areas. Entering the Liberty shopping centre from the market square – founded in 1247 – the visitor embarks on a time travel expedition. The first part of the mall encountered remains largely unchanged since the 1980s, but around the corner, the modernised section exits onto South Street, where 21st century retail park, The Brewery, sits on the site of the former Ind Coope brewery. The short walk sums up a problem with central Romford the council aims to address: piecemeal retail development has left the town disjointed.
ACHIEVING AMB ITIO NS “South Street (far left) is the older part of Romford,” says Roger Ramsey, council leader (pictured left), who has worked at the local authority for 36 years. “It was the historic shopping area before the malls: The Liberty, The Mercury and The Brewery, came on the scene. But it’s lost its shine since they opened. This is now the focal point of regeneration where we would like to link the malls through South Street with the H AV E R I N G
16
REGENERATION: THE BIG DEAL
We can talk about redevelopment, but you have to understand the needs of existing businesses and take those into account prospect of building apartments over businesses.” Pointing to the flat roofs of the parade of shops, Ramsey says: “It seems ridiculous to have a row of single storey shops within a hundred meters of a Crossrail station. It is crying out for something.” Steve Moore, director of neighbourhoods, puts it more bluntly. “This area screams opportunity in a major way. When you look around, it’s attractive to investors who can see those opportunities. They can see what can be built. And retail is one of the major factors pushing the need for regeneration.” Ramsey adds: “Romford does need regeneration because we have older parts, which are past their sell-by date. There’s a need for comprehensive regeneration of some parts, whereas other parts, like this, are still quite buoyant.”
MA K I N G A M AST E RPLA N On the tour with Ramsey and Moore are Neil Stubbings, regeneration consultant for the council and Chris Hilton, assistant director of development, who joined the local authority two months ago. Hilton is currently working on proposals for a new masterplan which he says “will ensure Romford fulfils its potential to become one of the most sought-after residential locations in London”. A lot of housing development is planned, which will be desperately needed to meet the borough’s growing population: in Romford alone, the population is predicted to grow significantly, having already gone from 238,000 to 250,000 in the last seven years. Havering’s housing target in its draft Local Plan is 1,170 units per year, with the expected number of 17,500 over 15 years. Over the next 10 years, the council aims to redevelop 12 designated sites under a £1 billion scheme launched earlier this year. H AV E R I N G
REGENERATION: THE BIG DEAL
17
the town centre being an island. It’s about making it much more permeable so people who live on the outside can come in.”
CHANG ING L ANES
Pictured: Romford Leisure Centre (left), director of neighbourhoods, Steve Moore (above) and council leader, Roger Ramsey (below).
Designated housing zones are Beam Park near Rainham – expected to deliver 3,500 new homes, with the Romford Housing Zone matching that number exactly. Joint ventures (JVs) are being established. In June, the council agreed Notting Hill Housing would be its preferred development partner to build 766 homes in Rainham. The local authority has also established Mercury Land Holdings, a development company which it solely owns. It’s not just residential. The new Crossrail line and developments such as the new leisure scheme on Western Road and Romford’s main shopping centre, The Liberty being put on the market– signify positive change is afoot. A major infrastructure scheme is mooted to reconfigure Romford’s ring road, which was built in the late 1960s. Moore says: “The ring road was needed [at the time] to help traffic move around Romford and to ensure the town wasn’t full of cars. But, it’s had the impact of being a collar.” “The work we’re doing now is to get away from
As the gesticulating suit-clad council representatives discuss plans for Romford town centre, a shop owner hovers in his doorway. He approaches tentatively. On seeing him, Ramsey breaks off midflow to speak to the man one-to-one. Re-joining the group, he says: “I just reassured the shop owner there that we are looking for improvements in Romford. When we propose to do anything, everybody thinks of their own position. We can talk about redevelopment, but you have to understand the needs of existing businesses and take those into account.” Moore goes further: “The population in Havering are settlers; people that didn’t like change. But change is coming. “You either get around the table, be part of the change and get out of it what you can. Or you shut your eyes and let it just happen.” What is also evident is how important – maybe even crucial – to this change Romford is in getting a Crossrail connection. It takes Ramsey less than five minutes into the tour to make this point: “There’s interest [in developing this area] because of our connectivity. “We have three Crossrail stations [in the borough] and it’s not hard to get out from central London,” he says, referring to stops at Romford, Harold Wood and Gidea Park. The £14.8 billion Crossrail line will connect Shenfield in the east to Reading in the west, with two breakaway lines to Heathrow and Abbey Wood in south-east London when it fully opens at the end of 2019. Property and land prices near the stations have rocketed and the pulling power is strong.
MAG NETIC FO R CE Over the last 12 -18 months, values have jumped by 50%, while other areas in the borough not so close to the stations have seen growth of between 25 and 30%. Statistics like these have attracted attention. Moore believes that when the £1 billion contract for H AV E R I N G
18
REGENERATION: THE BIG DEAL
12 earmarked development sites is let, it will send a message to the market that “Havering mean business”. He says: “It will be a catalyst for change. People and companies interested in the tender exercise are not just looking at one area: they are looking at South Street, they are looking at the areas we have just walked through, they are looking at the bigger picture. Whether the investment opportunity means bringing a consortium of investors together or not, there is no doubt that is the catalyst for change.” Having launched the £1 billion tender in March 2017 at the international property convention MIPIM in Cannes, Stubbings says: “We’re going to cabinet in January to choose the preferred partner. To finish the competitive dialogue exercise on a contract of £750 million: £1 billion of housing and infrastructure within that timescale is a phenomenal achievement as far as a local authority is concerned. “It shows there are a lot of people out there willing to invest in the borough – and it’s clear that they want to get cracking as well.” New to the council, Hilton came from previous jobs with Windsor and Maidenhead, and Croydon councils, and says his first impression of Romford was one of opportunity: “There’s so much growth in London. Stratford’s happened, and Romford is just a bit further up the Crossrail line. There’s a great opportunity to turn it into a high quality, Pictured: Romford sought-after place to live.” Overground and rail station (top As Ramsey returns to the left), The Liberty council offices, the rest of the Mall (top right) and Romford Shopping group makes its way down Hall (right). South Street to see where these opportunities lie. H AV E R I N G
REGENERATION: THE BIG DEAL
19
WALKABOUT SITES BRIDGE CLOSE Last June, the council agreed redevelopment plans for the industrial estate at Bridge Close and the demolition of adjoining residential properties fronting on to Waterloo Road and Old Church Road. With an allocation of £15.4 million in Greater London Authority grants, the scheme will have 850 private and affordable homes. Neil Stubbings, the council’s regneration consultant says Bridge Close has been identified by property company Savills as “one of the only unencumbered sites in London within five minutes’ walk of a Crossrail station”. He adds: “They have invested in it and we’re hoping to set up a joint venture soon. “Savills have been waiting for an opportunity to start the regeneration.” A new bridge will come into the Lidl car park, which Moore says “will start helping the permeability of getting people in from the other side of the ring road into the station”.
ROMFORD At a cost of £1.4 million, the station is being upgraded for the new Elizabeth line (Crossrail). Outside the public realm has been given a facelift. ROMFORD LEISURE DEVELOPMENT The multimillion pound site on Western Road, will open in April 2018. It will feature: a 25m eight-lane lane main pool. a 15 x 8m pool for learners. ice rink for hundreds of skaters. a fitness area with two studios. a sauna and steam rooms. The centre will also host the London Raiders ice hockey team (formerly Romford Raiders). OLDCHURCH GARDENS The redevelopment includes the demolition and rebuilding of general needs housing.
SERENA, SOLAR AND SUNRISE SCHEME An older persons’ village including extra care and dementia care sheltered housing. WATERLOO ESTATE A mixed-use scheme with sheltered housing, in a combination of low and highrise buildings. Waterloo estate falls within the area of Romford designated as a housing zone status which will see it get funding from the Greater London Authority. Plans are for 1,100 new homes following the demolition of 285 properties. SOUTH STREET As part of the sale of The Liberty shopping centre, it is hope that this street will be earmarked for development.
ROMFORD MARKET Established under Royal Charter by King Henry III in 1247, today the market is home to 270 stalls. The Havering Council website details a major investment in reinvigorating the market to create a new residential quarter. Its aim is that it will be a place where: Economically active residents settle and establish roots in the community and can enjoy high quality residential living in the town centre and support the economic growth of the town. Residents can live, work and relax. Environmental improvements will be made to the River Rom, a new riverside walkway and public space that delivers an attractive focus to the development. A clearly defined east-west pedestrian/ cycle route will be created, linking the Ring Road pedestrian crossing to a new River Rom crossing and to Romford station via Atlanta Boulevard.
H AV E R I N G
20
PROJECTS
CHIGWELL
Development schemes across Havering are under way and sites at key areas in the borough such as along the A1306 have been earmarked for future projects. So what has been delivered, what is planned and where are these key sites? EASTERN AVENUE
CIR CU LAR RO AD
4.
Romford Leisure Centre Bridge Close Hornchurch Sports Centre Swimming Pool Beam Park
RT H
1. 2. 3.
A12 NO
KEY SCHEMES
ILFORD
A DOZEN DEVELOPMENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
H AV E R I N G
Harold Hill addtional homes Romford - Delderfield House Gidea Park - Royal Jubilee Court Gidea Park - Delta estate Romford - Waterloo Gardens Romford - Queen Street Romford - Oldchurch Romford - Maygreen Crescent Hornchurch - Serena Court Hornchurch - Dell Court Cranham - Brunswick Court Rainham - Napier House and New Plymouth House
A13
LONDON CITY AIRPORT
WOOLWICH
PROJECTS
NOAK HILL
21
BRENTWOOD 2
A1
1
Harold Wood
2 3
ROMFORD 6
5 7
4 Gidea Park
1
Romford
2
HORNCHURCH
8
A127
11
Emerson Park
9
3
10
Upminster
UPMINSTER
M25
Hornchurch Elm Park
LONDON BOROUGH OF HAVERING
12
RAINHAM Rainham
4
M25
RIVER THAMES H AV E R I N G
segro.com
|
@SEGROplc
3 to 8 years old toucanBox enables parents and children, aged between 3 and 8, to spend quality time together doing creative things – all delivered in a personalised box. Founded four years ago, the business has trebled in size every year and so making the right call on choosing a property partner was critical. They wanted to find a partner who could continue to help them grow by having a big enough portfolio to do so. toucanBox found us and we found them a 20,130 sq ft warehouse. Room enough for them to fulfil, prepare and assemble their delightful boxes. For now! When brilliant businesses find outstanding spaces, extraordinary things happen.
PROJECTS
ROMFORD LEISURE CENTRE
Willmott Dixon is on-track to complete the multimillion Sapphire Ice leisure centre in Romford for a spring 2018 opening. With metal cladding now attached to the exterior, the shimmering blue box, designed by architect Saunders Boston, is set to make a striking addition to the town centre. The scheme consists of an ice rink built above an eight-lane, 25m swimming pool and a smaller learners’ pool. The rink includes tiered seating for about 800 spectators to watch ice hockey, along with leisure and figure skating. Local ice hockey team, London Raiders, will compete there for the 2018/19 season. Fitness studios, a gym, a sauna and steam rooms complete the facilities. Chris Tredget, managing director of Willmott Dixon in north London and the home counties, said: “We have seen the effect leisure schemes have on local prosperity and also on generating income for councils, as people flock to use the facilities. This will bring huge opportunity to Romford.” Located in the town centre, the new complex is designed to act as a catalyst for Romford’s regeneration, benefitting the local community and attracting inward investment. Extensive work to rejuvenate Western Road between the junction of Mercury Gardens and the pedestrian entrance of the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford will complement the new leisure centre development. Roads and footpaths will benefit from new pavements, street lighting and furniture, new trees and clearer road design. With the anticipated increase in visitors to the area, the measures are designed to improve safety and access for pedestrians and vulnerable road users and improve journeys by public transport. Transport for London is funding £650,000 of the project with a further £150,000 provided by Havering Council.
23
We have seen the effect leisure schemes have on local prosperity and also on generating income for councils, as people flock to use the facilities
H AV E R I N G
24
PROJECTS
RAINHAM AND BEAM PARK Following the designation of Rainham and Beam Park as a housing zone, plans to redevelop a number of key sites along New Road – the A1306 in Rainham – are under consideration by the council’s planning authority. The programme will transform the area into a high quality residential area with a station on the c2c line, a primary school, health facilities and a two-kilometre linear park for both existing and new residents. Funding is pledged by the Greater London Authority, Transport for London and private sector firms. Working with Notting Hill Housing in a joint venture, the H AV E R I N G
council has developed designs with Bell Philips Architects for nine sites to deliver over 700 new homes. The mixed tenure development will include homes earmarked for affordable rent, shared ownership, market sale and private rent. These sites are in addition to two major residential developments along the A1306. A scheme by Countryside and L&Q (above) will create Beam Park on the former home of one of the largest car plants in the world. A current planning application proposes a new school, nursery, medical centre, community centre and commercial units with up to 2,900 homes.
PROJECTS
A DOZEN DEVELOPMENTS A multi-disciplinary team lead by Savills is progressing Havering Council’s £1 billion plan to build 3,000 homes over the next 10 years and kick-start the regeneration of key parts of the borough. The local authority has identified 12 council-owned residential sites that have development potential, in its drive to improve housing, as well as increasing the amount of affordable housing for residents, creating job opportunities, building new communities and boosting the local economy. The team, supported by Tibbalds, PCKO and Gardiner & Theobald, expects to select a joint venture development partner in January 2018 and anticipates a start date on site for the first phase of the project to be January 2019. This encompasses Waterloo estate in Romford; Serena Court, Solar Court and Sunrise Lodge in Hornchurch and Napier House and New Plymouth House, which are in Rainham.
25
DESIGNATED SITES ROMFORD Waterloo Estate 45,000sq m Demolition of 285 properties will make way for 1,100 new mixedtenure homes. Queen Street 5,000sq m Within the Waterloo estate, this will make way for new mixedtenure homes. Oldchurch Gardens 12,000sq m With the demolition of 84 properties, 300 new homes could be built. Delderfield House 10,000sq m 30 new mixed-tenure homes to replace 14 current properties. Maygreen Crescent, Park Lane 14,000sq m 200 new mixedtenure homes. HORNCHURCH Dell Court 5,050sq m 40 new flats to replace the current sheltered housing scheme. Serena Court, Solar Court & Sunrise Lodge 10,000sq m Will be demolished to enable the development of a modern, mixed tenure, older persons housing village including extra-care sheltered housing with provision for those with dementia.
GIDEA PARK Delta Estate, Elvet Avenue 16,000sq m Up to 350 new homes could be accommodated using infill opportunities on this existing estate. Royal Jubilee Court, 12,100sq m A new older person’s village development of 150, mixed-tenure properties, replacing the existing 52 below standard sheltered housing development. RAINHAM Napier House and New Plymouth House 7,300sq m Demolition of two tower blocks to make way for 200 homes. CRANHAM Brunswick Court 5,000sq m The existing 50-unit poor-quality sheltered housing scheme will be demolished and replaced with a modern extra-care sheltered housing scheme with dementia provision. HAROLD HILL Chippenham Road Farnham Road, Hilldene Avenue 63 new homes could be built on top of the existing structure.
H AV E R I N G
26
PROJECTS
HORNCHURCH SPORTS CENTRE
BRIDGE CLOSE Havering Council will work with a development partner to create a new riverside residential area at Bridge Close, an industrial estate close to Romford station. As well as new homes and employment space, there will be environmental improvements to the River Rom, a new riverside walkway and new public space. H AV E R I N G
The development will also include a pedestrian and cycle bridge, making it easier for residents from across west Romford to access the Crossrail station and the town centre. The Greater London Authority is supporting the development, providing an allocation of £15.4 million from its housing zone programme.
GT3 Architects is submitting plans for a new sports centre at Hornchurch situated next to the town centre and close to the existing sports centre. Plans include a 25m eight-lane pool, a learner pool with an adjustable floor to allow it to be used as a diving pool with a 5m platform, two 3m boards and two 1m boards. It will also have four indoor badminton courts, a large health and fitness suite with over 100 exercise stations, three studio classes for dance and group exercises, a creche and a garden cafe overlooking the park. Subject to a successful planning application, the existing Hornchurch Sports Centre will remain open while the new centre is built.
WITH A STRONG REGIONAL FOOTHOLD AND NATIONAL CAPABILITIES, WE’RE READY WHEN, AND WHEREVER, YOU ARE. Benefiting from Glenny’s in-depth and unrivalled knowledge of the East London and Essex property markets, our clients operating in Havering can expect an exceptional service, whatever their requirements are. Our full range of services are accessible through our central support hub in Stratford and strategicallylocated regional offices.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT US AT WWW.GLENNY.CO.UK ESSEX | EAST LONDON | NORTH LONDON & HERTFORDSHIRE | SOUTH EAST LONDON & KENT
WELL PLACED PROPERTY ADVISORS
OUR TEAM:WORKING
Havering
Breyer Group
Working in partnership with With over 60 years’ experience specialising in roofing, construction, responsive repairs and maintenance, Breyer Group are one of the industry’s leading principal contractors, operating from our headquarters in Romford, Essex and our network of locally based offices. Breyer Group is a family owned business and it is currently managed by Tim Breyer.
Construction Our Construction division provides high quality internal and external refurbishment within Housing, Education, Healthcare and Commercial Sectors through a range of long-term framework agreements and short term contracts.
Roofing With nearly 60 years’ history and experience, we are one of the UK’s largest specialist roofing contractors and a prominent member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).
B-Line At Breyer Group we put our residents first. With our B-Line service you can be assured of an immediate response to your repair call and feel safe in the knowledge that any work will be carried out to the highest standard with minimal disruption.
Find out more: breyergroup.co.uk
Caring for your home and community
CONNECTIVITY
29
Places on the periphery of London once suffered from poor connections to the rest of the capital. But with multimillionpound infrastructure projects such as Crossrail now on board, the benefits to Havering will be substantial. Lucy Clarke reports
E
xcellent travel connections, a striking riverside location and a great deal of investment allure are all weaving together to form an appealing tapestry for Havering, improving the climate for future investment. Crossrail, the country’s newest high-frequency, highcapacity railway, will connect London to other locations in the south-east when open in December 2019. The Elizabeth line, as it will be called, will stop at Havering stations Gidea Park, Harold Wood and Romford, en route H AV E R I N G
30
CONNECTIVIT Y
to central London and Heathrow airport. It is not only Havering’s connections to the capital which will be improved, but the UK economy will be boosted by billions of pounds, supporting thousands of new jobs and homes. Stations on the line and trains will also have good accessibility for those with reduced mobility. The result will be a borough which can capitalise on its location and connectivity by providing fast and accessible transport links to benefit those who live and work in the area.
QU E E N O F T H E T RAC K Commuters are already benefitting from the first Elizabeth line trains on the Transport for London rail route from Liverpool Street to Shenfield, stopping at Chadwell Heath, Romford and Gidea Park. Trains began running from the
By making the most of its geographical position and opportunities, it is fast becoming a hub for startups and expanding businesses
H AV E R I N G
central London station earlier this year. It is the first of 66 trains that will eventually serve the route, with 11 introduced in the autumn. They will be air-conditioned, have walk-through carriages and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Now the new line will cut the journey time from Romford to the West End to barely 30 minutes, Havering is enjoying a surge in interest among investment buyers and those looking for a home. When the route fully opens, passengers will even be able to travel through central London without having to change trains. At peak times, 12 trains an hour will run between Shenfield and central London, calling at all stations, and an additional four trains an hour will run between Gidea Park and the existing Liverpool Street station – westwards in the morning peak and eastwards in the evening peak. The proposed route and crossing option on the Lower Thames estuary links Kent and Essex through Thurrock, was also confirmed in April by transport secretary Chris Grayling. Designed to relieve the pressure on the existing A282 Dartford Crossing, the project will further increase connectivity across the borough.
STA RT I N G GATE It was also announced in March 2016 that the centre of Romford has been designated a housing zone by the mayor of London. This will see £35 million of public money invested in unlocking sites, paving the way for mixed-tenure homes and new employment opportunities and playing into the council’s wider vision for a changing Havering. During the next 10 years, the council has an ambitious plan to build around 3,500 new homes in Rainham – also a
Top: Beam Park station will connect passengers to The City from 2020. Middle: Some Elizabeth line trains are now operational. Right: Mapping Havering’s future.
CONNECTIVITY
designated housing zone – as well as infrastructure needed to serve a new community, including a school, doctors’ surgeries and shops. Development runs along a site between the train tracks and New Road, extending from Tesco Extra in Rainham into Barking and Dagenham.
PEA K T I M ES Other major projects include a multimillion leisure centre development in Western Road to open in spring 2018 and a £1.4 million investment in upgrading the area around Romford station prior to the commencement of the Elizabeth line. The borough does already have some good connectivity options. Shouldering the M25, the A13 and the A406, it provides a direct road from the east straight through the south of the borough and into the centre of London. This also connects to the major port in Essex. The A12 also goes through Havering, where it meets the M25 and Essex from central London, providing quick links in and out of the capital. The Greater Anglia rail service has three stations in the borough - Gidea Park, Harold Wood and Romford – and runs into Stratford and Liverpool Street. The London Overground service runs from Upminster to Romford via Emerson Park and the c2c service begins
31
on the south Essex coast, via Rainham and Upminster, ending up in London’s Fenchurch Street. A new station, Beam Parkway, on the c2c line will open in 2020 in Rainham, providing a rapid 20-minute link into Fenchurch Street. London Docklands and Westminster can be reached in less than 25 minutes and Stratford International station connects travellers to Ebbsfleet and Ashford, providing access to Europe via the Channel Tunnel rail link. Furthermore, the London Underground District line runs through Havering, connecting Upminster, Elm Park and Hornchurch directly with the City and the West End.
R O UND-THE-WO R L D TR IP Business connectivity in Havering is boosted thanks to its situation between five major international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City Airport and Southend, making the borough hugely accessible from in and outside the UK. London City Airport can be reached in 20 minutes, while travelling to London Stansted Airport takes around 30 minutes. London Southend Airport is a 40-minute drive. Deputy mayor of London for planning, regeneration and skills, Jules Pipe, says: “With its excellent transport links into central London, extensive town centre regeneration and the highest concentration of green space anywhere in London, Havering is a unique place to live, work and visit. “By making the most of its geographical position and opportunities, it is fast becoming a hub for startups and expanding businesses, as well as the construction, logistics, engineering and manufacturing industries.” H AV E R I N G
Invest Bromley
r e g e n e r atPRICES i o n aFROM n d g r o w t h i n t h e l o n d o n b o r o u g h o f m e rt o n
Issue 4 Autumn 2016
Ready for take-off
THE ISLANDS
BEST KEPT SECRET! Discover enviable river views from one of these modern family homes at Azure, each benefitting from contemporary interior layouts and unique outdoor living spaces. • • • •
We could be heroes: Bowie’s musical heritage
nd
Newcastle’s regeneration ma
Active aspirations
global light
s p r i n g 2017
ISSUE 4 AUTUMN 2016
fine craft
Creative living
www.countryside-properties.com/parklands 01634 891200 DISCOVER YOUR DREAM RIVERSIDE HOME TODAY!
Marketing Suite open daily from 10am to 5pm St Mary’s Island, Chatham, Kent, ME4 3AJ *Terms and conditions apply. Contact us for further details. More information can be found on www.helptobuy.gov.uk. Computer generated image of homes at Azure. Internal image is indicative only. Prices and information correct at time of going to press. March 2017.
Street scenes Chatham’s routes transform Creative collaboration Artistic trails Spirit of enterprise Medway success stories Naval history Marking a rich heritage
renaissancenewcastle.com
Worldwide expansion
Welcome to the Future of Renting
incolnshiremagazine.com
Contemporary style kitchen with integrated appliances Amtico Spacia flooring and carpets fitted throughout Good transport links with A289 directly connecting to the A2 Help to Buy available on selected plots*
THE DOCKS, NEW PHASE COMING SOON! 1–3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND 3, 4 & 5 BEDROOM HOUSES
spring 2017
hange
game and set
Changing room: Town centre transformers
issue eight: autumn 2013
Bromley: a housing hotspot for London
tructure already in place, absorbing huge investment ble energy
£472,500
r e g e n e r at i o n a n d g r o w t h i n t h e l o n d o n b o r o u g h o f m e rt o n
Investment opportunities in the London Borough of Bromley
essentialliving.uk.com
’s regeneration magazine
> Food, fish, ports, chemicals, energy
Essential Living is redefining the private rental market. By shifting issue#01_winter 2011 the focus onto the needs of tenants we make renting as easy and fulfilling as possible. We design living spaces with sharers in mind, providing a balance of communal areas and privacy. Through developing and managing vibrant, social places to live, we are determined that renters can find a home that is flexible enough to suit their lifestyle.
ing history
opportunities in the London Borough of Bromley
> Where any budget goes much further
BUsInEss And InvEsTmEnT with Bromley Council.
ion magazine for north East Lincolnshire
10
Inside: Marine and offshore, creative and digital, asset management, decision makers and game changers . . .
2
renaissance
24/10/2011 11:53
7
The magazine for business in Reading…
BUILDING LONDON BASED IN ENFIELD
Reading Station Public Realm and Thames Tower, Reading
WINNER
countryside-properties.com
Peter Brett Associates BOLD Mag.indd 2
Supporting investment and employment Fight for rights: in Enfield and across London Feminist movement
WO R L D ’ S B E S T L U X U RY C O U N T RY H OT E L — 2 0 0 9 & 2010 —
For more information please contact:
Issue 9 History and heritage Autumn 2017 boldmagazine.co.uk
Byrne House, Jeffreys Road, Enfield, EN3 7UB
Top of the game: New Business Recruitment Martyn Horne Andrew Nash A question of sport
www.ardmoregroup.co.uk
e: mhorne@ardmoregroup.co.uk
t: 020 8344 0300
t: 0208 344 0426
e: anash@ardmoregroup.co.uk
t: 0208 344 0397 Inspiring estates: Welcome homes
Lough Eske Castle is part of the Solís Group of Hotels
T +353 (0)74 97 25100 F +353 (0)74 97 23762 E sales.lougheske@solishotels.com
Lough Eske Castle Donegal Town, Co. Donegal Ireland www.solislougheskecastle.ie
lougheske-IARad-230x300-art.indd 1
20/09/2017 15:00:36
Liberty Wharf
@peterbrettllp
Performance space, eating place, work base
HISTORIC DEVELOPMENT FOR BELFAST
Spring 2017 Issue Eight
peterbrett.com
TITANIC QUARTER BELFAST THE LASTING LEGACY
Powering history
ISSUE 9 AUTUMN 2017
READING:UK The magazine for business in Reading
To find out more about how we can help your next project, visit
We’re passionate about creating places people aspire to live, that deliver enduring value and where people feel a true sense of belonging.
Dreams come true Meridian Water moves from plans to reality / Bottled up secrets Forty Hall Vineyard / Business case market forces council enterprise
Ardmore is a large privately owned design and build contractor that provides a unique range of in-house services to guarantee the delivery of cost efficient, timely and high quality products and services. With an extensive capability based on in-house resources we offer a ‘fixed price and qualification free’ approach to major construction projects of up to £170m
Barking and Dagenham
PBA has been supporting development and economic growth across Reading for more than 50 years. Our innovative and forward-thinking advice maximises value for our clients and the local community. From infrastructure to land development to the built environment, our work in taking projects through planning, design and delivery across the region has transformed how people live, work and play.
Spring 2017 Issue Eight
Issue 2
READING:UK
BOLD BARKING AND DAGENHAM
Spring 2017
AIR
The regeneration of Enfield
TITANIC QUARTER BELFAST
w WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT READING’S MOST IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
GW
OPPORTUNITY ENFIELD / The regeneration of Enfield
Gr
03/11/2010 15:02
93% of readers say our magazines influence their opinion of places to invest * +44 (0)20 7978 6840 3foxinternational.com *93.3% of respondents to an independent survey of magazine readers in 2009
- 5 new Crossrail stations
the world’s most
LONDON’S HOTSPOT: EAST LONDON ISSUE FOUR_2014 LONDON’S HOTSPOT: EAST LONDON ISSUE FOUR_2014
- 94,000sqm+ new office space
- 128,000sqm+ new retail space
thecrystal.org
EALING IN LONDON
- 14,000+ new homes
sustainable
Ealing – ideally placed for home, leisure and business
Bu i l d / I n n o v a t e / Gr o w
events venue
FREEDOM TO WORK
Fully integrated state-of-the-art technology 270 seat auditorium Award winning catering
Ha r r o w
26
Barking & Dagenham
HEATHROW CARGO: HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONS
Fully integrated kitchens All apartments have private outdoor space Residents’ only gym1 and concierge service
Enfield
Greenwich
Lyon Square is a distinctive collection of high specification homes located within walking distance from the sought after area of Harrow On The Hill, North London. 21
ISSUE 4
Bexley 25 minutes to King’s Cross St. Pancras
WELCOME TO LYON SQUARE A DISTINCTIVE NEW COLLECTION OF LUXURY HOMES IN HARROW
16
Bu i l d / I n n o v a t e / Gr o w Ha r r o w
EALING BY 2026
ENTERPRISE HOUNSLOW: BRISTOL BULLET
Great West Investment destination: Hounslow
revdesign i s e d Fe l t h a m M a ste r p l a n i s n ow u n d e r way to Shifting ta ke a c colandscape u nt o f t h e H o u s i n g Zo n e DrawingA on o t h e r n ew i nve st m e nt oBuilding p p o r ttou work, n i a e s . T h i s w i l l i nfo r m conserve and create Plan.
d eharrow s i g n aa Inspiring – on and opening up of Architecture t hfor e the e mfuture e rg i n g We st o f B o ro u g h
LON ON ENJOY LIFE IN STYLE
The regeneration magazine for the London Borough of Ealing/issue 07/spring ‘16
DRAFT FELTHAM MASTERPLAN
• L O C A L •
Havering
Prices from £375,000 Show apartment open 7 days a week Call 020 3538 4982 or email lyonsquare@redrow.co.uk
Newham
28
34
35
2:16
Redbridge
mins
mins
mins
mins
Marylebone Station
Oxford Circus
Paddington Station
The Regent’s Park
mins
mins
hours
E X I ST I N G K E Y B U I L D I N G S P RO P O S E D B U I L D I N G S
Waltham Forest King’s Cross / St Pancras International Station
Canary Wharf via Crossrail
P U B L I C G R E E N S PAC E
Paris via Eurostar
CO M M U NA L / P R I VAT E G A R D E N S issue 7 2016
With a quarter of a million HELP TO BUY NOW AVAILABLE ON SELECTED PLOTS homes to build by 2035, London is moving east WWW.LYONSQUARE.CO.UK Issue 6 2017
1 Plans are currently in place for residents’ gym. Travel times taken from TfL. Help to Buy is a Government-backed initiative in partnership with housebuilders. Available on selected plots, subject to status, terms and conditions. Help to Buy cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. It is highly advised, for a swift, smooth transaction that an IFA/Solicitor advised by Redrow Homes is used. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Redrow offer. CGI image is indicative only. Prices correct at time of going to press. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice.
₄
21473 Lyon Square BM 195x240 wc260916.indd 1
30/09/2016 08:45
C o nta c t t h e I nwa rd I nve st m e nt Te a m to fi n d o u t m o re : e n q u i r i e s @ i nve st h o u n s l ow. co m
INWARD INVESTMENT MAGAZINE ISSUE TWO
4
@thecrystalorg
Great West
1 Siemens Brothers Way, London, E16 1GB
PLUS
P
southwark
COVENTRY+ WARWICKSHIRE
Come together Partners in the private and public sectors working to deliver benefits for communities
See Emily play Not just for kids – facilities in parks and open spaces keep adults fit and healthy too
Let’s dance Live music is thriving in Southwark’s established venues, with new kids arriving on the block
Skills to pay the bills Employment rates are rising, as residents take up opportunities to gain the skills for employment
This must be the place Canada Water, Nunhead, Elephant Park and St Mary’s Quarter – new places in development
hi-tech city ◆ rail in 175 years ◆ supply c
Issue 17 Summer 2017
derbyperspective.com
on the preservation of heritage and the perspective
cultural fabric of London. We are committed homes and communities across London that
★
capturing the imagination
ensure its legacy as a world-class city.
Discover more at mountanvil.com or call 020 7776 1800
‘‘
THE HERITAGE OF LONDON TRUST IS D ELIGHTED THAT MOUNT ANVIL IS SUPPORTING THE RESTORATION OF THE THOMAS GUY STATUE. MONUMENTS LIKE THESE ARE PART OF LONDON’S FANTASTIC CULTURAL HERITAGE. MOUNT ANVIL IS A DEVELOPER WITH A REAL COMMITMENT TO MAKING LONDON A WORLD-CLASS CITY.
‘‘
— HERITAGE OF LONDON
Derby’s regeneration magazine
UXBRIDGE. ON TRACK TOOF BRING MORE INVESTMENT TO THE REGION
to improving the public realm and delivering
THE CHARTER BUILDING UXBRIDGE
Derby’s regeneration magazine /issue number seven
capital innovat
southwark
At Mount Anvil we place great importance
MIRA: LEADING THE UK’S AUTOMOTIVE AND FROM OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE 6,000 SQ FT IN THE CENTRE ENGINEERING RESEARCH
Street wise – urban art Wish you’d built here? Round table – clear thinking at the Crystal
LONDON
ISSUE THREE AUTUMN 2017
MOUNT ANVIL ARE PROUD TO BE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HERITAGE OF LONDON LondonTHE TRUST TOWest RESTORE THOMAS GUY STATUE IN SOUTHWARK
EAST ON FILM HACKNEY’S ELBA: LUTHER TO MANDELA
www.facebook.com/thecrystalorg
www.ealinginlondon.com Investment destination: Hounslow
wakefield’s blooming visitor economy THRILL
WAKEFIELD SIGHTS BOOST TOURIST INDUSTRY
SKILL
INVESTMENT IN WORKFORCE PAYS DIVIDENDS
WILL
COMMITMENT AND TEAMWORK DRIVES PROGRESS
HOUSING
33
What is the appeal of Havering for homebuyers? Susan Hill looks at the housing offer in a borough with good connections to central London – and finds a council taking an innovative approach to achieve its housing objectives H AV E R I N G
34
HOUSING
W
ith its diverse range of housing, bustling town centres, beautiful parkland, and fantastic transport connections, it’s easy to understand why the London Borough of Havering has seen a substantial increase in house prices. While the London housing market is at its slowest in five years, Land Registry figures show that house prices in Havering rose by 11.8% from the year to February 2017. And the borough is set for a major housebuilding project in the coming years in the development area of Rainham and Beam Park. Designated as a housing zone by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in 2016 – one of 30 in London – this swathe of the borough has been allocated funding through the London mayor’s scheme to ensure the desired number of homes are built.
H AV E R I N G
In June 2017, Havering Council selected Notting Hill Housing as the preferred developer for 700 homes in the zone. The value of investment and development in this area represents £1 billion, including an indicative allocation from the GLA of £31 million. The housing zone is set over 513ha and 3,457 homes are planned, 1,099 of which are earmarked as affordable. Havering Council is seeking joint venture partnerships for different sites in the area, particularly along the A1306.
LI FE I N T H E FAST L ANE An outer London borough with such a major planned housebuilding programme needs good connections to the capital and beyond. And with Crossrail set to connect Romford, Gidea Park and Harold Wood, creating improved frequency to central London and Heathrow Airport, the area
looks set to become even more of a popular choice. The borough already has direct train lines into Fenchurch Street and Liverpool Street stations but according to Terry Holmes, a director at Beresford estate agents, which has been in Havering since 1968, the Elizabeth line opens up even more opportunities with its new link to the West End. He says: “We already have one of the most direct links into the City of London and Canary Wharf, but with the ‘Lizzy line’ – which we are all fondly calling it – you’ll be able to commute straight into the West End. “This opens up huge possibilities for people wanting to move out to Havering but work in the West End or even to the west of London. “With the new line you’ll be able to get on at Gidea Park and off at Bond Street in under 40 minutes.” But it’s not just Havering’s train links which are popular with commuters. For those that travel to work by car, the borough, surrounded by countryside, is situated between junctions 29 and 30 of the M25 and features major roads including the A12 which runs from Suffolk to Great Yarmouth, the A13 linking central London with south Essex and the A127, which takes Londoners through the borough on the way to Southend-on-Sea. Holmes, who has worked in Havering since 1981, also believes that there’s a lot of choice when it comes to housing: “In terms of stock, it varies considerably across the borough but there really is something for everyone,” he says. “The borough has got every single type of property you could want; whether it’s a one-bedroom flat for a first-time buyer or a six-bedroom house with substantial grounds, you can get it in Havering.”
HOUSING
“Emerson Park in Hornchurch and the Gidea Park ‘exhibition estate’, previously Romford Garden Suburb, have large detached and semi-detached houses. “There’s also a sprinkle of terrace houses and pretty mock-Tudor homes, a lot of which were built in the 1930s. Upminster was predominately built in the early part of the 20th century, and apart from a few flats going up it’s pretty much remained the same. “It’s an aspirational area and we see a lot of movement in the borough with people going from Romford and Hornchurch to Upminster. I think once people get a taste of the borough they find it very hard to leave. “We’ve seen that with those who are coming up to retirement age. They want to downsize but they’re not wanting to leave the area. “Its location, excellent train and road links, the neighbourhood shopping centres, and retail hub of Romford provide amenities that a lot of other places just cannot offer. “There’s also the Essex coast and Lakeside retail park both on your doorstep, as well as vast amounts of open parkland.” A multimillion-pound leisure centre, with a competition-level swimming pool, ice rink and gym equipment is also set for completion next year. Added to the offer in Hornchurch, with its theatre, developing nightlife and arts scenes, it is clear there’s a real buzz about the London Borough of Havering.
OLD STO RIE S, N E W I DEAS In contrast, Romford’s famous street market, which opened nearly 800 years ago, and the traditional pie and mash shops that still see queues out of their doors on a Friday night, retain a lot of the borough’s old character.
Whether it’s a onebedroom flat for a first-time buyer or a six-bedroom house, you can get it in Havering
Left, above and overleaf: Despite only being founded in May 2017, the council’s private rented housing company, Mercury Land Holdings, is already starting to deliver, with 65 flats at Cathedral Court in Romford.
35
The council is also directly involved with setting up three joint ventures to regenerate key areas of the borough and has seen strong interest from developers wanting to work with the council to build new homes and infrastructure. With growing demand for housing in the capital, the council has realised that there is a newfound demand for good quality managed accommodation in the rental market. In 2015, it set up the private rented sector company, Mercury Land Holdings, to meet these housing demands. Regeneration officer Christopher Hobbs, who works on the scheme, is hoping to change the image of the rental market in Havering. He says: “With a reduction in government funding, councils across the country are having to find new and innovative ways to generate income to protect front-line services. “Havering is seeking to generate a profit from development and provide much-needed housing. H AV E R I N G
36
HOUSING
All of the brand new flats at Cathedral Court have their own parking space, as well as a private balcony and access to a large roof terrace. The block is next to a large purposebuilt park and a new primary school is currently being built and will be ready to open its doors in September 2018.
B ETTER CO NNECTED
“Mercury Land Holdings was set up to meet the demands of the housing requirements within the borough to provide quality managed accommodation in the private sector. “What we are trying to do is change the image of the rental market.” In May 2017, Mercury Land Holdings took control of a block of luxury one, two and three-bedroom flats, Cathedral Court in Romford. All but one of the 65 flats are now rented and Hobbs admits he was surprised by the diverse mix of people who have made use of the scheme.
D I V E R SE D E M O G RA P H I ES Hobbs says: “We have a really interesting mix of people in Havering and there’s a real sense of community. “Cathedral Court is in quite close proximity to Queens Hospital, so we’ve got doctors and nurses, as well as other professionals who work at the hospital. “We’ve also got a couple of students, a H AV E R I N G
We do have a number of young professionals, but we’ve been really surprised that the flats have appealed to so many others number of young families and a few who are now retired. “It’s been surprising, because we assumed the demographic would be young couples who would want to take advantage of the transport links into London or worked locally in Romford. “Of course we do have a number of young professionals, but we’ve been really surprised that the flats have appealed to so many others.”
The homes, which have been built to a high specification, also include superfast Hyperoptic broadband internet as part of the monthly rent. “We offer 20MB as standard but people can upgrade to one GB which is the fastest you’ll get anywhere in the UK,” Hobbs explains. “We’ve had quite a few people take up the one GB speed which allows you to download an entire film in three or four minutes. It’s been a really exciting project to work on. “We don’t fulfil the normal housing functions of the council, but act as a private developer and landlord.” Mercury Land Holdings currently has schemes in the pipeline for 44 flats in Hornchurch and is also looking at potential sites in Rainham. But Hobbs is keen to point out Mercury Land Holdings is “a small company, which is still in its embryonic stages”. “We don’t have access to supply chains or the expertise and experience that a major developer has, and we’re conscious of those aspects when it comes to working on bigger schemes,” he adds. But in spite of this, its establishment shows the council has big ambitions for the future of housing in the borough. New models for housebuilding – and areas across the borough earmarked for future development – show this outer London borough’s housing objectives are coming to fruition.
Havering Open for Growth, Business and Opportunities
The completion of the Crossrail project and opening of the new Elizabeth line will provide high-speed access to central London from three of the borough’s stations. With excellent travel connections, award-winning green spaces and a great riverside location, Havering is on track to becoming a perfect place to live and work in Greater London.
www.investinhavering.co.uk
38
TOWN CENTRES
FRONT AND CENTRE
As recent improvements to the town centres of Romford, Rainham and Hornchurch are transforming the London Borough of Havering, Jane Thynne finds out what is planned next
H AV E R I N G
I
t’s been a busy few years in the London Borough of Havering. Work to boost areas such as Romford, Rainham and Hornchurch has been extensive, to say the least. And while the coming of Crossrail has fuelled some of that regeneration, the council is keen to promote its town centres as desirable destinations in their own right, playing to their strengths in retail, industry and culture. The creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) in London Riverside, Rainham and recent investment in a BID proposal for Romford is nourishing the needs of trade; while the transformation of public realm in
Hornchurch has been met with the nod of approval from the public and policymakers alike. “Developers are really excited about the area and the various regeneration projects,” says Jolly Choudhury, business development officer at Havering, who also sits on the Agents’ Forum, a networking group for commercial agents and developers active in the area. “The BIDs have worked hard to lobby for more infrastructure and agents have reported that they are currently receiving a lot of enquiries about the 56 acres [22.6ha] of commercial opportunities in the area.” So what has been happening?
TOWN CENTRES
ROMFORD
Work by Havering Council and the Romford Town Management Partnership (RTMP), is helping to improve the centre. There has also been a concerted effort to attract SMEs and tech start-ups. Councillor Jason Frost, deputy lead member for economic development and member of the RTMP, says: “The RTMP and its proposal for a BID has helped build a relationship between industry and the local authority. The aim is to create a wraparound policy to make Romford a great place for people to work and live.” One major example is the new Romford Leisure Centre. Due to open in April 2018, the multimillion-pound facility will feature an eight-lane main pool, learner pool, ice rink and wellequipped fitness suites. “It’s a fabulous amenity,” says Chris Smart, regeneration officer at the council. “It is right in the middle of town in Western Road and is a real upsell for Havering.” Another project is The Retailery in the Market Place, which is a “nightclub turned business incubator hub”. Funded by the mayor of London’s High Street Fund and the council, it offers services for start-ups (16 are based there) and food outlets, is a work base by day and a cultural venue by night.
RAINHAM
The London Riverside BID was established in 2007. When its first term ended in 2012, it was renewed by a successful ballot for a further five years and the group that represents more than 400 businesses has recently secured a third term. The BID set out to make Rainham “a wellmanaged and cared-for area, providing a safer and more pleasant business environment and a strong, collective voice for the business community.” And in the intervening years, it has certainly delivered on its prime principles of ‘safe’, ‘secure’, ‘clean’ and ‘co-ordinated’. “The fact that 91% of businesses voted to retain the Riverside BID until 2022 reflects its success,” says BID chairman Ilker Dervish. “Future plans are very much focused on greener, cleaner logistics that embrace the move towards electric vehicles. It [the BID] is also hoping to provide a shuttle bus into the industrial sites from residential areas.”
HORNCHURCH
Known as the cultural hub of the three towns, Hornchurch has undergone significant improvements to support its bustling day and night-time economies. Transport for London granted Havering £3 million to make improvements to the town. These included renovating pathways, installing street lighting,
designated street furniture zones and green walls to encourage biodiversity. The scheme improved access for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport and received honours in 2014’s Urban Transport Design Awards. Smart says: “The aim was to turn grey into green – and we have certainly achieved that. We will continue our efforts in Hornchurch to retain its great reputation as a centre for arts and culture.”
39
CROSSRAIL The coming of Crossrail and the opening of the Elizabeth Line in 2019 is having a massive impact on the area, cutting journey times from Romford to central London by almost 20 minutes. At peak times more than 12 trains will run from Shenfield into the capital. But more trains means more people and work is under way to cater for them. Smart says: “The Romford Hub currently has eight million visitors a year. Once the new line is open this will soar to 13 million. We needed to carry out significant improvements and we have been given £4.1 million from Transport for London to undertake them.” Improvements will include providing step-free access, an upgraded ticket hall, new signage, more CCTV and help points. “We are working hard on the station and the plaza beyond. We want people’s experience to last longer than the top of the escalator,” Smart adds. H AV E R I N G
HAVERING COLLEGE Training the Construction & Engineering Professionals of the Future Apprenticeships Professional Development Work Experience New Technologies Routes to Higher Education Engineering Career College PART OF HAVERING COLLEGE
Construction Career College PART OF HAVERING COLLEGE
For more information visit: www.havering-college.ac.uk
Engineering Career College PART OF HAVERING COLLEGE
Construction Career College PART OF HAVERING COLLEGE
ECONOMY
41
With its high quality manufacturing and engineering facilities, the next generation of innovators in these sectors could be forged in Havering, as Mark Smullian finds out
MASTERS OF
T
oday’s familiar products were yesterday’s inventions, and whatever the next innovation that changes our lives turn out to be, Havering’s Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence (CEME) in Rainham may be playing a role. Created as a charity in 2003 and backed by Havering and the Ford Motor Company among others, CEME (above) has space on its campus to help with skills and innovation services for startups to established businesses in the science, technology, engineering and manufacturing (STEM) sectors. Its facility is located on the main A13 road from the City of London to Southend and it benefits from being H AV E R I N G
42
ECONOMY
We are proud to have the opportunity to bring to life parts of east London and deliver employment benefits and training
within easy reach of the M25 motorway and Canary Wharf. Since opening, CEME has created more than 3,000 jobs, incubated more than 400 businesses and become a catalyst for economic growth. So what goes on inside? Chief executive Bill Williams explains: “CEME is based around engineering and innovation and a big part of what we offer is the opportunity for businesses to grow faster and learn from each other and our staff.”
SPAC E TO C R EATE Offices, 4,645sq m of laboratory space with 3D printers and CAD equipment and a conference centre are just some of the features at CEME. But CEME is not just an office landlord. The idea is to help innovators grow and collaborate with each other and the facility’s staff. It also trains people, from an associated facility for older school age pupils through to the Ford Motor Company’s apprenticeship programme.
H AV E R I N G
One recent addition for early-stage businesses is Launchpad, which Williams says exists “to create a start-up innovation centre where people hot desk for £100 a month and build from that”. There are also options for small offices and fixed-desk space and CEME users can gain advice on running a company from the centre’s resident entrepreneur, on money matters from chief financial officer Harjeet Sadhuera and on strategy from Williams. CEME has seen many start-ups successfully establish themselves. One example is Squease, “a company with some unique intellectual property for a device for people with severe autism, who when they are feeling vulnerable, respond best to a hug”, Williams says. “This jacket is lightweight and can be worn under other clothes and when they need it, it can hug them at the touch of a button by inflating uniformly.” A very different example is Fastline Technology, which has increased its
ECONOMY
43
Left to right: 3D printing is one of the innovations taking place at CEME; Technology produced by Squease at the facility helps people with autism; Launchpad assists early-stage businesses and allows them to hot-desk.
yearly turnover of about £100,000 to approximately £1.5 million, offering training for the rail sector in technology and health and safety. Havering’s main partner in CEME is Ford, which delivers its NVQ level 3 foundation year in CEME’s workshops and laboratories. This is an advanced apprenticeship programme, with about 60 people on it. A high proportion are recruited from the locality, who will go on to work at Ford’s Dagenham engine plant or its research and development facility near Basildon.
TRA I NIN G DAY Trainees follow similar programmes, though some specialise in mechanical and electrical engineering and others in vehicle prototypes, plus a small number who become toolmakers. Another role that sees CEME at the forefront of motor industry innovation is its pioneering hydrogen fuel station project with ITM Power, which Williams describes as “in one sense a petrol
station at which you can pull up and fill hydrogen-powered vehicles, but the work done here will go beyond that. “If hydrogen-powered cars take off, you will need to be able to fill them just as you would petrol cars, so there is a need to transform training across the UK. This means that when a hydrogen vehicle is taken into a garage the people there will know what to do.” One challenge of CEME’s success is that as a result of companies growing, they need more space than the facility can accommodate. The result of this demand is developer SEGRO’s nearby facility East Plus, in which companies can rent more space while staying part of the CEME ‘family’ and accessing its services. East Plus could offer up to 7,000 new jobs on around 92,900sq m of industrial space over the next decade. SEGRO’s chief operating officer Andy Gulliford, said at its outset: “We are proud to have the opportunity to bring to life parts of east London and deliver
employment benefits and training, as well as providing funding to local communities. “We continue to work closely with our partners to understand and use our experience to deliver grassroots funding, create training opportunities at the prestigious CEME, as well as building modern warehousing and light industrial space to meet business needs.” For the next generation, CEME has launched its £70,000 Gateway to Skills initiative, with SEGRO to train some 1,000 students from Havering and surrounding boroughs in the STEMbased subjects. Elutec is also a sponsor of the University Technical College based in Barking and Dagenham – the neighbouring borough – which is for 14-to-19 year olds interested in these subjects and with an emphasis on practical activities. Who knows what tomorrow’s young engineers based at the CEME facility might develop next? H AV E R I N G
44
MARKETS
MARKETS Jobs, homes, infrastructure, investment: future prospects for the transformation of Havering are in rude health – as the statistics demonstrate
MORE THAN
£3
MILLION GRANTED BY TRANSPORT FOR LONDON FOR HORNCHURCH IMPROVEMENTS
N! O O S G N COMI JOBS HAVE BEEN CREATED BY HAVERING’S CENTRE FOR ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE (CEME) SINCE 2003 H AV E R I N G
The Sapphire Ice leisure centre will open in spring 2018
MARKETS
11.8
%
House prices in Havering rose by
in the year leading up to February 2017 (source: Land Registry)
THERE ARE AROUND
IN 2015,
FIRMS WERE SET UP IN ROMFORD; 6,188 WERE START-UP BUSINESSES SOURCE: EXPERIAN BUSINESS DATA
MILLION VISITORS TO THE ROMFORD HUB BUSINESS CENTRE A YEAR
3,500 NEW HOMES will be built in Rainham Housing Zone over the next 10 years
12 TRAINS AN HOUR WILL RUN ON THE ELIZABETH LINE, WITH 66 TRAINS SERVING THE ROUTE
MILLION
13 HAVERING PARKS HAVE BEEN AWARDED ‘GREEN FLAG’ STATUS – THE NATIONAL STANDARD FOR OPEN SPACES
45
FROM THE GREATER LONDON AUTHORITY WILL UNLOCK NEW HOUSING SITES IN AND AROUND ROMFORD
H AV E R I N G
46
SITEMATCH
ROAD TO Romford, one of the biggest development opportunities in London, offers great potential for development. Noella Pio Kivlehan explores
SITEMATCH LO NDO N Find out about opportunity sites in Havering at Sitematch London, which takes place on 8 February 2018, 155 Bishopsgate, Liverpool Street, London. The property event helps to create working relationships between public sector landowners and private sector developers and investors. Each participating London council (27 of which attended in 2017) is given a table, where senior officers of regeneration, economic development and planning can be found. They are joined by private sector developers for a series of 15-minute meetings, where discussions about possible future regeneration and development projects take place. Councils have 12 meetings and delegates have up to five, spread throughout the day. Once the meeting time is up, developers move onto the next council. It really is as simple as that. To book your place at Sitematch London, contact josie@3foxinternational.com
H
avering Council’s plan to regenerate Romford will play out over the next 30 years. To ensure all interests are heard, the local authority will be speaking to land and building owners, as well as existing residents in the area. The scale of opportunity in Romford needs a variety of approaches, as the council aims to attract and harness private sector investment backed by public sector funding. To bring all the elements together, the H AV E R I N G
council is considering a masterplan for Romford to serve a number of purposes. “This is not just about discreet development sites, but also investment in shopping areas, a new commercially driven transport hub, development zones with different landowners, infrastructure, and ensuring the potential of Romford is understood by operators in the leisure, retail and office markets as much as it already is by housing developers,” says David Covill, a regeneration consultant at Havering Council.
To find out more about opportunities for development in Havering, please contact the council’s regeneration consultant, Neil Stubbings: neil.stubbings@havering.gov.uk
“I think opportunities like Sitematch help to really raise up the conversation between public sector and private sector. It’s actually about matching the opportunities that exist in terms of land to the ambition and desire for developers to build what London needs.” – Eleanor Kelly, chief executive, Southwark Council
Sitematch London 2017 brokered 324 meetings with 55 public sector land owners in attendance, stimulating development and economic growth.
In 2018 we’re back with a new look and the biggest event yet. For private sector attendees contact Josie Brewer josie@3foxinternational.com For public organisations and councils contact Paul Gussar paul@3foxinternational.com
8 February 2018 155 Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3YD
sitematchlondon.com
We’re passionate about creating places people aspire to live, that deliver enduring value and where people feel a true sense of belonging. countrysideproperties.com