Hilldene

The Harold Hill Ambitions programme sets out three key areas of physical regeneration for Hilldene:

• Improvements to Hilldene Shopping Centre
• A new, bigger library with modern facilities
• Improved local housing (North & East Hilldene)

1) Improvements to Hilldene Shopping Centre

When Harold Hill was built 60 years ago the focal point of the area was the shops. Hilldene is still at the heart of Harold Hill but is in need of attention. Residents said they would like to see an improved shopping area and better parking, and this is what we are working to deliver. 

An additional 70 parking spaces have recently been created at the shopping centre, bringing the total to 120 spaces. 

Plans for the next phases of the improvement programme are now being developed and include a proposal to create a one-way system around East Dene Drive and West Dene Drive that will help traffic flow in the area.

2) New library

Proposals to build a state of the art library in Hilldene shopping centre have now been announced. 

The new library will replace the existing library building on Hilldene Avenue, and will be situated in the eastern arcade, off Farnham Road. 

The new library will be nearly double the size of the 1950s building and offer much improved facilities.  The new location will also help to increase the number of people visiting the shopping centre and encourage local business.

We will be investing up to £4million into this new building, which is one of the improvements that will be funded from the sale of land at Gooshays, subject to a successful planning application.

Some of the new features include; over 300 square metres of dedicated library space, IT suite, interview room, classrooms for adult education, and a room that can be rented out for meetings and events.

3) North & East Hilldene Housing

Good progress is being made on the redevelopment of the Hilldene housing sites:

• All the residents have been rehoused from Darlington and Chippenham Gardens and moved into better accommodation;
• The sites have been fenced off and are ready for demolition;
• Community Artwork is being displayed on the hoardings;
• The sites will be redeveloped with mainly affordable family houses with gardens, to rent and to part-buy;
• The Council has selected Notting Hill Housing Trust and Countryside Homes as its development partner;
• There will be public consultation on the development proposals, and a residents meeting to discuss improving parking provision in the eastern end of Chippenham Road is also being planned.

For more information, contact Mark Adams:

Call: 01708 434100

E-mail: Mark.Adams@havering.gov.uk

Write:Mark Adams
London Borough of Havering
Housing Needs and Strategy,
Mercury House,
Mercury Gardens,
Romford RM1 3LS

Hilldene Demolition Arrangements

Homes in Havering are managing the demolition of the former sheltered housing properties.  In an emergency you may call the following numbers:

Daytime -

Home Options Team, Farnham Road - 01708 386305

Homes in Havering Freephone - 0800 1513444

Hill Demolition - 01279 451987

Out of Hours -

Homes in Havering Emergency Helpline - 01708 756699

Anti-Social Behaviour Helpline - 01708 726688