Keys to the door: Park Rise residents move in
The first residents have moved in to the new Park Rise development in Hornchurch over the last week.
The retirement village is made up of 175 high-quality apartments have been designed and built exclusively for over 55s to live independent lives whilst being part of a wider community.
Park Rise is the second development on Havering Council’s flagship 12 Estates regeneration joint venture with Wates Residential, providing vital homes to the people of Havering.
The new homes are a mix of council, shared ownership and private sales, on the edge of Harrow Lodge Park.
Eve and Mohsen moved out of the old Solar, Serena and Sunrise Court estate in 2019 in order to allow the major regeneration to take place.
They are among the first residents to move in to the site under the ‘right to return’ scheme.
This is a promise that is made to all council tenants that are rehomed as part of the regeneration and have first refusal on returning to the development.
They are joined by Christine and Nigel, and their small, friendly dog Bobby, who bid for one of the council properties.
Eve said “I am so very happy here. I’m a keen gardener and look forward to making use of the raised flower beds.”
Mohsen added, “I loved living here before and I know I’m going to be happy here.”
Christine and Nigel, said, “We’re so happy that this is our forever home!”
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Development, was there to welcome them all and said:
“Park Rise is a superb scheme. It has been expertly designed to ensure residents’ have high quality homes, in a caring community that underpins our vision for independent living.
“From meeting Eve, Mohsen, Christine and Nigel (and Bobby!), I know how pleased they are with their new homes and it’s been great to welcome them today.
“Our joint venture with Wates to replace outdated estates with ‘fit for the future’ homes for Havering goes from strength to strength now that two of the schemes have been realised (New Green, Rainham and Park Rise, Hornchurch).
"We can all be very proud that they showcase the borough’s commitment to provide homes we can be proud of.
“I wish Eve, Mohsen, Christine, Nigel and all the residents long, happy and healthy futures here at Park Rise.”