Image shows group of people smiling at camera in front of new showhome
Front row left: Cllr Paul McGeary with Richard Burrows (front right) Managing Director at Bellway Thames Gateway with Bellway, Havering Council and Mercury Land Holdings colleagues Image credit: Bellway

Representatives from Havering Council, Bellway and Mercury Land Holdings marked yet another significant milestone in the transformation of the former Havering College Quarles Campus in Harold Hill.

The topping out celebration event at the Roe Wood Park development, as it is now known, celebrated the completion of the highest point of construction on the site, a tradition that dates back centuries and has roots in Scandinavian and European customs.

The development will deliver 120 new homes for the borough, including 47 affordable homes for local residents.

A further 20 homes will also be retained by Mercury Land Holdings for private rent.

Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property, said:

“This celebration marks more than just a construction milestone.

“It represents our commitment for providing new homes for local people and Roe Wood is a key part of our strategy to increase housing options for Havering residents.”

The development is surrounded by green open spaces and is designed to offer modern, energy efficient homes with excellent transport links, making the site ideal for commuters and families alike.

Chris Hobbs, Director of Mercury Land Holdings, added:

“We’re proud to be delivering homes that not only meet the needs of our residents, but also contribute to the regeneration of the former Quarles site.

“We anticipate that the first show home for the affordable homes (rent and shared ownership) and for the private rental homes will be available from Autumn 2025.

“Roe Wood Park is about creating a place where people can live, grow and connect.”

Emma Denton, Sales Director at Bellway Thames Gateway, said:

“Our partnership with Mercury Land Holdings is creating a brand-new community at Roe Wood Park, providing much-needed private and affordable homes for the local area.

“We have already handed over the first completed homes to their new owners and will be welcoming more new residents to the development in the coming months as construction work progresses.”

For more information on the shared ownership properties and eligibility please visit our shared ownership page

A selection of three-bedroom houses are currently available to buy at Roe Wood Park, with prices starting from £545,000.

For more information, visit Bellway's website.

Published: 15 September 2025