Representatives from Havering Council, including the Leader of Havering Council, Councillor Ray Morgon, have visited the Chippenham Road site.
They were joined by members of the Wates team who live in Havering and work across the Council’s Joint Venture programme.
The visit highlighted the added value of having local people directly involved in regeneration, bringing first‑hand knowledge of the area and its residents to projects such as Chippenham Road.
Discussions focused not only on the new homes and green spaces planned for Chippenham Road, but on the importance of having people with local knowledge and lived experience directly involved in shaping the project, bringing a genuine understanding of the borough’s needs to their work.
For the Wates staff involved, this regeneration programme is about investing in their own community.
Their experience of living and working in Havering brings an added depth to decision‑making, ensuring projects like Chippenham Road reflect the character, priorities and aspirations of local people.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“Local insight is vital to the success of regeneration schemes like Chippenham Road.
“It was great to meet some of the people shaping these projects and seeing firsthand their understanding of the community, its history, and its priorities, meaning we’re able to deliver homes and spaces that truly reflect local needs.
“I’m looking forward to seeing these plans come to life and to the positive impact they will have for residents for many years to come.”
Speaking on the visit, Dan Harrison, Site Surveyor at Wates Residential, said, “Working on Chippenham Road feels especially meaningful to me as a lifelong Havering resident; it’s more than just a project, it’s a chance to directly shape and strengthen the community that I’m proud to be a part of.”
Dan also touched on the importance of this site for providing homes that provide supported living to help people requiring additional help to live independently, commenting that it gives the project “a deeper purpose” and he looks forward to contributing to a neighbourhood that “strengthens local pride” and confidence in the area.
The scheme will deliver 138 new homes for local people, alongside shared green spaces including community gardens, play areas and allotments.
Existing residents will be offered a right to return once the new homes are complete.
For the local Wates team members working on the scheme, the development represents an opportunity to contribute to long‑term change in the area they call home.
Katrina Singcuenco, Design Manager at Wates, reflected on the pride she feels in contributing to creating safe, welcoming spaces for the community she is part of.
She discussed her hopes for the future of the community garden, saying, “I’d love to see it filled with thriving plants and people enjoying the space together.
"My hope is that it becomes a welcoming, vibrant part of the neighbourhood that everyone feels proud of.”
Chippenham Road is part of the Havering Council and Wates Residential 12 Estates Regeneration Programme, which is set to deliver more than 3,500 new affordable homes across the borough.
The programme also includes development at Farnham and Hilldene, which will create 481 homes, more than half of which affordable, as well as recently approved plans for Blocks 9 and 10 at Waterloo and Queen Street, and the delivery of 18 modular homes for families living in temporary accommodation.
Paul Nicholls, Regional Managing Director for London at Wates Residential, said:
“Chippenham Road is a strong example of how the Joint Venture is delivering regeneration that is rooted in the local community.
"Having members of our team who live in Havering working on this project brings real value, they understand the area, the people and what this regeneration means locally.
"Through this partnership, we are focused on delivering high‑quality, affordable homes while working closely with residents to ensure regeneration creates lasting benefits for Harold Hill and the wider borough.”