Councillors recently visited Havering's new modular homes at Waterloo Road and Queen Street to see the completed accommodation ahead of Havering residents moving in over the coming weeks.
L-R - Paul Nicholls, Wates Residential, Cllr Robert Whitton, Cllr Martin Lardner, Maria Faheem, Havering Council, Joe Kelly, Wates Residential, Michael Rourke, Havering Council, Joe Arthur, Wates Residential and Darren Alexander, Havering Council.
Councillor Robert Whitton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Councillor Martin Lardner, Cabinet Member for Housing Need, joined Joe Arthur and Paul Nicholls from our Joint Venture Partner, Wates Residential, and Regeneration Officers from Havering Council to tour the site.
The development will provide high-quality, homes for Havering families experiencing homelessness; helping to ensure that local people have access to safe and secure accommodation when they need it most.
The new homes form part of the Council's wider efforts to reduce its reliance on expensive hostel and temporary accommodation, enabling more families to stay within the borough and remain connected to their schools, support networks and local communities.
The modular homes have been designed to provide comfortable, modern living spaces while offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to meeting housing need.
Councillors also received an update on progress across the wider Waterloo and Queen Street site, where work on Blocks 9 and 10 is continuing well.
Wates Residential and Havering Council have now entered into a Pre-Construction Services Agreement following planning approval in February 2026.
They will provide more than 100 new affordable homes for local people.
Councillor Lardner, Cabinet Member for Housing Need, said:
"These new modular homes will provide much-needed accommodation for families experiencing homelessness, offering them a safe and secure place to stay while more permanent housing solutions are identified.
“At the same time, they will help reduce the Council's reliance on costly hostel and temporary accommodation, allowing us to make better use of public funds while supporting vulnerable residents."
Paul Nicholls, London Managing Director at Wates Residential said:
“This project demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership – working closely with Havering Council, we’re creating high-quality temporary accommodation for local families at risk of homelessness, while making use of available space on a site earmarked for future development.
“As we continue to deliver regeneration across Havering, our focus remains on creating lasting value for local communities through new homes, investment, jobs, and skills opportunities that support the borough's long-term growth.”
The first residents are expected to move into the homes within the next few weeks.