We have completed a land swap agreement with the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford that will secure the development of Blocks 9 and 10 at the Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration site.
It will replace the existing derelict hall with a brand-new community hall at the Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration site in Romford.
The agreement will enable the existing but derelict community hall to be relocated and rebuilt as part of the wider 12 Estates regeneration programme with joint venture partner Wates Residential, ensuring that the community facility continue to serve local residents while supporting the delivery of new homes and public spaces across the site.
The land swap forms another positive stage of the Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration programme, which will deliver new affordable homes, improved public spaces and an enhanced community space, helping to create a thriving neighbourhood for local people.
The new hall will provide modern, fit-for-purpose facility for community, faith and local activities, helping to maintain an important community asset for current and future generations.
This announcement follows the meanwhile use of part of the wider site for 18 modular homes to help ease the housing demand for homeless families.
Planning permission has also been granted in February 2026 for 107 new affordable homes at Blocks 9 and 10, close to Cotleigh Road.
Councillor Robert Whitton, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:
"The Waterloo and Queen Street regeneration is about creating a neighbourhood that works for both existing and future residents.
“Securing the future of the community hall through this land swap demonstrates our commitment to protecting valued community facilities alongside delivering new affordable homes.
“By working collaboratively with the Church of England Diocese of Chelmsford, we are ensuring that local people will benefit from improved facilities, new homes and a stronger, more vibrant community for generations to come.
“This Administration is about getting things done and we are determined to get this important and large regeneration started given it has been stalled for too many years.”
More information on the 12 Sites programme