Havering partnership shortlisted for a national housing award

Havering Council’s joint venture partnership with Wates Residential, which is delivering the borough’s biggest regeneration project, has been shortlisted for a prestigious housing award.

The project will see around 5,200 new high quality homes delivered in Havering over the next 12 to 15 years, more than doubling the amount of council rented accommodation and doubling the amount of affordable homes available in the borough.

The right to return is also guaranteed to all residents.

It is one of seven projects from across the UK to be shortlisted for the Collaborators Award at this year’s EG Awards, which celebrate individuals and businesses who are at the forefront of innovation and who are making a positive impact on the built environment.

The Collaborators Award recognises those who have worked in partnership ‘to create something bigger than the sum of their parts’. The winner will be announced next week at a ceremony on 22 October 2019.

Last week, the first plans for the ambitious regeneration project were approved, marking a significant step forward for the flagship building programme.

The plans for the Napier and New Plymouth House site in Rainham include 126 affordable homes, with a number earmarked for families, and a further 71 homes for private sale targeted at local buyers.

Demolition has also begun on two sites, most recently at Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts in south Hornchurch, Havering, which will become a modern retirement village.

As part of the project, Havering Council and Wates Residential are also delivering a borough-wide legacy by investing in education, training and skills opportunities, and by employing local businesses to work on the scheme.

Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, said:

“The new high quality homes and places we will build together through this joint venture will create thriving communities where people are proud to live. They will help us deliver a new stage in the history of our towns. Through our partnership, the Council and Wates Residential will be doubling the amount of council rented accommodation and more than double the number of affordable housing. 

“Working closely with the team at Wates Residential will help us to achieve an overhaul of the borough’s existing council accommodation. We are excited about the vision we share, the long-term partnership this represents and it is an honour to be shortlisted for the Collaborators Award for this joint venture”.

Kate Ives, Development Director for Wates Residential, said:

“The EG Awards celebrate the best of the housing sector, and we are thrilled that our partnership with Havering Council has been shortlisted for the Collaborators Award.

“Our team is really enjoying working alongside the Council and the Havering community to design and build homes that put local people first, at the same time as increasing opportunities for local residents through borough-wide investment in education, training and skills. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a win on the night!”

The Partnership nomination comes after Kate Ives, Development Director at Wates Residential who has been working with Havering Council on the joint venture project, was shortlisted for the Female Leadership Award in the 2019 Building Awards, which take place on 5 November 2019.

The award is designed to ‘recognise and reward the stand out achievements of women working in construction, in an effort to identify and highlight positive role models who can enhance the sector’s appeal to other women’.