Council-owned housing estates across Havering are set for major improvement works over the next five years, as part of the Council’s pledge to ensure no resident is left behind.
The £10 million programme is part of an ongoing schedule of improvements to the look, feel and safety of some of the borough’s Council-owned estates, and continues on from work that began before the COVID-19 pandemic.
These works will include painting and exterior decorating work, grounds and footpath upgrades, and a complete overhaul of bike and pram sheds.
Improving security and accessibility is also a priority for the project, with new fencing, lighting as well as improved signage and new access ramps, where needed.
This programme runs alongside Havering’s flagship regeneration projects, which aims to triple the amount of Council-owned and affordable accommodation across the borough. The improvement programme will target estates that are not already benefiting from the regeneration programme.
The Petersfield Estate in Harold Hill has already seen over £1m of extensive works across its nine blocks and the surrounding area, as main contractor BTS Property Solutions began improvements as a pilot for the overall programme.
On Monday (16 August), Councillor Damian White, Leader of Havering Council, joined Alex Sanderson and colleagues from BTS Property Solutions on the site for a tour of the work that has already been completed.
Councillor White said:
“I’m so pleased that we’re finally able to move forward with these improvement works, especially after such a tough year for Havering.
“I’m excited to see these estates brought back to their former glory. The local residents deserve somewhere that they can be proud to call home, and to know that they’re not being left behind as we press on with our wider-scale regeneration projects.
“This programme is about ensuring all our estates in Havering are safe, clean and great places to live.”
Alex Sanderson, Managing Director of BTS Property Solutions, said:
“BTS Property Solutions are extremely happy and looking forward to supporting Havering Borough Council over the next 5 years.
“With multiple sites already underway we are excited to see the improvements that are being made as the works come to completion.
“Alongside the works that we are undertaking, we are also engaging with the local community groups, social projects and businesses to create a long-term impact within the Havering area.”
BTS Property Solutions are currently on-site at Cherry Tree Lane Estate, Mawney Close, and Dagnam Park and Hucknall Close. Work is expected to begin soon on Kingsbridge Circus and Ongar Way.