Member Article

Developer chosen for Beam Park homes plot in London

Essex-based developer Countryside Properties (UK) has been chosen to deliver 3,000 homes on the derelict site of the former Ford factory plant in East London.

The developer will take charge of regenerating the site in conjunction with housing association London and Quadrant Housing Trust (L&Q). Beam Park sits alongside the River Beam and its 29 hectare site will be transformed by the construction of new homes, a new train station and community facilities.

Most recently, the disused factory site was used for the dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and provided the backdrop for the British film ‘Made in Dagenham’.

Countryside Properties (UK) was chosen from a shortlist of four developers and is the final step in London Mayor Boris Johnson’s desire to speed up the delivery of new London homes through the London Development Panel.

Announcing the news, Johnson said: “Four years ago this impressive site hid one of the biggest secrets ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games when it was used for opening ceremony rehearsals and is now set to be transformed into a thriving new neighbourhood.

“As well as much needed new homes of every tenure, the brand new station will whisk residents into central London in record time, and the development will include mass green public space along the River Beam.

“The 29 hectare site celebrates a key milestone for City Hall as it marks the final land release for development of over 400 hectares of surplus land owned by the authority, delivering thousands of homes, offices, new schools and parks across the city.”

Richard Cherry from Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd added: “Countryside and L&Q are delighted to have been selected for this hugely important scheme which will spearhead the regeneration of the London Riverside Opportunity Area.

“We look forward to working with the GLA, the London Boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, and Havering to transform Beam Park into a well-connected, sustainable place for people to live, work and socialise.”