New social rent homes completed at Barkingside Yard
Published: 6 February 2025
Social housing in the London Borough of Redbridge has been boosted by the completion of the first 23 of 98 brand-new affordable homes at Barkingside Yard, with the remaining homes set to follow in the summer.
Housing association Peabody built the one, two and three-bedroom homes in partnership with regeneration specialist Vistry Group and Places for London, Transport for London’s wholly owned commercial property company.
This transformation of a former builder’s yard into much-needed affordable housing will provide homes for those on the council’s waiting list. The new homes are 100 percent social rent units, helping to address London’s housing crisis.
The development has been partly funded by the Greater London Authority’s (GLA’s) Affordable Housing Grant, which seeks to maximise the number of affordable homes across London.
The transformed site includes eight three-bedroom homes suitable for families. Three of the new homes are fully wheelchair accessible, and seven more are adaptable with accessible bathrooms.
The homes are located next to Barkingside station on the Central line, so residents can be in central London in under 45 minutes or use local cycling and bus routes to get around and make the most of the area.
The development, spread across three buildings, was designed by architects Sheppard Robson and ECE Architecture and includes improvements to the local community infrastructure to improve safety and accessibility, such as reconfigured station car parking, new pedestrian crossings, solar lighting, and enhanced public cycle parking.
Sustainability is also a key focus of the project, with features such as air source heat pumps, green roofs, new allotments, and communal gardens that enhance local biodiversity. The development is car-free, except for Blue Badge parking, and includes ample cycle storage, promoting the use of sustainable transport.
As part of the planning agreement with Redbridge Council, the development will also contribute towards improvements at nearby Fairlop Waters Country Park.
To mark the completion of the project, representatives from Peabody, Vistry, Places for London, the GLA, Redbridge Council, and Turner & Townsend Project Management gathered for an event at Barkingside Yard on Thursday 30 January.
The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said: “Any new developments that will help lessen the impact of the housing crisis are warmly welcomed. These homes will provide much-needed social rent housing for families on our waiting list.
“I have looked around these homes, and I am massively impressed by the quality and size of the new homes. Our residents deserve warm, safe, high-quality homes, and these are exactly that. With Barkingside station right here, these homes also provide the perfect location to travel around London by public transport and hopefully reduce reliance on cars.
“I’m sure the new tenants who move into Barkingside Yard will be delighted with their new homes and the surrounding area.”
James McMylor, Regional Managing Director of Development at Peabody, said: “The completion of these homes, in collaboration with our partners, is a significant milestone for the project. These new homes and the ones still to come will provide essential affordable housing for local people while also enhancing the community with sustainable and green spaces. We look forward to welcoming new residents later in the year and seeing the positive impact this development will have on the area.”
Rachel Wood, Senior Development Manager at Places for London, said: “It’s fantastic to see the first 23 of these homes at Barkingside Yard completed, bringing a range of affordable homes to the area. By working with Peabody, we’re proud to reach this important step while keeping affordability and accessibility at its heart.
“Our growing portfolio of developments is providing the homes London urgently needs while playing a part in encouraging well-connected, sustainable city communities.”
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development said: “It’s exciting to see the first 23 homes completed at Barkingside Yard, providing much-needed social housing to those on the council’s waiting list. This collaboration between Places for London, Peabody and Vistry, with funding from the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme, will also bring improvements to the local community, with new gardens, solar lighting and enhanced cycle parking. Well-connected, sustainable developments like this are at the heart of our work to build a fairer, greener London for everyone.”
Daniel King, London Divisional Chair at Vistry Group, commented: “It is fantastic to see the significant progress made to date at the Barkingside Yard development. Within the past six months, our robust partnership with Peabody and Places for London has ensured the build programme has moved forward at pace, from topping out to the completion of the first new homes; a significant achievement for all parties involved.
“With all of the 98 affordable homes due to be ready for occupation later this summer, this much-needed affordable housing will undoubtedly make a considerable difference to the Redbridge community, transforming this sustainable site and creating high-quality housing, green spaces and new public realm.”
Tim Rickford, Director, Central and Local Government, Turner & Townsend Project Management, said: “The Turner & Townsend Project Management team has been delighted to support Peabody, the project team, and the wider stakeholders in bringing this affordable housing scheme through design, procurement, and to construction completion. These high quality, sustainable homes combined with the changes to the public realm will make a significant improvement to the locality, and we look forward to seeing the residents move in in the coming months.”
