Beam Park in the driving seat as former Ford factory site receives planning consent
L&Q and Countryside have formally received planning consent for the 3,000-home Beam Park regeneration site in East London, following the signing of the Section 106 Agreement. With 3,000 homes across 29 hectares (71.7 acres), Beam Park was the second largest housing scheme in UK to gain planning approval in 2018.
Preparatory works on the site are now underway before construction can begin, which will transform the derelict site of a former Ford manufacturing plant into a new and vibrant destination. The development is one of only three regeneration schemes in London delivering 3,000 homes and providing 50% affordable housing. At Beam Park, this equates to 1,513 affordable homes, creating a mixed community with significant infrastructure investment.
Construction will commence this spring and sales of the new homes are due to launch later this year, with the first homes ready in 2020. Phase one of the development, providing 640 new homes, is due to be completed by 2022.
When the masterplan is complete in 2030, Beam Park will provide a new railway station, framed by a high-quality public square, as well as a medical centre, which not only serves the new residents, but also up to 7,000 people in the surrounding area. In addition, two schools, retail spaces, a gym, nursery, community facilities, a multi-faith space, and two energy centres will also be delivered. The Beam Park station is located on the C2C line and will significantly enhance the area’s direct links into Central London.
44% of the development has been allocated for publicly accessible green space, including a three-hectare central park in the heart of the development with the River Beam running through it.
The masterplan for Beam Park was produced by award-winning architects Patel Taylor.
Robert Wilkinson, Managing Director, Partnerships South (East), Countryside, said:
“Together with our partners L&Q and the Mayor of London, we are delighted to have received the green light for our transformational plans at Beam Park, which celebrate the rich history of the renowned Ford factory plant and help regenerate this part of the capital. Our firm commitment to delivering 50% affordable housing will make a huge contribution to meeting local housing needs.
“Having consulted with the local community from day one, we were encouraged by the vast responses and their co-operation of the local community, who were extremely supportive of our proposals. The Mayor of London’s commitment to providing new homes for Londoners has been unwavering and Beam Park is playing a key role in delivering not just affordable homes but also vital infrastructure, which will play a vital role in ensuring the new Beam Park community, proud of its local heritage, is sustainable and cohesive for generations to come.
“We are currently preparing the site to ensure our work on site delivers according to the prescribed schedule. With sales for the new homes launching this year, it is envisaged that the first homes will be completed towards the end of the year and the full development to be finished by 2030.”
Andy Rowland, Managing Director for East Region at L&Q, commented:
“We welcome this milestone, which brings our plans for Beam Park one step closer to reality. The redevelopment of this site, which will provide 50% affordable housing, will make a substantial contribution towards London’s housing needs.
L&Q’s vision is that everyone has a quality home that they can afford. We look forward to working closely with our partners to create a successful new community with benefits for new and existing residents.”