Beam Park shifts into gear as construction begins on £1bn regeneration of former Ford factory site

Countryside, one of the UK’s leading home builders, and L&Q, one of the UK’s leading housing associations, marked the beginning of construction at the 3,000-home Beam Park regeneration site in East London with a groundbreaking ceremony that was attended by James Murray, London’s Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development. The event was also attended by senior leaders from Countryside and L&Q, led by Iain McPherson, Chief Executive, Partnerships South, Countryside and Andy Rowland, Managing Director for the East Region at L&Q.

The two organisations have been working in partnership to bring this major regeneration scheme forward, combining their expertise in design and placemaking to create a high quality new destination for London.

Following the completion of phase 1 preparatory works, the regeneration of Beam Park will now commence, transforming the derelict site of a former Ford manufacturing plant into a new and vibrant destination spanning 29-hectares (71.7 acres). The development is the second largest housing scheme in UK to gain planning permission in 2018, and 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, which will be provided by L&Q, creating a mixed community with significant infrastructure investment.

The first phase of the development will deliver 640 new homes, as well as extensive new community facilities, including the Beam Park railway station, which will be framed by a high-quality Station Square, providing a lively heart to the development. The square will also contain a medical centre, serving not only the new residents, but also up to 7,000 people in the surrounding area. The Beam Park station is located on the C2C line and will significantly enhance the area’s direct links into Central London.

Phase one will also see the delivery of a three-form-entry primary school, as well as a new linear park to the north of the site, which will include play areas for children and serve as an exciting community space for residents. Sales of the new homes are due to launch in May this year, with the first homes ready in 2020. The first phase of the development is due to be fully completed by 2022.

When the masterplan is complete in 2030, Beam Park will also deliver an additional school, retail spaces, a gym, nursery, community facilities, a multi-faith space, and two energy centres. 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 Patel Taylor Architects, while BPTW and Pollard Thomas Edwards were engaged to work on the plans for the first phase.

James Murray, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development at the Mayor of London, said:

“Building more social rented and other genuinely affordable homes is the Mayor’s priority, and so he is pleased to have worked with L&Q and Countryside to make sure Beam Park includes 50 per cent affordable housing. With over 1,500 affordable homes for Londoners, as well as a new mainline train station, two schools, a park and a GP surgery, sites like this are crucial in tackling London’s housing crisis.”

Robert Wilkinson, Managing Director for Partnerships South, (East) Countryside, said:

“Today marks an important step in our journey at Beam Park. We have the incredible opportunity to create a thriving new destination in East London, delivering one of London’s largest housing developments, with 3,000 homes, two schools, community facilities, retail spaces, a railway station and much more. Beam Park will undoubtedly have a truly transformative impact across the area with community and the wellbeing at the heart of our plans.

“This site has an incredible history, and we’re looking forward to utilising our extensive track record in regeneration with L&Q to bring this next chapter to life ensuring the legacy is captured while embracing modernity.”

Andy Rowland, Managing Director for the East Region at L&Q, commented:

“We’re delighted to be celebrating the start of construction works on site at Beam Park. This project will bring major benefits to East London, including much needed quality new homes with 50% affordable housing, alongside significant infrastructure improvements and community amenities.

“Working with Countryside, we’re proud to be involved in making such an important contribution to London’s housing needs, meeting strong local demand by creating new homes in a wide range of tenures.”

The marketing suite will open on the site in May 2019, with two show apartments and a show home available to view.