Gascoigne West Phase 2

: London, Barking, Dagenham

Gascoigne West Phase 2 has been developed by Be First, the urban regeneration company of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. Designed by White Arkitekter and delivered by Wates, the project introduces 386 new homes, a vibrant community hub, and a 1,500m² playground. This transformative scheme sets a new benchmark for affordable homes regeneration through its commitment to design excellence, community engagement, and environmental sustainability.

Rooted in principles of equitable living, climate resilience, and well-being, the design fosters a diverse and inclusive neighbourhood. The tenure blind development comprises five apartment blocks ranging from nine to 20 storeys, alongside three-storey townhouses, framing three courtyards. 60 percent of the homes are Affordable Rent, London Affordable Rent, or Shared Ownership, including a significant proportion of larger family homes. The urban design prioritises the preservation of mature trees while incorporating a green buffer of trees and rain gardens to enhance climate resilience and mitigate the urban heat island effect. A landscape-led placemaking strategy promotes walking, shared amenities, and connectivity. With high-performance building fabrics, green roofs, solar PV panels, homes are connected to district heating system where water source heat pumps from the River Roding supply 69% of the heat. Public spaces, including the 1,500m² park, were co-designed with young residents through White Arkitekter’s Places for Girls research initiative, ensuring inclusive play spaces that reflect community needs. The neighbourhood achieves a balance between preserving its heritage and embracing modern development to fuel social wellbeing and a sense of community.