The Larner Road estate area of London has been successfully transformed into the new mixed-tenure community of Erith Park with the help of Orbit, Wates Residential and Bexley Council. Seven dated tower blocks have been replaced with 587 new homes, as a mix of houses and mid-rise apartments.
The tenure-blind scheme, supported by grant funding from the GLA, comprises 80% affordable homes, a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership. In this area of low sales value, there is no subsidy to the scheme from the 20% homes for sale and they are included to ensure a mixed, aspirational and sustainable community.
Maggie McCann, Orbit’s director of regeneration and partnerships thanked partners and residents for their contributions to the new community. Building on the success of Erith Park, Orbit and Wates are now embarking on the regeneration of the neighbouring Arthur Street.
“The event marked a momentous achievement for both the project team and community. We were able to celebrate the official completion of Erith Park after years of hard work, and also showcase our next venture, Park East,” said Maggie McCann, director of regeneration and partnerships, Orbit.
“Many of the Erith Park team will be bringing their experience to Park East and we are confident we can deliver yet another thriving community and leave a lasting impact in Erith.”
Maggie invited Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, leader of the London Borough of Bexley, to join residents in unveiling the name of the new development.
The 3.5m brick sculpture reflects the site’s history of Victorian brickmaking and incorporates decorative bricks made by residents. Hidden inside is the shape of a Stone Age tool, a reminder of the important Palaeolithic archaeology of the site.
“Our vision for Erith Park was to create delightful contemporary homes in a beautiful new neighbourhood. This event was where it finally all came together and we can confirm that, together, we’ve created a brilliant new community we can all be proud of,” added Paul Nicholls, managing director, Wates Residential.
