Willmott Dixon has been awarded a £40m contract to build Block J, the latest phase of Gascoigne estate’s regeneration in Barking.

Appointed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration company, the contract will involve delivery of 124 new affordable homes, made up of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments. There will also be a communal courtyard to ensure there is green space for residents, as well as extensive cycle parking spaces.

It follows a contract award in April by Be First to deliver a development worth £135 million that will provide 382 new homes, including 57% affordable, at Gascoigne estate.

Sustainability is at the heart of this project, with the homes being the first net zero carbon building to be delivered by Be First, supported by the addition of   photovoltaic panels on roof spaces.

As part of this latest phase, Willmott Dixon has also been awarded a £3m demolition contract to remove the current infrastructure and prepare the ground for building work on Block J to commence in early 2022.

Tom Mather, Construction Director at Be First said, “It’s great news that we are starting the next stage of our journey with Willmott Dixon on this latest stage of the Gascoigne Estate regeneration. Developing relationships with our framework and supply chain partners also ensures that we can leave a tangible legacy for the residents of Barking and Dagenham.

Chris Tredget, Managing Director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to deliver Block J at Gascoigne East, starting with the necessary demolition works to enable the new 124 affordable homes to be built. The sustainable ethos of Block J match the green ambitions of ourselves and Barking and Dagenham Council; we both share a vision to deliver buildings and homes that are climate change resilient, conserve natural resources and minimise carbon emissions. Furthermore, through our ‘Now or Never’ 2030 sustainability strategy, are committed to achieve net zero carbon in operation within the next decade.” Willmott Dixon was appointed by Be First to its delivery framework in 2019 to help transform the east side of the 1960s Gascoigne estate into a modern, environmentally friendly community.