Placemaking - Beam Park

Countryside is working in a Joint Venture with L&Q to undertake a multiphase regeneration of Beam Park, a derelict former factory site straddling the borders of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and the London Borough of Havering.

The development of 3,000 homes of which 50% are affordable will also offer the local community two primary schools, a medical centre, retail spaces, community facilities and extensive public realm including courtyard gardens, public parks and plazas. When complete a total of 50% of the site will be green space. 

This former industrial land has a long and proud history. We are building on that history to transform Beam Park into an exciting place for a new community that creates options for vibrant living, working and playing. A place that creates affordability without compromise. A place that sets the tone, quality and standard for redevelopment that people can look to, admire and remember.  

Careful consideration has been given to place-making. The park delivered in phase one, will instantly create a positive impression and a transformational change to the site. The park will also promote biodiversity and provide areas for children’s play, outdoor exercise/workout equipment, allotments, rest/seating, sunbathing, picnics/BBQs, reedbed flood terraces, arboretum tree planting and informal ball games. 

Beam Park’s square will provide a major focal point within the new community, establishing a hub of activity and connection. The square is framed by a canopy that connects all of the buildings and demarcates the building thresholds as places of activity.

Although principally a place of movement and transition, the square will also be a place where people will happily linger, wait and meet. Activity is provided at ground level in the form of commercial and community uses, including a GP centre, dentist, pharmacy and food store. The interior of the square is defined by a ‘room-within-a-room’, a sunken garden that will display a plethora of horticulture.