Wates Residential and Orbit have begun work on the £9.4m West Street development in Erith, which will see the construction 42 affordable properties in the London Borough of Bexley
Wates and Orbit marked the milestone at the West Street development, with a ground-breaking ceremony attended by Wates Residential operations director Glen Roberts, Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, leader of Bexley Council and Wayne Schultz, regional contracts manager for Orbit.
Wates Residential was appointed to deliver the West Street development by Orbit in April. The project will see 42 mixed tenure affordable properties built.
Vacant buildings including a former car parts warehouse will be replaced with a contemporary low-rise design including seven homes for London Affordable Rent, 14 homes for London Living Rent and 21 homes for shared ownership sale. The plans also include a car park with electric charging points and community garden.
The first stage of the work will see foundations installed and work on the main structure will begin in autumn once groundworks are complete.
As part of the West Street project, Wates Residential and Orbit have also pledged to provide employment and training opportunities for local residents.
Glen Roberts, operations director at Wates Residential, said: “The ‘ground-breaking’ ceremony marks a significant step forward for the West Street development, which will deliver new homes and a community garden as well as longer-term benefits for Bexley.
“It was also a great opportunity to celebrate the work of everyone who has been involved. I’m extremely grateful to the project team for their ongoing commitment to the local area and look forward to watching as the building progresses over the coming months.”
Shina Olalekan, head of development at Orbit, added: “This ceremony is not only a milestone for the project team but the community of Bexley. The development of West Street forms part of our long-term strategy for delivering high quality new homes in Erith and the wider region, and will contribute towards improvements to the quality of the streetscape and the overall appearance of the local area.”
The project is expected to be completed in January 2021.
