Roe Wood Park Signals Havering’s Push for Modern and Affordable Living

A major regeneration scheme in Harold Hill has reached a significant milestone, as representatives from Havering Council, Bellway and Mercury Land Holdings gathered to celebrate the topping out of the Roe Wood Park development.

The ceremony, which marks the completion of the highest point of construction, is a centuries-old tradition rooted in Scandinavian and European building customs. For Havering, it signals a tangible step forward in delivering much-needed housing across the borough.

Once complete, Roe Wood Park will deliver 120 modern, energy-efficient homes, set within landscaped green spaces and well-connected to transport links. The scheme includes 47 affordable homes for local residents, with a further 20 properties retained by Mercury Land Holdings for private rent, reflecting Havering’s drive to diversify housing options.

Councillor Paul McGeary, Cabinet Lead for Housing Property, said the milestone underscored the Council’s long-term housing strategy:

“This celebration marks more than just a construction milestone. It represents our commitment for providing new homes for local people, and Roe Wood is a key part of our strategy to increase housing options for Havering residents.”

The development forms part of the transformation of the former Havering College Quarles Campus, bringing new life to the site and anchoring a community-led approach to regeneration.

Chris Hobbs, Director of Mercury Land Holdings, highlighted the project’s wider significance:

“We’re proud to be delivering homes that not only meet the needs of our residents, but also contribute to the regeneration of the former Quarles site. Roe Wood Park is about creating a place where people can live, grow and connect.”

Hobbs confirmed that show homes for both affordable and private rental properties will be launched in Autumn 2025.

Bellway has already begun welcoming families to the first completed properties, with more handovers expected in the coming months.

Emma Denton, Sales Director at Bellway Thames Gateway, commented:

“Our partnership with Mercury Land Holdings is creating a brand-new community at Roe Wood Park, providing much-needed private and affordable homes for the local area.”

A selection of three-bedroom houses are currently on sale, with prices starting from £545,000.

For Havering, Roe Wood Park is more than a housing development. It represents the fusion of public and private sector collaboration, regeneration of redundant land, and a model for how London boroughs can meet housing demand while embedding sustainability and community within design.

As the topping out milestone signals the transition from structure to finish, Roe Wood Park stands as a reminder of the changing shape of suburban London – where local authorities, developers, and landholding companies work in partnership to unlock homes and communities for the future.