Completed in 2024, Gascoigne West Phase 2 includes 386 new homes and a 1,500 m² park, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable urban environment. Developed by Be First, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s urban regeneration company, the project incorporates Scandinavian principles of wellbeing, climate resilience, and community-focused design.
Gascoigne West Phase 2 shortlisted for RIBA Awards
West Phase 2 of the Gascoigne Estate regeneration has been shortlisted for RIBA London (East) Award 2026. An award that, for more than 50 years, has celebrated the UK’s best architecture with a commitment to design and create buildings and spaces that enhance people’s lives.
We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It’s a meaningful recognition of our close collaboration with Be First and of our shared ambition to increase both the quantity and quality of homes for local people, while supporting a shift in how public spaces are used, from estate to neighbourhood.
Linda Thiel, partner, White Arkitekter
The development includes five apartment blocks, ranging from 9 to 20 storeys, alongside three-storey townhouses arranged around courtyards. 60 per cent of the homes are affordable rent, with a significant proportion of larger family homes. 10 per cent are wheelchair accessible. All homes are tenure blind, supporting an equitable and cohesive living environment.
Landscape-led approach
The scheme’s promoting walkability and strong connections to Barking town centre. Homes are within a short walk of Barking Station, schools, the town hall, green corridors and the River Roding. All homes have private outdoor space and access to shared courtyards, alongside a flexible Community Hub. Play is embedded throughout the public realm, informed by our Places for Girls research and co-designed with Year 8 pupils from Greatfields School to create inclusive, informal streets and spaces.
Jury visit
All projects shortlisted for RIBA Awards will be visited by a regional jury, and the winning projects will be announced later this spring.
Project team
West Phase 2 of the Gascoigne Estate regeneration was developed by Be First for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, designed by White Arkitekter, and delivered by Wates Residential and tp bennett as executive architect. Landscape architecture was led by White Arkitekter, with fabrik as executive landscape architect.
Over the past year, Gascoigne West Phase 2 has been recognised as Place of the Year at the 2025 Pineapple Awards, winner in the Affordable Homes category at the British Homes Awards and been awarded AJ Architecture Awards 2025 in the category Housing project (£50 million and over).
We’ve been involved in the Gascoigne Estate since 2018 with projects delivering 1100 homes, parks and the Community hub, including the overarching placemaking strategy for the Gascoigne Estate “the Big Picture”, East Phase 2, West Phase 1, and West Phase 2.
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