Gascoigne Estate wins Place of the Year – two years in a row

Completed in mid-2024, West Phase 2 delivers 386 new homes and a 1,500 sqm playground, setting a new benchmark for equitable and sustainable urban living.  Developed by Be First, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s urban regeneration company, and designed by White Arkitekter, the project incorporates Scandinavian principles of wellbeing, climate resilience, and community-focused design.

The judges of the 2025 Pineapple Awards described the project as “an inspiring model for urban design and regeneration,” noting: “This phase has been thoughtfully stitched into the existing community through new routes and well-used play areas that improve permeability. It demonstrates a strong social awareness, including intergenerational engagement and a particular focus on the needs of women and girls. There is a clear ambition for the place that has developed from the findings of this consultation, which will help this growing place stand the test of time in the long term.”

As part of the Gascoigne Estate regeneration, we developed the overarching placemaking strategy, helping shape the transformation through West Phase 1, East Phase 2, and now, West Phase 2  – the latest milestone in this ambitious project.

The development of West Phase 2 includes five apartment blocks, ranging from 9 to 20 storeys, and three-storey townhouses arranged around courtyards, creating a vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood. Sixty percent of the homes are affordable rent, with a strong emphasis on larger family units, and 10% are wheelchair accessible. All homes are tenure blind, ensuring equality and cohesion within the community.

West Phase 2 follows a landscape-led approach, encouraging walkability, shared amenities and stronger connections to Barking town centre. Aligned with the 15-minute neighbourhood concept, residents are a short walk from Barking Station, the town hall, schools, green corridors and the River Roding.

The scheme provides a green, biodiverse urban environment, with all homes enjoying private outdoor space and access to shared courtyards. A new Community Hub offers flexible space for gathering and everyday use, fostering a sense of belonging.

Alongside a new 1,500m² park, play is embedded throughout the public realm. Co-designed with Year 8 girls from Greatfields School, our Places for Girls research informed the design of inclusive, less formal play spaces and streets.

Following last year’s award for Gascoigne East Phase 2, this year’s win for West Phase 2 celebrates the continued collaboration between the project team, partners, and local community. Together, they are shaping a new framework for sustainable urban living in Barking—where energy-efficient homes and inclusive public spaces have transformed the area into one of London’s greenest and most affordable neighbourhoods.

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.

Linda Thiel
Director
+44 793 269 01 56
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