The £95 million Park East redevelopment in Erith, London, has taken a major step forward with a key project milestone.

Demolition has begun on the site, which will see developers Wates Residential and Orbit deliver 320 new homes. When complete, 80 per cent of the homes will for affordable rent and shared ownership to ensure a mixed, aspirational and sustainable community for local residents.

Team members from both organisations came together with guests from the London Borough of Bexley and former residents at a special demolition event on Wednesday 27 November to mark the significant step forward for the project.

-- Advertisement --

A large focus has also been put on kick starting training opportunities from local residents by hiring at least 31 apprentices and at least 25 people in full time employment from the local area. Wates has also brought its Building Futures programme, which helps unemployed adults gain valuable practical experience and employability coaching to reinvigorate their career prospects.

Glen Roberts, Operations Director for Wates Residential, said: "The start of demolition is a significant moment for the Park East development, which will deliver hundreds of high quality new homes and a lasting legacy for the area.

"We are pleased to have been able to join together with our partners Orbit and the London Borough of Bexley to hear from residents about their fondest memories of the area. We are looking forward to the community being able to make new memories in Park East over the coming years."

Work is expected to be completed by 2023.

(CM/MH)