Willmott Dixon has scooped a £40 million contract to build Block J, the latest phase of Gascoigne estate's regeneration in Barking.

Appointed by Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council's regeneration company, the contract will involve delivery of 124 new affordable homes, made up of 1, 2 and 3 bed apartments. There will also be a communal courtyard to ensure there is green space for residents, as well as extensive cycle parking spaces.

It follows a contract award in April by Be First to deliver a development worth £135 million that will provide 382 new homes, including 57% affordable, at Gascoigne estate.

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Sustainability is at the heart of this project, with the homes being the first net zero carbon building to be delivered by Be First, supported by the addition of photovoltaic panels on roof spaces.

Willmott Dixon's team currently constructing the £22m 'C1' block at Gascoigne which comprises of 52 affordable homes and extensive infrastructure.

As part of this latest phase, Willmott Dixon has also been awarded a £3m demolition contract to remove the current infrastructure and prepare the ground for building work on Block J to commence in early 2022.

Tom Mather, Construction Director at Be First said: "It's great news that we are starting the next stage of our journey with Willmott Dixon on this latest stage of the Gascoigne Estate regeneration. Developing relationships with our framework and supply chain partners also ensures that we can leave a tangible legacy for the residents of Barking and Dagenham."

Willmott Dixon was appointed by Be First to its delivery framework in 2019 to help transform the east side of the 1960s Gascoigne estate into a modern, environmentally friendly community.