Orchard Village regeneration

The regeneration of the old Mardyke Estate to become Orchard Village is now well underway. Mardyke Estate was a 1960s estate, situated in Dagenham. The housing was a mix of high rise and low rise flats, many of which were outdated bedsits.

Orchard Village 700
New green space and playground.
In August 2007, 84% of its tenants voted to transfer the estate from Havering Council to Old Ford Housing Association, a Circle partner RP in East London, and subsequently Circle secured planning permission and nearly £15 million grant support towards the £80m regeneration.

Led by Old Ford Housing Association, the regeneration has now seen many of the existing properties – including six tower blocks – demolished and replaced with modern, high quality low-rise homes. A total of 555 new homes will be built to re-house existing tenants, who have renamed the estate Orchard Village.

Phase 2 completion launch event

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The 1960s estate was originally built to house workers at the old Ford Motor Company factory in Dagenham. However, when the factory laid off workers, the estate slowly became dilapidated, and became notorious for crime. Residents voted for a housing stock transfer from the Council to Old Ford Housing Association, as part of Havering Council’s programme to regenerate the South Hornchurch and Rainham area. Old Ford took over the estate in March 2008.

Hayley Hart who was an extra in Made in Dagenham and has lived on the Mardyke Estate for 10 years, said: "I used to feel ashamed of where I lived, and very guilty that I was having to bring up my children there. Now, it's like I've won the lottery. I honestly feel like I can actually start enjoying life now.

"My home is absolutely gorgeous and my family is absolutely over the moon. We are just all so happy."

June Morton, managing director of Old Ford Housing Association, said: "This has to be the most exciting time of any regeneration project – seeing residents move into their new homes, and watching them reap the benefits. It's absolutely wonderful to see people like Hayley, whose quality of life has transformed. Of course, work doesn’t stop here and it’s full steam ahead for the rest of the project."

Cabinet Member for Transformation with special responsibility for Rainham at the London Borough of Havering, Cllr Michael Armstrong said: "This marks an important milestone in the redevelopment of the Orchard Village. While this is just one aspect of the long-term Rainham Compass regeneration programme, it is extremely satisfying to see the real difference the improvements are already making to residents and families in the area."

Orchard Village was the name chosen by residents for the newly regenerated neighbourhood. It reflects the area to the north of the estate, which used to be an orchard that provided fruit for the famous Tiptree jam company.

The ballot result triggered investment of over £80 million on the total redevelopment of the estate over five years and has enabled a regeneration programme to take place that will revitalise the local area.

Mardyke Handover

Paul Newbold, Group Head of Development at Circle, said: “This demonstrates the power of partnerships and we are pleased with the continued support of the Borough and HCA. It is a great example of housing associations joining together with residents, the HCA and a local authority to create a vibrant new community which will enhance life chances for generations to come.”

Jonathan Martin, the HCA's Head of Area for East London commented: "Partnership work between the public and private sectors is key to the success of regeneration. The HCA’s funding of Circle’s scheme reflects our commitment to reduce the problems caused by poor housing by offering affordable solutions that meet the needs of local residents. We look forward to Orchard Village achieving its full potential through this project."

Simon Coombes, Project Director from Willmott Dixon Housing Limited, said: “We are delighted to continue our involvement with Circle and Old Ford Housing Association by extending our current project on Orchard Village with design of the Phase Two works, which will provide a further 178 affordable properties. Our long-term involvement at Orchard Village will allow us to continue our activities in the community, which to date includes many initiatives, one of which is with Newton’s School where pupils have produced artwork for our site hoardings.”