A once-bustling estate in East London, the Gascoigne Estate in Barking, now mirrors the desolation of a ghost town, with only a handful of residents remaining amidst its crumbling structures. Originally constructed in the 1960s, the estate is undergoing a phased regeneration that has seen many of its original social tenants departed, leaving behind vacant homes and a growing sense of isolation among those who remain. Reports indicate that only about half of the flats in the older parts of the development are still occupied, contributing to an increasingly challenging environment for the few families left.

Residents living in Dovehouse Mead, one of the estate’s few inhabited sections, have spoken openly about their struggles in deteriorating living conditions characterised by severe mould and damp. The tenants often find themselves trapped in an environment that many describe as inhumane. Imane Fardi, a local resident, highlighted the lack of maintenance, stating, “Because the council has accepted they’re demolishing the buildings, it’s like they’re just letting it be and not making any changes.” Her father, Sallah Fardi, described the haunting stillness of the area: “The place is empty… it’s scary to go outside.” Such sentiments reflect a broader sense of abandonment felt by remaining residents in a neighbourhood that has been largely left to decay.

The Barking and Dagenham local council has unveiled plans to develop over 850 new homes on the estate, including 201 newly approved residences that will feature affordable housing options and amenities like electric vehicle charging points. However, the decision has not been without controversy, drawing opposition from heritage groups concerned about the potential loss of the estate’s architectural character. This development approach reflects the council’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis in London despite the lingering uncertainties faced by current residents, many of whom have been caught in a protracted decanting process. As of August 2023, approximately 150 tenants and 30 leaseholders were still awaiting relocation, hampered by issues such as post-pandemic housing pressures and a sluggish relocation strategy.

The safety of existing structures has also come under scrutiny. In November 2023, a balcony from an apartment complex collapsed, scattering debris onto the street below. This incident has exacerbated fears regarding building safety and the adequacy of ongoing repairs, with investigations revealing that as many as 77 balconies could potentially be at risk of collapse. In light of these incidents, the council and housing associations are under increasing pressure to ensure resident safety and address environmental concerns.

In the face of such adversity, local policing teams have ramped up patrols in Dovehouse Mead, with Insp. Carroll Weeden affirming their commitment to maintaining public safety and providing reassurance to the community. However, for many residents, the feeling of being overlooked grows stronger, as they grapple with both physical and emotional discontent while waiting for promised improvements and clarity regarding their future. The situation forces a realignment of priorities, raising questions about how local authorities balance regeneration efforts against the urgent needs of the few families still calling the Gascoigne Estate home.

Amidst the ongoing discussions about the estate’s future, voices like those of Imane and Sallah Fardi echo the daily struggles faced by residents—a poignant reminder of the human impact behind urban redevelopment policies. These challenges highlight the delicate interplay between addressing urgent housing needs and safeguarding community continuity, as the Gascoigne Estate begins its journey toward revitalisation, albeit under less than ideal conditions for its current inhabitants.

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Source: Noah Wire Services