As the echoes of industry fade from the old Ford Stamping Plant in Dagenham, a new sound emerges—the hum of progress. Once a symbol of Britain’s automotive might, the sprawling site is now poised to become a beacon of modern living. A transformative £116 million Build to Rent (BTR) project is set to breathe new life into this historic East London landscape, offering not just homes, but a vibrant, sustainable community.
In a landmark agreement, a 50/50 joint venture between award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and leading housing association Peabody has partnered with Goodstone Living to deliver 360 high-quality BTR homes at Dagenham Green. This collaboration marks one of the most significant BTR deals of the year, underlining the growing importance of rental communities in London’s evolving housing market.
The BTR apartments form part of the first phase in the regeneration of the former Ford site—a bold vision to transform the 45-acre expanse into a dynamic mixed-use neighbourhood. Ultimately, Peabody’s masterplan will see over 3,500 new homes rise here, alongside expansive green spaces, community facilities, and vibrant public realms.
The new BTR homes, spread across three residential buildings ranging from 14 to 18 storeys, will offer a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, each designed to meet the needs of today’s urban renters. Located near Dagenham Dock train station, future residents will enjoy swift connections to central London, reaching Fenchurch Street in just 20 minutes.
Amenities will be at the heart of this community. Residents will have access to fitness and co-working spaces, concierge services, private dining areas, and two beautifully landscaped podium gardens overlooking a new urban park. Sustainability is a core focus, with the homes targeting top environmental certifications, including EPC B, WiredScore Platinum, and Fitwel 3-star ratings, ensuring high energy efficiency and wellbeing standards.
Dagenham Green’s BTR offering stands out not only for its design and amenities but also for its affordability. Set to be one of London’s most accessible BTR projects, rents will be within reach for the majority of private renters in the local community. The first homes are expected to be available from summer 2027, with full project completion by summer 2028.
The broader 45-acre masterplan reflects Peabody’s dedication to placemaking, with plans for an urban park, a lake, children’s play areas, community gardens, and extensive biodiversity initiatives. Infrastructure such as a new secondary school, a medical centre, a community hub, and a bustling market square will further enhance the area’s appeal.
Andy Hill OBE, founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are delighted to agree this significant Build-to-Rent deal in partnership with Goodstone, as we actively seek to grow our rental pipeline. We have the vision to create an inclusive and welcoming community at Dagenham Green with high-quality homes across all tenures. These BTR homes will provide excellent amenities, connectivity and a ready-made community, ticking all the boxes for discerning renters.”
James McMylor, Managing Director, London North at Peabody, highlighted the broader impact: “At Peabody, we are committed to making a positive impact by providing high-quality, affordable homes in thriving communities. We’re pleased to see the first phase of our Dagenham Green masterplan coming to fruition, reflecting our approach to sustainable regeneration and inclusive growth. This partnership with Hill and Goodstone will bring significant benefits to the local community as part of a wider vision to regenerate East London.”
Iliya Blazic, Chief Executive Officer of Goodstone Living, added: “Goodstone’s investment in Dagenham Green demonstrates our strategy to deliver much-needed, high-quality rental housing in key regeneration areas on behalf of our institutional capital partners. We are committed to creating sustainable communities where residents can thrive, and this project reflects our focus on providing attainable rental housing with excellent transport connectivity and functional, useable amenity spaces.”
Kevin Etchells, Head of Real Assets at Greater Manchester Pension Fund on behalf of the Northern LGPS, noted the importance of institutional investment: “We are delighted to partner with Goodstone Living on this new project to deliver 360 much-needed new residential homes in East London. The UK has a significant undersupply of housing and the Northern LGPS Pool partners are proud to contribute to help solve this crisis.”
The Dagenham Green project is more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a vision of sustainable, community-led regeneration. With social value commitments including local job creation, apprenticeships, community engagement initiatives, and strong environmental goals, the project aims to leave a lasting positive impact.
As East London continues to evolve, Dagenham Green represents a new chapter for the area—honouring its industrial past while embracing a future rooted in community, sustainability, and opportunity. By summer 2028, what was once a hub of automotive production will be a thriving neighbourhood where people live, work, and flourish.
