The Family Welcome Centre will form the first phase of the Harold Hill Town Centre Regeneration Masterplan, and will offer 74 dwellings in a variety of sizes, with the largest size accommodating up to eight family members.

Havering’s vision for the regeneration of Harold Hill Town Centre received Cabinet approval in spring 2021, which includes the redevelopment of the Farnham & Hilldene Estate and the current Abercrombie House hostel.

Designed as a U-shaped building, a landscaped central courtyard sits at the heart of the new Family Welcome Centre, creating an attractive and secure space for families, including a play area for children. Health and wellbeing has been considered first and foremost through providing a visual link to nature and access to generous amenity spaces, as well as a healthcare provision within the building. 

A health centre on the ground and first floors also delivers accessible health services to the wider local community.

The new Family Welcome Centre will replace the borough’s existing hostels, including Will Perrin Court, which will close as soon as the new building is completed. A working group will be created with local residents from South Hornchurch to agree on options for the future use of the Will Perrin site.

Nick Gaskell, partner and workplace sector lead at architects Hawkins\Brown, said: “The proposed Family Welcome Centre will help provide a welcoming and uplifting environment for families who are going through a potentially distressing period in their lives.

We hope it will set a new standard for this type of accommodation across the UK.”