Renaisi is currently supporting the London Borough of Havering with the development of its regeneration strategy. In 2010 we worked with Havering Council to develop the first stage of its local economic assessment – reviewing data from an extensive socio-economic evidence base alongside future drivers of change for the area, sub-region and region. The research revealed that the borough is facing a number of significant changes that bring both opportunities and threats, such as the development of Stratford City and Crossrail. The latter brings improved connectivity to the borough that enhances access to existing jobs in central London and the growth sectors predicted in Stratford City – but – improved access also leads to increased competition for the large retail centre of Romford, particularly the significant catchment area of Ilford. Romford is a pretty resilient centre however and has, to date, stood up well to the competition from Lakeside and Bluewater. We are reviewing Havering’s Regeneration Strategy in light of these and other LEA findings as well as the significant changes to the context for regeneration policy and delivery as outlined in the Localism Bill.
