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To mark the occasion, Wes Streeting, local MP and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London, visited the family at the new development.

Tatjana Lebedjoka and her daughters Amy and Kyra are among the first families to move into the development of 98 new social rent homes near Barkingside Tube. During the visit, Tatjana also met representatives from Peabody, Redbridge Council, Vistry, and Places for London - Transport for London’s wholly owned commercial property company - who worked together to deliver the homes. As part of the welcome, the family were presented with some housewarming gifts.

Tatjana said her new “forever” home means “absolutely everything” to her and her daughters.

She said the home is close to work and school, with shops and transport links just a short walk away.

“I’m just really happy,” she said.

“It’s a new home, a new beginning – a new life.”

Amy said she’s looking forward to having more room and better connections: “There’s a bigger space, and more people live near here, and it’s easier to get to other places. It’s bigger, and it feels clean and fresh.”

Kyra added: “I’m grateful we have the new house because we’ve been wanting to move for a while, so I’mreally grateful. It’s a lot bigger than our other house.”

Mr Streeting said: “I’m delighted to welcome the Lebedjoka family to Ilford North and their brand-new home in Barkingside I have worked closely with Places for London throughout this process and am thrilled with the finished scheme, especially the redesign of the station exit making the area safer for everyone who uses the station.”

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing & Residential Development, said: “It’s great to see these homes already helping more Londoners access housing they can afford in their local area, while making good use of land next to public transport. These homes are exactly what we need as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.”The former builder’s yard near the station has been turned into a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes for local people, all at social rent. Eight of the homes are three-bedroom family homes, and several are designed to be wheelchair accessible or easily adaptable.

This development, on what was Transport for London’s land, brings the number of affordable homes Places for London has delivered across London to 1,000, helping people all over the capital find homes they can afford.

With Barkingside station on the Central line close by, residents can reach central London in under 45 minutes, as well as use local bus and cycling routes.The development has also improved the area around the station, with better lighting, new crossings and upgraded cycle parking.

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, added that the council’s housing strategy means building “the right homes in the right places” such as Barkingside.

“Without partnership working this wouldn’t have been achieved,” he said. “It shows what can be done when you work together. Ninety-eight families now have somewhere to live and somewhere to call home.”

James McMylor, Managing Director of Development for Peabody, which built the homes, said: “These homes give local families, many of whom have been on the council’s waiting list for a long time, the chance to stay close to work, school and the people who matter to them. We wish Tatjana and her family well as they begin to settle in.”

Rachel Wood, Senior Property Developer at Places for London, said: “It’s fantastic to have these great social rent homes in Barkingside reach completion, bringing us to 1,000 affordable homes completed - a significant achievement for us, and confirmation of our dedication to delivering homes for Londoners.By working in partnership, we’ve been able to bring new homes to this site while improving the space around the station for customers and residents.”

Rob Wilkinson, Managing Director for Vistry South London, Peabody’s construction partner, said: “This project is a major milestone for Barkingside and demonstrates our commitment to building highquality, affordable homes that enhance local neighbourhoods.Working with Peabody and Places for London, we’ve turned a former builder’s yard into a vibrant, sustainable community with new public spaces, improved connections and homes that are designed to support families for generations.”

Please watch video here:  New Homes for Barkingside_FINAL_Subtitles.mp4