This neighbourhood is located in the London Borough of Havering in the county of Essex, and includes the areas of Harold Park, Noak Hill and Dagnam Park. As its name suggests this neighbourhood is surrounded by large open green spaces. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, with most of the houses on or just near the two main roads located around Gooshays Drive and North Hill Drive. Despite being quite residential the area still has a local pharmacy, an NHS hospital and three much loved community centres. It’s clear that there is a large focus on the neighbourhood’s local community, many of whom gather at The Bear for a drink and a catch up. Its outer London location means that the neighbourhood’s transport links are rather sparse, though it is still popular with commuting families due to its large post-war homes and close proximity to the A12 and the M25.

After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William the Conqueror took England from King Harold Godwinson in Havering. Areas around England were sub-divided into plots of land called Manors, many of which were kept by William the Conqueror, including Havering. The manor of Havering was entered into the 1086 Domesday book, and it consisted of Romford, Harold Hill, Harold Wood, Collier Row and Havering-atte-Bower. In more recent history, local Central Park was created in 1930 and has been a staple for local residents ever since.

Central Park’s Timberland Trail is a 2.8 mile walking trek that can be taken by ambitious residents.

Myplace, a celebrated youth and community centre built in 2012, was Havering’s first zero-carbon building.

Due to its lack of public transport, many of the area’s residents drive, and with an increasing population parking spaces are in short supply. The lack of parking spaces has also had a detrimental effect on independent businesses. Locals have therefore signed a petition asking the Council to make free parking available for longer to help save small high street shops.

The Elizabeth Line’s new highspeed train has stops in the local area at Gidea Park and Harold Wood, dramatically improving the neighbourhood’s accessibility as well as that of the surrounding area. Local shops were also given radios to communicate in real time in a bid to curb crime levels in Harold Hill. Proposals to build eight new houses next to the New Inn pub in Gidea Park were also submitted to Havering Council in 2018. The houses would be built to fit 5 people each and provision for bicycle parking is included.