Seen by some Londoners as a run-down pocket of East London, Beckton is actually worth paying close attention to. While the current housing stock is primarily made up of 1980s council estates and modest terraced houses, the neighbourhood has a plethora of green space - such as East Ham Nature Reserve and Gooseley Playing Fields. The area is also receiving new investments from major housing developers. Walking through the neighbourhood on an average Saturday, you’ll run into the many community oriented elderly residents and empty-nesters strolling through the parks. Additionally, you might catch some of the young professionals out running errands-many of which have begun moving to the area for its close proximity to Canary Wharf. Between the affordable and exciting new housing options, as well as the area’s interesting industrial history as a Gas works site, it’s no surprise that we’ll be hearing more about Beckton in the coming years.

Beckton initially began to be developed in the mid 19th century when a sewage treatment works site was built to prevent raw waste from being dumped into the Thames. Eventually, the sewage works grew into the UK’s largest site, ultimately treating more than 200 million gallons of waste a day. Much of the housing that started to appear in the area catered to the workers of the neighbourhood. Later on, during WWII, the neighbourhood was home to a prisoner of war camp. Following the war though, much of the area had been badly damaged, leading to the eventual regeneration of the docklands and Beckton in 1981. Today, the neighbourhood has many cul-de-sacs and social housing estates, many cul-de-sacs and social housing estates.

The area’s quirky history includes the formation of Beckton Alps, a former site for industrial waste that sits within the neighbourhood. The site was built out of waste that came from the nearby gas works, as well as locomotive trains. Locals converted the site into a dry ski slope but it has since been converted into a nature reserve.

Despite the heightened interest from new residents, the neighbourhood lacks a traditional London high street with independent shops. Instead, much of the area’s commercial activity is based at the chain stores in Gallions Reach Shopping District. Still, the area’s many transport connections make the ride to other parts of London an easy one.

Developers are beginning to pay close attention to the neighbourhood of Beckton. Known for its affordable real estate and a plethora of space, it’s surprising that this area, close to Canary Wharf, hasn’t been tapped into sooner. One large development in the works is the Beckton Park complex by Bellway Homes. As a part of this development, Bellway Homes has committed to providing over20% of the units through affordable housing schemes. Additionally, they will be investing in parks, schools, health facilities, and cycling routes in the neighbourhood.