Fullwell Cross, nestled between the Fairlop and Barkingside neighbourhoods, is praised by families for its many schooling and housing options. While the houses aren’t anything to write home about - mostly small post-war single family homes - they are still relatively affordable, a rarity in London these days. Seeing that a handful of the schools in the area are highly rated Jewish day schools, the neighbourhood has attracted a high proportion of religious families looking for a quiet tight knit alternative to Central London. This quiet character might attract many residents in, but once settled they’re often pleasantly surprised by the many recreational offerings in the area. Whether it’s a swim at the Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre, catching up over ice cream sundaes at Rossi Bros, visiting the bustling Ilford High Street, or grabbing a pint at local favourite The Old Maypole, there are more than enough reasons to visit Fullwell Cross!

Fullwell Cross gets its name from Adam Fulwell, a farmer who leased land from the local abbey. The area was built up as Fairlop saw development driven by its rail station in the early 20th century. However, Fullwell Cross didn’t really end up on the map until the famed architect, Frederick Gibberd, was hired in the mid 20th century to design new municipal facilities in the neighbourhood. Residents have him to thank for their beloved pool and library.

The Fullwell Cross Library is a major focal point of the neighbourhood. Built in 1968, this iconic lantern shaped building is a favourite amongst locals and even attracts visitors through London’s annual Open House festival.

While Fullwell Cross boasts an active high street, many of these shops are chain stores. Few of these businesses have the independent charm of other neighbourhoods’ commercial districts.

With the arrival of the Elizabeth line at nearby Ilford station, Redbridge council, in partnership with the mixed-use developer Countryside, have released plans for a large-scale redevelopment between the nearby Ilford Hill Flyover and Ilford Station, known as the Ilford Western Gateway. The scheme will contribute to the wider regeneration of the outer-London town, bringing with it 1000 new homes, well-planned walking and cycle routes, new and improved green spaces, over 30,000 square foot of non-residential community space including a larger and better provisioned boxing gym, and a wholesale redevelopment of the existing Ilford gyratory. Work is scheduled to begin in Spring 2024 and bring with it almost 1500 jobs, 300 of which are predicted to be permanent. The nearby Barkingside area is also receiving new-found attention from builders and soon-to-be residents alike. The most notable development is that of the former TfL builders’ yard sat opposite Barkingside tube station, which will be transformed into 98 new flats, funded in part by the GLA and Peabody respectively. It has been announced that the new flats will be “100 percent affordable” as three quarters will be available for part-ownership, while the remaining quarter will be available at low cost rent. Fulwell Cross itself, for the time-being, looks relatively calm when it comes to new development.