The UK’s biggest council estate marks its 100th birthday today with a burst of activity celebrating its place on the national map.

Originally designed for working families and returning First World War veterans, the Becontree Estate in east London now encompasses 27,000 houses.

After the first homes went up in November 1921, it became home to more than 100,000 people over four square miles in the borough of Barking and Dagenham.

Focal points include the internationally-recognised ‘garden city’ houses and iconic ‘banjo’ closes.

Famous names hailing from estate include 1966 World Cup winning manager Sir Alf Ramsey, actor Dudley Moore and the former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey.

An imaginative 10-year programme of centenary projects entitled ‘Becontree Forever’ launches today, spanning art, architecture and infrastructure.

The anniversary includes new playgrounds by artists Eva Rothschild and Yinka Ilori MBE, and exhibitions and collaborations with influential organisations including the Serpentine Gallery, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Landmarks such as The White House public space and the Kingsley Hall, the estate’s first community centre, will receive sustained investment from the borough council.

‘One big family’

Chris Kapnisis says he has become part of a ‘big family’ since moving onto the estate three years ago.

Chris, 55, lives with wife Zaphira, and their daughter and her husband also live on the Becontree.

He is a director of the Kingsley Hall, which was founded in 1929 as part of the emerging development to give people a communal meeting place.

The hall, which is also a church and charity, is undergoing a major redevelopment to keep it at the heart of community life.

‘There’s a real sense of community, warmth and togetherness,’ Chris said.

‘When the Becontree was built people had electricity, indoor toilets and front gardens for the first time and took great care in their homes. It’s a very diverse community now but that spirit lives on.

‘You feel like you can call on your neighbours and we share the joys and challenges of life together.

‘You feel like you’re part of a big family, there’s a real sense of pride at being part of the Becontree estate.’

The regeneration drive will include retrofitting, parks and transport and purchasing Dagenham Heathway, a 1.3-hectare, 80s-built shopping centre.

Rothschild will create a playground in Parsloes Park named the ‘Becontree Pyramids’ through a commission awarded by the council to arts group Create London.

Combining ancient architecture with Minecraft and LEGO formats, the Irish artist will work with the world-renowned Studio Wayne McGregor to develop a filmed dance performance with teenage estate residents at the sculptural play area.

Artist Rothschild said: ‘Creating a permanent sculptural playground in a public park is the most experiential, active and open engagement between sculpture and the community an artist could ever hope for.’

Fellow collaborator Ilori will build a second playground in Parsloes, remaking the out-of-use play area with structures inspired by the pink flamingos which used to live in the park.

The British-Nigerian designer will collaborate with residents of different ages and cultures to produce accessible equipment including tall totems, slides, bird-watching and nesting structures and a basketball court. 

Ilori said: ‘I am humbled and honoured to have won the commission to design a new playground for the Becontree Estate. This area is so full of history and heritage and, for me, it’s very important to celebrate this with the community.

‘The playground will create a vibrant collection of new, accessible play equipment with a focus on collaborative play and immersion in the outdoors.

‘The design celebrates the estate with unique, joyful play equipment that draws on residents’ memories of the estate and that will create new, shared memories for the next generation.

‘It’s only right to celebrate the centenary with something really impactful and long-lasting and makes the people who live there feel appreciated and have their voices amplified.’

Other projects in the year-long programme include Studio Morison making robust, terrazzo street furniture using ‘upcycled’ rubble from the estate, three new public squares and a ‘Becontree 100’ festival in late summer led by Love Music Hate Racism.

The estate was regarded as the dawn of a new world when it was built as the answer to the London slums. Running water, indoor toilets and two to four bedrooms were mod cons new to many of the first residents.

Uncharitable views of the first generations, however, led to the nickname ‘Corned Beef City’ because of their supposed diet.

Council leader councillor Darren Rodwell said: ‘We’re really excited to mark the centenary of the largest estate built in the UK.

‘As someone who has lived in the borough all my life – most of which has been on the Becontree Estate – this project is one that is close to my heart.

‘The iconic estate and its history is something to be proud of and remembered, so please do keep an eye out and join us as we celebrate, renew and rebuild the estate over the next year and beyond.’

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