Havering Council promotes 2040 investment plan at London Real Estate Forum

Havering Council used the London Real Estate Forum to unveil its 2040 vision, positioning the borough as a prime destination for investment, development and new enterprises.

Councillor Robert Whitton, the cabinet member responsible for regeneration, represented the borough on the Local London panel titled ‘Delivering the Capital’s Next Wave of Growth’ during the event held at Guildhall on 28 September.

Speaking to an audience of local authority officials, developers, investors and property leaders, Whitton stressed Havering’s strategic location between London and Essex, its strong transport links and the breadth of untapped development opportunities across the borough.

The council’s message to prospective investors was clear: Havering is ready to welcome business. To make the process smoother, the authority plans to channel all enquiries through a single point of contact, Invest Havering, which will bring together relevant council teams and the Havering Growth Company.

The Havering 2040 strategy splits its objectives into two complementary missions. ‘Grow Havering’ focuses on drawing investment, businesses and employment, while ‘Build Havering’ concentrates on delivering new homes, infrastructure upgrades, town-centre regeneration and the facilities needed to support future growth.

The plan also earmarks specialist Economic Growth Districts that will target sectors such as data and digital services, artificial intelligence, robotics, life sciences and logistics, reflecting the borough’s ambition to host high-value industries.

Whitton added that for too long outer London has been viewed mainly as a commuter zone. He said Havering now wants residents to live, study and work locally and for businesses to invest, expand and prosper within the borough, positioning it as London’s gateway to the South-East and a ‘Super Suburb’.

The forum itself brought together representatives from nine boroughs that together cover about 40% of London’s land area and roughly 55% of its developable land, showcasing investment prospects ranging from £30 million to more than £960 million.