Is Havering Being Left Behind? A Borough Full of Potential, Starved of Vision

Havering is a borough with a rich past and a passionate community—but increasingly, it feels like we’re being left at the very edge of London’s progress. While other boroughs enjoy tree-lined streets, characterful developments, and investment in public spaces, Havering struggles with dated infrastructure, uninspiring regeneration, and a lack of local voice in the borough’s future. As Romford’s iconic market fades and characterless tower blocks spring up, many residents are asking—why us, and why not better?

A trip to Hackney reveals well-kept roads framed by mature trees, fountains bringing a sense of calm, and developments that blend with the borough’s identity. Even Islington, Lambeth, and Waltham Forest have managed to regenerate with style and sensitivity, respecting the unique feel of each neighbourhood. Now take a walk through Romford. A once-bustling market is now a shadow of itself—underused, unloved, and in desperate need of meaningful revitalisation. A roundabout outside the library sits bare and forgotten, when it could so easily be transformed with artwork or flowerbeds showcasing local talent. And flats that resemble Lego blocks, stark and out-of-place, dominate residential areas, robbing families of privacy and peace.

“It’s like we’re the afterthought of London,” says one long-time Romford resident. “We see the beauty being built elsewhere. Why not here?”

It’s not that Havering has been completely neglected by city-wide organisations. The Greater London Authority (GLA) has supported several initiatives here: over £12 million has been invested into affordable housing through the Romford Housing Zone, enabling the creation of over 900 homes. The borough received £143,000 under the Right to Buy-back Revenue Fund, helping repurchase former council homes to increase availability. Developments like Mawney Close and Mowbrays Close have introduced specialist housing for care leavers and vulnerable adults. These efforts are necessary—but are they enough? More importantly, are they being done with care?

Sadly, much of the regeneration in Havering feels clinical, rushed, and disconnected from the communities it affects. The result? Tower blocks that tower too high. Flats that jar against family homes. Public spaces that remain grey and forgotten. Havering isn’t just bricks and mortar—it’s artists, sculptors, historians, and creators. This borough is brimming with talent. So why aren’t local voices shaping how we grow? Why are developers allowed to build with so little regard for the visual harmony and cultural heart of our towns?

“We understand the financial constraints,” a local artist shared. “But working with the community doesn’t have to cost more—it just takes the will.” Just imagine: that neglected roundabout outside Romford Library featuring a striking sculpture or a seasonal floral display. The market rejuvenated with artisan stalls, live music, and weekend food festivals. Buildings designed to complement—not clash with—the character of our streets.

There’s a growing sense that as the outer edge of London, Havering often ends up last in line for upgrades and consideration. GLA projections show the borough’s population is expected to grow by 18% between 2018 and 2033, particularly among the very young and very old. Yet our infrastructure, public spaces, and community hubs remain under pressure and under-supported. It’s a mismatch that’s only going to widen without intervention.

Havering is not without hope. What we need is a shift in thinking. Development should respect the past, serve the present, and inspire the future. Let’s involve local artists, historians, and residents in planning and regeneration. Let’s prioritise human-scale developments that integrate with our neighbourhoods. Let’s turn neglected areas into celebrations of local pride, not symbols of decline. We don’t need to imitate other boroughs—we just need to care about our own. Havering has the potential to be just as beautiful, just as vibrant, and just as respected. But that starts with vision, consultation, and a commitment to building not just houses, but a home for the future.

Let’s stop being left behind. Havering is ready to rise—if only someone will help us lift it.

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