Has Havering Lost Its Character?

Havering was once a much-loved borough — green, spacious, and full of landmarks people instantly recognised.

The fountain in the Romford shopping centre was once the beating heart of the town. For many growing up here, Saturday meant putting on your best clothes and heading into Romford. Crime existed, of course, but there were no phone snatches or knife attacks — just friends meeting up, teenagers showing off their fashion, and parents shopping in a bustling high street filled with favourites like Debenhams, BHS, and C&A.

The market was the pride of Romford — packed with stalls in every corner, traders calling out their bargains and locals catching up over the week’s gossip. That was Romford. Hornchurch, too, had a thriving high street, lined with independent shoe shops and clothing outlets that gave it its own charm and community spirit.

Then came the wave of overdevelopment.

Bit by bit, those character-filled shops disappeared. Landmarks were replaced by concrete. Romford’s skyline now rises with tower blocks, and more are on the way. Development, most would agree, is necessary — but not at the cost of identity.

To the council’s credit, efforts have been made to preserve what remains — the careful restoration of the Tithe Barn in Upminster, and ongoing protection of our conservation areas. But despite that, the balance feels lost.

The borough’s heritage — once built on market life, open space and historic charm — is under strain. In recent years, Havering has seen over 100 heritage assets listed as “at risk”, according to Historic England. Green Belt land, long considered untouchable, is now facing unprecedented pressure.

Nowhere is that more visible than in North Ockendon, where proposals for a vast data centre threaten to destroy a quiet, picturesque landscape that has barely changed for generations.

Romford’s future looks taller, denser, and less recognisable.

Has Havering lost its character — or can we still save what we have left?

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