Redbridge Council is set to commission a comprehensive Ilford Town Centre Masterplan, integrating the Ilford Arrival and Ilford Western Gateway schemes into a cohesive 10–15 year vision.
The decision was reached at a council meeting on Thursday, 18 September 2025, where councillors considered a motion on regeneration proposed by Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of the Council & Labour Group and Cabinet Member for Growth and Regeneration, and seconded by Councillor Namreen B. Chaudhry, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Communities.
The motion acknowledges several ongoing and planned projects, including:
- The £16.6 million award from the Council Homes Acquisition Programme (CHAP).
- The Ilford Arrival programme, aimed at transforming the western gateway to Ilford with public realm improvements, including a new bridge across the River Roding, new riverside routes and rewilding projects. These rewilding projects, as outlined in the motion on regeneration, aim to open up the River Roding, enhancing the natural environment alongside the new infrastructure. The Ilford Arrival programme also includes enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure, supported by £3m of grant funding.
- The Ilford Western Gateway project, with the potential for 1,000 new homes, 8,000 sqm of commercial and community space, and around 220 new construction jobs, supporting in excess of 500 permanent jobs in Ilford Town Centre.
- Previous phases of investment in Ilford's public realm, which have already improved the town centre environment, enhanced accessibility, and created new spaces for community and cultural activity.
The council has resolved to:
- Commission and adopt a comprehensive Ilford Town Centre Masterplan to integrate Ilford Arrival, and Ilford Western Gateway schemes into a single, coherent 10–15 year vision, as and when finances allow.
- Commit to delivering this masterplan through transparent project governance and public reporting, ensuring residents and businesses can track progress.
- Lead an inclusive engagement programme with residents, traders, cultural groups, faith organisations, and transport bodies to shape the masterplan from the outset.
- Work with public and private partners to leverage investment to secure further funding for Ilford's regeneration.
The council also adopted the Redbridge Statement of Licensing Policy 2025-2030, which includes area policies for Ilford Town, Seven Kings & Goodmayes, Ilford Lane, Cranbrook Road, South Woodford, Gants Hill, Wanstead & Snaresbrook, Barkingside, Woodford Bridge, Woodford, Chadwell Heath and Hainault.
The draft policy also included cumulative impact zones for Ilford Town, South Woodford and Gants Hill. Cumulative Impact Zones (CIZs) are areas where there is a concentration of licensed premises, which can lead to an increase in crime and disorder, public nuisance, and other problems.
