A £120 million Erith housing development has reached new heights at a special ceremony to mark a milestone in its construction.

The ‘topping out’ ceremony at Erith Park celebrated construction of the first phase of the scheme reaching its uppermost point.

Bad weather caused the event to be cancelled on February 14.

But this time around there was no stopping the participants on a sunny day in Larner Road on March 7.

Bexley Council cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, Councillor Linda Bailey, said: "Congratulations to everyone involved in getting Erith Park to where it is already.

"To see all the years of planning and the aspirations of everyone involved in this project becoming a reality is such a rewarding experience."

Demolition of the old high rise Larner Road estate began in April last year with seven tower blocks set to be replaced with a mixture of houses and low-rise apartments.

In a long-standing building tradition the first phase of the structure was topped off by members of the Erith Park core resident group using a specially engraved trowel.

Vivien Knibbs, executive director of housing association Orbit South, said: "We’re delighted with the progress being made at Erith Park and look forward to welcoming the first residents into their new homes later this year.

"Once complete, Erith Park will completely transform the area, bringing considerable investment and creating homes which people can really be proud of."

The first phase of the scheme will see 66 homes built for sale, 82 for shared ownership and 195 for rent in a bid to create a mixed community.

The 343 properties are set for completion by the end of the year.

Andy Hobart, managing director of developers Wates Living Space, said: "This milestone demonstrates the excellent progress we are making in the transformation of Erith Park.

"Construction is continuing apace and we are on track to complete the scheme’s first homes by the end of the year."

Overall Erith Park will feature 550 new homes for 3,000 residents.

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