A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of work on Red Door Ventures’ second development.

A groundbreaking ceremony has marked the start of work on Red Door Ventures’ second development.

The council-owned company is set to create thousands of private rented homes over the next few years, a third of which will be at an affordable rate.

The Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, joined Red Door Ventures’ managing director Chris Wood and chairman Lesley-Anne Alexander to mark the start of work on a 17-home development in Libra Road, Plaistow, yesterday.

Sir Robin said: “We want to make homes that are genuinely affordable.

“Our first development [Moda] is being snapped up quicker than expected, which is great news.”

Comprising 10 one-bedroom flats and seven two-bedroom flats, the Libra Road development has been designed by Bell Phillips and will be built by HG Construction.

Work is also starting on another development in Nelson Street, East Ham, which will provide six refurbished two-bedroom flats available later this year, while a number of other sites are lined up for development.

Mr Wood explained that the new block was expected to be completed in around a year.

He said: “They’re purpose-built flats for people who want to rent.

“The contracts are flexible and you can get one for up to five years, which is good for people who have got children in school.

“We’re also trying to make sure our homes are in good locations for transport.”

Details on the price of renting Libra Road and Nelson Street homes will be announced in due course.