Becontree centenary

The Becontree centenary is a year long programme of artistic and architectural commissions, events, learning programmes and an exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of the Becontree estate in Dagenham, east London.

Once the largest council estate in the world, Becontree's first homes were built in 1921. It took another fourteen years for the estate to be ‘officially’ completed: by which time Becontree was home to a community of 120,000 people.

Throughout the centenary year we will announce more news and activities on this page.

Working in partnership with Create London and London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, RIBA will deliver programmes for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to experience and discuss the historical significance of the Becontree estate and broader contemporary issues facing large scale town planning, housing and green public spaces.

In spring, nimtim architects with artist Katie Schwab will redesign corner plots on the estate, creating new spaces for residents and visitors to meet, play, grow and rest. In autumn, a new commission by artist Verity-Jane Keefe will be installed in the Architecture Gallery at 66 Portland Place.

The Becontree centenary is a partnership project between Create London, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (LBBD) and RIBA, supported by LBBD and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.