The first residents have now moved into their homes at a new development in West Thurrock.

Bellway’s Renovo is a development of more than 400 new homes next to Lakeside Shopping Centre, and is the first residential development in the Lakeside Basin.

The homes were initially released at Bellway’s Help to Buy event in London in October and since then, more than 50 have been sold off-plan.

The first residents moved in at the end of May.

Jenny Walker, Head of Sales for Bellway Essex, said: “The first residents moving into their homes at any new scheme is always an exciting time for the buyers as they settle in, and signifies a key change in the development as Renovo is now officially an occupied residential area.

“Renovo is in a particularly convenient location for commuters, and for people who already live and work locally. Lakeside Shopping Centre and the surrounding retail and leisure parks mean that shops, restaurants and a cinema are available on the doorstep, so there really is no need to own a car.

“While the proximity of the M25 is appealing, most people commuting to London use the C2C rail line. It was named as the most punctual rail service in the country last year, ticking a particularly important box.

“Building work is continuing to progress well at the development, which is all set to flourish as a thriving new community in Thurrock.”

London taxi driver Zoe Hanks was one of the first residents to complete at Renovo, shaving time off her commute into central London.

Zoe said: “My commute to work, which is all important as a taxi driver, couldn’t be simpler. The A13 is a mere five minutes away from our house and then it’s a 30-minute drive straight into the heart of London for any afternoon/evening shift.

“The commute is very straightforward, which is a huge positive of Thurrock itself and for Bellway’s Renovo development. I lived in Rainham for 24 years so I knew that already, everything you need is within walking distance and that proved a big selling point for me.”

Chafford Hundred railway station is a short walk from Renovo and rail services run to Fenchurch Street in 33 minutes. It’s just 18 minutes to Barking, where Underground and Overground services await.

The first phase of 200 homes features one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses. P

For more information see bellway.co.uk.