The Hill Group and housing association Peabody have agreed a deal with Sainsbury’s to become the first anchor tenant at Dagenham Green, marking a major milestone in the delivery of this significant East London mixed-use regeneration project.
The new Sainsbury’s convenience store will occupy 3,173 sq ft on the ground floor of one of Dagenham Green’s Build to Rent blocks and is due to complete in Q2 2027. The store will offer convenient everyday shopping for new residents and the wider local community, helping to develop and grow this vital new East London neighbourhood.
Dagenham Green, located on the former Ford Stamping Plant site, is transforming 45 acres into a vibrant new community with thousands of new homes alongside extensive public green space, a new secondary school, community facilities and neighbourhood amenities. The Sainsbury’s store will be situated prominently within the first phase, directly supporting the early phases of housing and helping to create a sense of place from the outset.
Andy Hill OBE,Founder and Group Chief Executive of The Hill Group said: “Securing Sainsbury’s as our first tenant is an important step in our vision for Dagenham Green. Having a trusted national retailer like Sainsbury’s on board from so early in the development will be a huge asset for this growing community and demonstrates the appeal of the development for leading brands and businesses.”
James McMylor, Managing Director, London North at Peabody, commented: “We know a great place to live isn’t just about well-built homes — it’s also about having the things that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. This Sainsbury’s will mean fresh food and essentials right on the doorstep, making life simpler for new residents and helping them settle in as Dagenham Green takes shape.”
Jonathan Arthur, Sainsbury’s Head of Convenience Property Development, added: “We’re delighted to be partnering with The Hill Group and Peabody to bring a brand-new Sainsbury’s Local to this exciting development. As well as creating employment opportunities, our new store will bring a carefully curated selection of Sainsbury’s high-quality, great value products to the local community, and we’re looking forward to becoming a central part of the new neighbourhood in Dagenham Green once it opens.”
The Dagenham Green masterplan, developed by Peabody, aims to deliver more than 3,500 homes in total, half of which will be affordable, as well as a new public park, green spaces and play facilities. Key infrastructure, such as a new secondary school, community hub, and a lively market square, will further strengthen foundations for the growing community. Integrated walking and cycling routes will promote sustainable travel, all designed to contribute to a resilient, inclusive neighbourhood at the heart of one of London’s most significant regeneration areas.
The first phase of the project is a joint venture between Dagenham Green Limited (part of the Peabody Group) and The Hill Group. It will deliver a third of the homes — with 935 homes, 35 percent of which will be affordable. Drawing inspiration from the marshland, another key feature of phase one will be the first section of a new five-acre urban park complete with a large pond, children’s play areas, and a heritage trail honouring the legacy of the Dagenham women who championed equal pay rights in the 1960s and 1980s. This first phase will also include more than 1,600 square metres of non-residential space, for commercial, social, and leisure activities.
