Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Luca Calarailli, a seasoned expert in construction, design, and architecture with a deep passion for leveraging technology to innovate within the industry. With his extensive background, Luca offers unique insights into transformative projects like Rom Valley Gardens in Romford, Essex. In this interview, we’ll explore the significance of this seven-acre redevelopment site, previously home to the Romford Ice Arena, and now poised to become a vibrant mixed-use community. We’ll dive into the project’s scope, its impact on local housing needs, the strategic importance of its location, and the collaborative efforts behind its successful sale. Join us as we uncover the vision and potential of this exciting regeneration effort.
How did you first become involved with the Rom Valley Gardens project, and what drew you to this particular development in Romford?
I’ve always been fascinated by projects that can reshape communities, and Rom Valley Gardens caught my attention due to its scale and potential impact. I got involved through my network in the construction and development sector, focusing on how design and architecture could bring this site to life. What drew me in was the chance to transform a former ice rink into a thriving residential-led community with nearly 1,000 homes, alongside amenities like a medical center and retail spaces. It’s a rare opportunity to create something that addresses real housing needs while revitalizing a key part of Romford.
Can you walk us through the vision for Rom Valley Gardens and what kind of community it aims to create?
The vision for Rom Valley Gardens is to build a dynamic, inclusive community right in the heart of Romford. The plan includes up to 972 homes across seven blocks, ranging from 2 to 12 stories, which allows for a mix of housing types and tenures. Beyond just homes, we’ve incorporated vital amenities like a medical center, retail spaces, and cafés to ensure residents have everything they need nearby. The layout is designed to foster a sense of community, with shared spaces and a thoughtful mix of building heights to create an inviting environment. It’s about more than just construction—it’s about crafting a place where people can live, connect, and thrive.
Why do you think a project like this is so critical for a place like Romford right now?
Romford, like many areas in and around London, is grappling with a significant shortage of housing. Rom Valley Gardens addresses this head-on by delivering hundreds of much-needed homes. Beyond that, it’s a catalyst for regeneration—bringing new facilities and energy to the area. Projects like this can boost local economies, attract investment, and improve quality of life by offering modern living spaces close to transport and amenities. I’m particularly excited about how it will redefine this part of town, turning a vacant site into a cornerstone of community growth.
What makes the location of Rom Valley Gardens stand out as a prime spot for development?
The location is a game-changer. Situated on Rom Valley Way, it’s just 0.6 miles from Romford Station, which connects to central London via the Elizabeth Line—making commuting incredibly convenient. You’ve also got Romford town center nearby with its shopping and leisure options, plus easy access to major roads like the A12 and M25. This kind of connectivity is rare for a site of this size, and it positions Rom Valley Gardens as an ideal spot for families, professionals, and anyone looking for a balance of urban access and local charm.
From a design and construction perspective, what are some of the unique challenges or opportunities this site presents?
From a design standpoint, the site’s history as the Romford Ice Arena meant we had to start from a cleared slate, which is both a challenge and an opportunity. We had to ensure the new layout respected the area’s context while maximizing the potential of the seven acres. One opportunity was in creating a phased development with hybrid planning consent, allowing flexibility in how the project rolls out. A challenge, though, is balancing the density of 972 homes with quality of life—ensuring enough green space and amenities while managing building heights up to 12 stories. It’s a puzzle, but solving it right can set a benchmark for future regenerations.
How does having planning permission already secured impact the trajectory of a project like this?
Having planning permission in place from the start is a massive advantage. It removes a huge layer of uncertainty and risk for the buyer and speeds up the timeline significantly. For Rom Valley Gardens, it meant the buyer could move forward with confidence, knowing the framework for up to 972 dwellings and associated amenities was already approved. It’s a green light to focus on execution rather than navigating bureaucratic hurdles, which is often a sticking point in large-scale developments. This also likely contributed to the swift, unconditional exchange we saw in the sale process.
Can you share your thoughts on the collaborative process behind bringing this project to the sale stage?
Collaboration was key to getting this site to the point of sale. Working alongside various stakeholders, including agency teams and real estate experts, we focused on aligning everyone’s goals—whether it was maximizing value for the receivers or ensuring the site’s potential was clear to buyers. The joint effort meant pooling expertise in land development, legal aspects, and market analysis to present a compelling opportunity. It’s rewarding to see how different perspectives come together to re-energize a strategic site like this, ensuring it’s ready for the next chapter.
What can you tell us about the level of interest in the site and how that reflects on its potential?
The interest in Rom Valley Gardens was incredibly strong, which speaks volumes about its appeal. Developers and investors recognized the value of a site with planning consent, a prime location near the Elizabeth Line, and the capacity to deliver hundreds of homes. The fact that we secured an unconditional exchange so quickly shows not only the strength of the opportunity but also the buyer’s readiness to act decisively. It’s a clear indicator that well-positioned, regeneration-focused projects are in high demand, especially in areas like Romford with growing needs.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the future of urban regeneration projects like Rom Valley Gardens in areas surrounding London?
I’m optimistic about the future of urban regeneration in areas around London. There’s a growing recognition of the need to repurpose underused or vacant sites to meet housing demands and support community growth. Projects like Rom Valley Gardens set a precedent—showing how strategic locations with good transport links can become vibrant, mixed-use developments. I expect we’ll see more focus on sustainable design and technology-driven construction methods to make these projects faster and more efficient. With population pressures continuing, regeneration will be a cornerstone of urban planning, and I believe we’ll see even bolder, more innovative schemes in the coming years.
