Launch of Superloop SL12
In September 2025 it was confirmed that a new Superloop bus route would be launched in Havering.
The SL12 will connect Gants Hill and Rainham via Romford and Transport for London (TfL) told the Recorder in November that work is now underway to launch the service in 2026 but there is no confirmed date as of yet.
The route will use double decker buses and will run every 12 minutes during Monday to Saturday daytimes and every 15 minutes during Sundays, evenings and early mornings.
A list of proposed stops was released in September and a final confirmation of stops on the route will be shared nearer the launch time, but a TfL spokesperson said these won’t differ too much, if at all, to the proposed stops.
Gallows Corner works complete
Redevelopment works to replace the previous Gallows Corner flyover alongside renewing water pipes below the junction began in June 2025 and delays were confirmed by TfL in August.
The Recorder has followed the project closely and spoken to various people affected by the road closures including Romford market traders, nearby shop owners and local residents.
According to TfL’s website, works are set to be finished by spring 2026 when the flyover will reopen to general traffic first and the roundabout and surrounding roads will reopen in the following weeks.
A specific reopening date has not yet be confirmed.
Harold Hill Pride in Place investment begins
Harold Hill East will receive up to £2 million in funding every year for a decade as it was named as one of 169 areas across the UK selected for the latest stage of the government’s Pride in Place programme, aiming to build up “long-overlooked” communities.
The UK Government’s website says that investment is split into three periods with the first running from the 2026 to 2027 financial year to the 2029 to 2030 financial year.
This means Harold Hill East can expect to see the first period of funding launched from April 6, 2026 onwards.
In October 2025, Harold Hill residents told the Recorder how they wanted to see the money spent with suggestions ranging from increased security and “things that will bring the community together” to supporting nearby GPs and schools.
Travelodge in Upminster
Construction work began on a brand new Travelodge hotel in Station Road, Upminster in June 2025, although faced a temporary pause later in the month due to the heat.
It is expected that the 82-room hotel will be completed between April and June 2026.
The hotel is expected to include a restaurant or cafe on the ground floor as Havering Council previously approved a planning amendment to allow hot food to be sold on the premises.
Drone pictures taken in mid November show significant progress being made at the site with the laying of foundations, particularly to the front of the plot onto Station Lane.
Redevelopment of The Liberty Shopping Centre
Changes have been proposed, including the creation of up to 800 new homes across three plots, for The Liberty Shopping Centre.
With an official planning application for the first plot submitted towards the end of 2025, more details are likely to be revealed in 2026.
The main core of the shopping centre would be retained whilst Stewards Walk could be set for redevelopment and The Liberty entrance from Western Road could also be moved back to create public realm space.
