The pictures, archived by Havering Libraries, show Hilldene Avenue and Farnham Road in 1987.
In 1987, Hilldene Avenue truly lived up to its name as one of Harold Hill’s busiest commercial streets.
It is in stark contrast to the quiet parade of shops our reporter noted on a recent visit to Harold Hill, amid plans to regenerate the area and demolish all existing buildings.
The eastern side of the high street was then home to a range of businesses, including Orchard selling “fresh frozen food”, Letsons hardware, a butchers called Dewhurst, among many others.
Havering Libraries recounts the western side of Farnham Road being equally well occupied.
Shops included John Barnett footwear, the Baker’s Oven, Woolworth, Barrow Boy for fruits and vegetables, and more.
Colourful cars can be seen parked along the length of the road, with a number of shoppers out walking.
In Hilldene Avenue, shoppers could choose from a colourful range of shops.
Among these is Fish’n’Chick’n, which is still open at number 198 today.
A Havering Council spokesperson said in October: “The council is working towards the first phase of the Farnham and Hilldene regeneration programme, which is planned to commence in 2026.
“The project received overwhelming support in the resident ballot undertaken in late 2024.
“Details of the regeneration programme are due to be published following full planning and funding approval in the near future.
“Following extensive consultation with its commercial tenants, the council is assisting those who wish to continue trading to relocate to other units within the Farnham/Hilldene Centre, a number of which have been held vacant for this purpose.”
