Residents at Bellway’s Harbour Village development in Northfleet gathered for a barbecue to celebrate the strong sense of community which is flourishing at the growing neighbourhood.
The annual event, now in its third year, was started by a committee of residents to foster a healthy and well-connected community at Harbour Village, which is taking shape on the former Northfleet cement works.
And this year’s barbecue was the most popular yet, with more than 200 people turning out to socialise with their neighbours over a bite to eat.
Bellway, which is currently in its third phase of construction at Harbour Village, donated £500 to cover the cost of catering, games and activities for this year’s event.
Tolu Titiloye, a member of the event committee, said: “During my first year in Harbour Village, one of the rare gifts I experienced that made me feel very much at home was the people. The existing residents organised a summer barbecue in 2024 to welcome new residents, and there I met lovely people who I now call friends. Compared to my stay in London, I finally know who my next-door neighbour is. Every Harbour Village resident deserves to experience the gift of community – this is the heart of the Harbour Village barbecue.”
Resident Angela Waters said: “I moved to Harbour Village in August 2025 so this is my first barbecue here. Tolu took me under her wing and showed me around. I took part in the bingo, which was great fun, and enjoyed the food – as well as catering, there was an alternative food stall where lots of people had contributed dishes for everyone to try.
“It’s such a lovely place to live. As you walk round the development people recognise you and say hello. Everyone seems to know everyone! The barbecue is a very well-planned and thought-out event and I was made to feel so welcome.”
James Pitt, Sales Manager at Bellway Thames Gateway, said: “It’s wonderful to see the diverse and friendly community that has formed at Harbour Village coming together to enjoy each other’s company and form new friendships.
“At Bellway, we pride ourselves on creating thriving communities where people want to live and put down roots. Harbour Village is a brilliant example of a development where residents feel comfortable and connected with each other and their local area.
“An event like this really speaks to the community spirit of the residents living here. We’re proud to support them in hosting this fantastic event and look forward to doing so in future years.”
When completed, Bellway’s Harbour Village is set to comprise 630 new homes, alongside green open space and community facilities on the south bank of the River Thames. The latest phase of construction at the site will create a park with informal play equipment, as well as two new community centres.
For more information on the homes Bellway is building at Harbour Village, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-gateway/harbour-village or call the sales team on 01474 444233.
