Henderson Cummins, a Quantity Surveyor Apprentice at Berkeley Homes, never imagined he’d be playing a vital role in reshaping his community. Growing up in Newham, Henderson was surrounded by a strong sense of community and hard-working role models: “In my community I’ve always been surrounded by hard working people who showed me the value of a day’s work – my Mum also grew up here and she has the same attitude. You get out what you put in!”
Henderson’s path to construction, particularly as a Quantity Surveyor, wasn’t always clear. “I actually stumbled upon this role about four years ago” he explains. A chance encounter during a football game with a school friend and his current project director introduced him to the world of construction. “My friend invited me to play football, and my project director was there. He took a liking to me, explained the role, and encouraged me to look into it. The rest is history,” he says with a smile. The role appealed to Henderson because it combined his love for maths and practical subjects with his ambition for a successful career.
Now, Henderson is contributing to one of Newham’s most exciting projects—the TwelveTrees Park development. “I’m really proud to be working on such a transformational project in my home borough” Henderson says. “When I’m driving by, I always point it out to my mates! It’s amazing to see the progress, going from nothing to these incredible buildings.”
TwelveTrees Park is a large regeneration project situated in West Ham which is due for final completion in 2034. The project, which includes 40% affordable housing, will span 26.2-acres and provide Newham with 3,847 new homes, alongside 12-acres of open green space and a 4.5-acre Wi-Fi enabled park at the heart of the site.
Berkeley is investing heavily in improving local infrastructure and employing local people. At its peak, more than 1,000 construction workers will be on site – with an estimated 8,000 jobs created in total during the construction process and over 268 apprenticeships.
Having seen Newham evolve, especially after the 2012 Olympics, Henderson is excited about what’s to come. “Stratford transformed after the Olympics, and it made me realise what we could achieve at TwelveTrees Park. We’re building homes, a park, a community centre, and even a school—it’s going to completely change the area.”
As an apprentice, Henderson plays a hands-on role in delivering affordable homes for local residents. “I’ve developed so much confidence in my skills, and it’s rewarding to see the direct impact new housing can have on a community,” he shares. Recently, he attended an event with Newham Council, Peabody, and a local MP to celebrate the completion of the first affordable homes on the site. “That was a really good feeling—pretty cool for an apprentice” he adds.
Henderson is passionate about encouraging young people from Newham to explore careers in construction. “There’s something for everyone in this industry. You grow up thinking a construction site is just about bricklaying, but there are so many different skills involved in creating a neighbourhood. It’s such an interesting place to work.”
Looking ahead, Henderson is committed to seeing the TwelveTrees Park project through to completion, which is over a decade away. “There are so many opportunities to grow with the project” he says. Henderson is also dedicated to supporting Newham’s growth beyond construction. “I love speaking at schools and attending charity events that directly impact people in my community. We sponsor a local football team, and I recently played in a friendly game against the coaches. It’s those personal connections that make a difference.”
For Henderson Cummins, being part of Newham’s transformation is more than just a job—it’s about playing his part in shaping the future of his home borough.
