Valence House is a Grade II* 15th century moated manor house in the heart of the Beacontree Housing Estate in Dagenham. It is an important community focus, housing the Local Museum and Local Studies Library. Set within its historic park and moated landscape, Valence House is a significant heritage site and the only surviving reminder of rural Dagenham.

The redevelopment of the site presents a valuable opportunity to conserve a historic building and restore the relationship between the house and its landscape, facilitate improved opportunities for education and interpretation of heritage and ensure its long-term sustainability.

As well as Valence House's refurbishment as the local museum, the project also includes a new visitor centre, shop, café, education space and local studies library.

Two small buildings have been converted for use as archival and museum storage, with passive environmental control; a departure from the energy-intensive, air-conditioned solutions typically associated with the storage of sensitive material.

The scheme won a £2 million Heritage Lottery Fund award in March 2008, and was completed in June 2010.

Client: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Construction value: £4,690,513

Completion: June 2010