News Over 400 new council homes get the go-ahead in Stepney

Over 400 new council homes get the go-ahead in Stepney

News, Press Releases

July 23, 2024

Tower Hamlets Council's largest housing development scheme has been approved providing 407 much-needed new homes, a community centre and more.

Under the scheme, Harriott, Apsley and Pattison Houses, and the Redcoat Community Centre, will be demolished to make way for several new 4-8 storey buildings. The development also includes communal gardens, car parking and secure cycle and refuse storage.

Members of the Development Committee accepted the planning application at their meeting on 12 June.

The redevelopment scheme is part of the council’s commitment to delivering 4,000 new affordable homes for rent to help tackle the borough’s housing crisis.

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets said: “Housebuilding is my number one priority and so it’s with much pleasure that we are moving forward on delivering this major scheme.

“I’ve made a strong commitment to delivering new homes for affordable rent and the Harriott, Apsley and Pattison re-development will make a big different to achieving our goal and providing the homes that residents in Tower Hamlets desperately want and deserve.”

The development has been designed by architects PRP and building work is set to commence in summer 2025.

Stephen Martin, Associate Director at PRP said: “We are delighted with this approval, as it marks the culmination of our close collaboration with the residents, the local Red Coat Community Centre and Masjid group, and Tower Hamlets Council. Together, we have worked to deliver the best quality for the existing residents, making sure their new homes meet their needs.

“Importantly, the proposals will provide a significant number of new affordable rent homes for the Council, many of which are large four-bedroom family homes, addressing the pressing need for spacious accommodation for families in the area.”

The amended application incorporates the latest building safety standards announced in 2023, ensuring all flats have a secondary means of escape and other measures to improve fire safety. The proposed community centre is also relocated, to become a stand-alone facility.