Swan Housing Association has been granted planning approval from Tower Hamlets Council for Phase 2 of the Blackwall Reach Regeneration Project.
The latest phase of the £300m regeneration project will deliver over 1,500 new homes in Tower Hamlets of which half will be affordable.
This phase of the scheme, which will be completed by 2026, also includes new community facilities, commercial units and improved access to Blackwall DLR through an enhanced public realm.
Planning for Phase 2 was submitted following a series of extensive public consultation events held by Swan and their appointed architectural team and the regeneration partners of Tower Hamlets Council and the Greater London Authority.
Phase 2 has been designed by Metropolitan Workshop and Haworth Tompkins, acting as joint architects. When complete it will deliver 268 new homes across four new buildings.
The scheme retains the original central park and mound which is a key feature of the Robin Hood Gardens estate. It is a large public space shielded from the surrounding roads. It is an unusual feature in this densely built part of London and, the consultation revealed, that it is appreciated by local residents, so the approved design retains this space in its entirety.
Phase 2 consists of four buildings, two designed by each architectural practice. They share a common architectural language but are different in style and expression, creating two distinct architectural 'quarters' around the central space.
The Blackwall Reach regeneration project has 5 phases and, when complete, will transform a key area of the borough. It lies adjacent to the Blackwall Tunnel and will replace 252 homes with over 1,500 new homes, commercial premises and community facilities. The entire masterplan will be delivered over the next decade, with the first phase, Phase 1A, completed in 2015.
Geoff Pearce, Executive Director Regeneration and Development, Swan Housing Group said:
We are delighted to have received planning permission for Phase 2 of the Blackwall Reach regeneration project. This phase will deliver over 260 high-quality homes for Tower Hamlets. We selected Metropolitan Workshop and Haworth Tompkins as joint architects for Phase 2 of Blackwall Reach because of their track record of delivering high quality urban design and architecture in residential and mixed use projects. We believe their designs complement each other and show commitment to the art of making beautiful, sustainable buildings. We think that their designs provide an inspired and deliverable redevelopment plan for the next phase of the regeneration of Blackwall Reach.
Neil Deely, Partner, Metropolitan Workshop said:
The project has the support of local people and everyone is very pleased that it has received planning. We are looking forward to working with Swan and Haworth Tompkins to deliver this important phase of the regeneration. As a team, we have secured many profound improvements to the plan and this phasewill retain and revitalise Millennium Green.
Toby Johnson, Director, Haworth Tompkins said:
We have enjoyed working with Swan and collaborating with Metropolitan Workshop on Blackwall Reach Phase 2 and are delighted that this phase of the project has received reserved matters approval with no formal objections being raised. The redevelopment supports the ongoing regeneration of Blackwall Reach, improving the quality of life for those living on and near the estate by providing better homes for the existing residents of the estate and additional new homes to meet the demand in this fast changing part of London.