The third phase of a landmark £500m regeneration project at Blackwall Reach has received detailed planning permission, giving the go ahead for 315 new homes.
The third phase will add to the 340 homes already delivered in phase 1a and 1b, as well as the 268 homes currently under construction in phase two.
The development will include larger family homes located on the ground and first floor levels, with private entries as well as private gardens or patios.
The Blackwall Reach regeneration, which is being delivered by Swan Housing Association in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Greater London Authority, is replacing 252 existing residential homes, car parks, and warehouses with 1,575 new homes – 50% of which are affordable.
Phase one delivered a large new community hub – The Reach – providing new shops and cafes, a Plaza for Blackwall Reach DLR station with public art, as well as a replacement mosque.
The developers say the early provision of community infrastructure, coupled with the inclusive community engagement approach taken by the development partners, has ensured that Blackwall Reach is already a thriving new neighbourhood, stitching together existing and new residents into one sustainable community.
Transforming a previously neglected area, this is one of London’s most ambitious regeneration projects with a social purpose at its heart, which is why the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, previously launched his new housing strategy here.
John Synnuck, Swan’s CEO, said: “Seeing the Blackwall Reach generation evolve and the new community develop has been hugely rewarding for us and our regeneration partners at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Greater London Authority.
“This is what partnership working can deliver – more than 1,500 much-needed new homes and fantastic high-quality public realm with the services and community assets needed for the evolving community to thrive.
“Phase three will cement Blackwall Reach’s position as one of the most significant transformative regeneration projects in London.
“As well as more than 300 new homes, it will bring the preservation and enhancement of such high-quality public space in the city which is so essential in a post Covid-19 world.
“We are looking forward to seeing the residents of Blackwall Reach and the wider community enjoying this vibrant new public realm into the future.”
Deputy mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley said: “I am pleased to see that approval has been given for the latest stage of Blackwall Reach.
“This marks a significant step in continuing the delivery of more than 750 of the genuinely affordable, high-quality homes that Londoners so desperately need.
“This development is already transforming the local area with more than 200 completed homes, public realm improvements and new amenities in the first phase.
“This is an excellent demonstration of how public sector partners can work together to deliver our mayoral priorities, particularly around design, safety and sustainability, to benefit Londoners.
“I am excited to see our ambitious plans come to fruition over the years to come.”
John Biggs, mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “The Blackwall Reach Regeneration scheme is creating more than 1,500 new homes, including 679 affordable homes, 561 of which will be at social rent and a further 118 for shared ownership.
“As a borough we are delivering one of the highest number of affordable homes in the country to tackle the housing crisis.
“The next stage of this project will not only deliver 315 new homes including much needed larger family homes but a new public space for the community, much improved transport links and create local jobs and business opportunities.”
Image: CGI projection of phase three of the Blackwell Reach redevelopment
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