Northern & Shell secures approval after eight years for a major London redevelopment.
- Tower Hamlets Council approves revised plans with increased affordable housing.
- The £1bn project includes 1,358 homes, school, public space and more.
- Mace spearheads the development, transitioning from planning to construction.
- Prior rejections overturned amidst controversy; affordable housing a key factor.
After eight years of attempts, Richard Desmond’s Northern & Shell has finally achieved a significant milestone by securing planning approval for the £1bn redevelopment of the Westferry Printworks site in East London. The Tower Hamlets Council’s strategic development committee granted the approval, marking the third attempt after previous rejections. The persistence paid off, reflecting an intricate engagement with local governance and urban planning proceedings.
The revised plans, pivotal in securing approval, reflect significant changes from its predecessors, particularly in the area of affordable housing. Notably, the proposal increased the provision of ‘affordable’ housing from 21% to 35%, which appears to have been a decisive factor for the council’s approval. The development, situated on a 6.15 hectare brownfield site, will transform the area, offering 1,358 new homes, a secondary school with capacity for 1,200 students, and over two hectares of public space, alongside commercial facilities.
This ambitious development will be managed by Mace, progressing through planning and into construction phases. The site, which has already seen demolition and enabling works, is poised to witness construction commencement later this year. Execution will proceed in four phases, anticipated to span six to eight years before completion. The site’s transformation from Europe’s largest printing works to a thriving residential community reflects a broader urban regeneration trend.
The journey to approval has not been without its challenges. The initial 2016 application, which was overruled by then-Mayor Boris Johnson, included 722 flats and was contentious, as was the 2018 proposal, initially rejected despite an attempted override by then Secretary of State Robert Jenrick. His decision was later reversed amidst controversy involving political donations and discussions at a Conservative Party event.
This latest approval underscores a nuanced interplay between development ambitions and socio-political factors, exemplified by the adjustments made to ensure more affordable housing. Such changes not only addressed prior objections but also aligned the project more closely with the council’s priorities, ensuring a more inclusive urban development initiative.
The successful approval of Westferry Printworks highlights the complexity and eventual triumph of urban redevelopment negotiations.
