Newham Council has begun the search for a development partner to deliver 3,000 homes and redevelop a huge housing estate close to Stratford and the Olympic Park.
The Carpenters Estate currently consists of 710 homes, comprising three tower blocks and a number of low-rise properties. Newham now plans to replace these with up to 3,000 homes, with at least 1,000 of these affordable, a minimum of 35%.
Newham states it is its aim to provide social housing in blocks no higher than eight storeys, and that council tenants will be given a ‘right to return’.
In addition to the new homes, Newham is in discussions with Moorfields Eye Hospital, which is considering the site as a location for a 54,000 sq ft hospital hub. A memorandum of understanding has been signed that agrees all parties will continue to explore this opportunity as the scheme develops.
Newham had planned to partner with UCL to bring forward a vision of a £1bn university-led development of the site. However, those talks broke down in 2013, with UCL now partnering with the London Legacy Development Corporation, with a campus planned within the Olympic Park itself.
The scheme has been a long time coming, with the rehousing of tenants and purchasing of leasehold interests commencing across the site in 2005. In total, over 88% of the current decant phase is now complete and a total of 267 tenanted households have been rehoused, with over 70% of those remaining in the Stratford area.
The council, as landowner, will be responsible for providing vacant possession of the Carpenters Estate redevelopment site. Newham states: “Whilst every effort will be made to obtain leasehold and freehold interests through negotiation, it is anticipated that it will be necessary to implement a CPO strategy.”
A preferred bidder is expected to be appointed by the end of 2017, with the procurement process being conducted through the Official Journal of European Union.
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