1960s housing estate, Robin Hood Gardens, to be transformed

Under proposals for the Blackwall Reach area, Robin Hood Gardens will be demolished to make way for up to 1,700 new homes, compared with the 252 homes currently on the estate itself and nearby land.

Around 700 of the homes, some of which will also be located at nearby Woolmore Street, Mackrow Walk, and Anderson House, will be for social rent and shared ownership.

The scheme, covering an area up to 191,510 square meters, is bounded by East India Dock Road to the north, the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach and East India Docks to the east, Aspen Way to the south and Cotton Street to the west.

The plans which describe the estate as largely isolated from the surrounding community aim to open up the site and improve the way it connects to the surrounding community.

The project promises open space, community facilities, shops, a relocated mosque, the expansion of the existing Woolmore School, and 340 car parking spaces.

Tower Hamlets Mayor, Lutfur Rahman, said: “The project is truly exciting. It will enable us to deliver a net gain of affordable homes, including many family homes, to meet the growing need in the borough.”

During the demolition of Robin Hood Gardens replacement homes, among the 1,700 homes being build in phases, will be provided for council tenants and home owners living in Robin Hood Gardens. Tenants and homeowners will have a choice between remaining on the site or moving out, according to a council spokeswoman.

An employment and training initiatives for residents will also be set up, along with a phased �1 million endowment that will be made available to a trust to be set up by the council.

The outline planning application has been developed by the council and the Homes and Communities Agency in partnership with Swan Housing Association in consultation with the local community. It will be followed by a detailed application for the first phase of the scheme. The consultation ends on January 29.