Architects have been appointed in a deal for the final look of the biggest regeneration project in London’s East End for a decade.

Specialists have been brought in to look at the masterplan of the massive Blackwall Reach project that replaces the much-discredited Robin Hood Gardens estate and the surrounding streets.

The deal was signed with Metropolitan Workshop and Jestico & Whiles architects who were selected by Swan Housing Association and its development partners, Tower Hamlets Council and the Greater London Authority.

“They were able to show strong expertise in community involvement,” Swan Housing’s Mark Curle explained. “Public consultation will remain at the centre of the development.”

The first phase involves 239 new homes at Poplar and a new public park, to kickstart the massive regeneration next to the Blackwall Tunnel Approach.

Karakusivic Carson architects have also been appointed to design 245 mostly-private homes which are included in the scheme.

Senior partner Paul Karakusevic said: “This is a fascinating project with views over the Thames which is helping to build on the community spirit in the area.”

The Outline Blackwall Reach development plan was approved in March last year—now the detailed nuts and bolts are being worked out, while demolition of Robin Hood Gardens is already under way.

The former 1970s estate has been at the centre of controversy since 2007 over its stark concrete buildings becoming run-down and costly to maintain. It caused a rift in the community with many calling for to whole lot to be bulldozed, while conservationists wanted its ‘brutalist’ design preserved as an example of post-war architecture and kept for low-cost social housing.