Tower Hamlets Council has approved plans for the redevelopment of Tomlinson Close, a project set to deliver 55 new homes, including 33 social rent properties and 22 for private sale. The scheme, part of the Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme (MAHP), will see the demolition of the existing 2-20 Tomlinson Close blocks and associated garages, along with the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) site. The redevelopment aims to improve housing quality, accessibility, and the public realm.
Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, stated that the project reflects the council's commitment to raising housing standards and making better use of its land for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future in Weavers Ward. Beyond the new homes, specific improvements planned for the public realm include improved landscaping and public realm
, an Upgrade to existing play provision, located within 400 metres of the site
, improved accessible, well connected and sustainable network of open space and high-quality public realm
, and provision of additional landscaped communal gardens and improved streetscape
.
The new development will include seven wheelchair-accessible homes, exceeding the policy requirement of 10%. Additionally, 66.6% of the affordable homes will be three or four bedrooms, addressing the need for larger family-sized properties in the borough.
The existing secure tenants from 2-20 Tomlinson Close will be rehoused in new affordable homes on the site, with a guaranteed right to return. The Right to Buy will be removed for the new council-owned affordable rented homes, except for those tenants who are rehoused from the existing block. This removal of the Right to Buy for new homes is intended for ensuring long-term protection of the housing stock and its ability to support future generations of residents.
The exception for existing tenants is that rehoused tenants from the 2-20 Tomlinson Close block will retain their right to buy.
This measure ensures the long-term protection of the housing stock.
The estimated total scheme cost is £27.9 million, with funding expected from the Greater London Authority (GLA) grant, Right to Buy receipts, Section 106 contributions, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) reserves, and prudential borrowing. The project is expected to contribute positively to the local economy through job creation and training opportunities during its construction phase.
For more details on the project, refer to the Cabinet Report Tomlinson Close Cabinet Report Tomlinson Close.