In a significant development for east London's housing landscape, Tower Hamlets council has approved Richard Desmond's ambitious £1bn project on the Isle of Dogs. The decision marks a crucial milestone for the media tycoon's third attempt to secure planning consent for the Westferry Printworks site.
The approved plan encompasses 1,358 homes, a 31-storey tower, a secondary school with a 1,200-student capacity, along with shops and restaurants. This extensive project is set to transform the area, contributing to the ongoing regeneration of London's Docklands.
The journey to approval has been fraught with controversy. In 2020, the project was at the center of a political storm when then-housing secretary Robert Jenrick approved it, only for ministers to later block the decision. This incident sparked a debate about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of the planning process.
"I regret sitting next to Mr. Desmond at a fundraising dinner before the planning application was approved."
The latest iteration of the project has seen significant modifications. The height of the taller towers has been reduced, while shorter blocks have increased in size. Notably, the affordable housing provision has been boosted to 35%, addressing previous concerns about the development's social impact.
Richard Desmond, whose estimated net worth stands at £1.3bn, has a diverse business portfolio. His Northern & Shell empire has spanned various media ventures, from adult magazines to mainstream publications like OK! Magazine and television channels such as Channel 5. The company also operates the UK's Health Lottery, which was established in 2011 to support health-related causes across the country.
The approval process included extensive public consultation, with 968 out of 1,025 responses favoring the proposal. However, it's worth noting that many of these views were gathered by a consultant hired by the developer, potentially raising questions about the impartiality of the feedback.
While this approval is a significant hurdle cleared, the project's future is not yet fully secured. The decision will now be referred to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has a 14-day window to either endorse the development or call it in for further review.
The Westferry Printworks development is poised to play a crucial role in the ongoing transformation of Tower Hamlets. This borough, one of the most densely populated areas in the UK, has a rich history dating back to medieval times and has been home to various immigrant communities throughout its history. Today, it boasts one of the largest Bangladeshi communities in the country and includes part of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
As construction is expected to commence later this year, with completion projected over the next 6-8 years, the project promises to bring significant changes to the Isle of Dogs. This former island in London's East End has already undergone substantial regeneration since the 1980s, with Canary Wharf emerging as a major financial district within its boundaries.
While the development aims to breathe new life into this historic area of London Docklands, it also raises important questions about gentrification and its impact on local communities. Tower Hamlets, despite its proximity to the financial hub of Canary Wharf, still grapples with some of the highest child poverty rates in the UK, highlighting the complex socio-economic challenges facing the borough.
As the Westferry Printworks project moves forward, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of this dynamic and diverse part of London.