The approval has paved the way for the estate to be transformed; replacing the 1970s built estate with modern, energy efficient homes which will make the most of its riverside location.
The approved scheme features 400 new homes ranging from one to four bedrooms which will be available for social rent, shared ownership, and outright sale. The homes all feature spacious outdoor areas including winter gardens and balconies, and will be constructed to East Thames’ high specification standards with modern energy saving features.
Designed by architects Jestico + Whiles, the new development received support from residents who welcomed the improved quality of housing on the estate. Residents had the opportunity to attend the council’s Planning Committee meeting in November to hear Councillors debate the proposals and eventually vote in favour of granting planning permission.
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The design proposed by Jestico + Whiles is founded on a 'street-based' approach and will see the existing estate replaced by a simple pattern of streets and low-to-medium rise urban blocks, which have been carefully orientated to maximise views and accessibility to the river.
Designed using traditional street patterns to incorporate a range of homes - from family townhouses to medium-rise apartments - New Union Wharf responds sensitively to the site and caters to the needs of an evolving community.
All existing residents will be offered new homes first and many of them have been involved in preparing plans, designs and ideas for the project over the past two years.
East Thames Director of Development and Property, Geoff Pearce said: "New Union Wharf is the first major estate where residents have chosen between full-scale regeneration or refurbishment to their homes. Since the residents made that decision, we’ve worked really closely with them to design the new homes, and I truly believe that their input has made a massive, positive difference to the quality of the scheme.
"The homes will not only provide a better quality of life for the existing residents, but will also offer a great new environment with housing opportunities for the local community."
(CD)
