News on Aberfeldy New Masterplan

The regeneration of the Aberfeldy neighbourhood in Poplar has moved a step closer following the submission of a hybrid planning application to Tower Hamlets Council. The application submission marks the culmination of over two years of extensive engagement with residents and the wider community on the Aberfeldy new masterplan, which has been developed with the community by Aberfeldy Village LLP, the joint venture partnership between Poplar HARCA and EcoWorld London.

Aberfeldy residents have been involved in the development of the plans at every step of the journey so far and prior to the submission residents gave the proposals the thumbs up, with almost 90% of the over 400 respondents saying they supported the details of the masterplan. This follows the estate regeneration ballot last year, where 93% of residents voted to support regeneration on a 91% turnout.

Commenting on the news, Aberfeldy resident Alaina said, “It was exciting to see the detailed proposals over the summer – it’s exactly the change our neighbourhood needs. It’s excellent news that the application has now been submitted. I can’t wait for work to get started.”

If the green light is given, the masterplan will deliver over 1,600 new homes of all types and tenures, at least 35% of which will be affordable homes for people on the Tower Hamlets housing waiting list, and all current residents wishing to remain in Aberfeldy have the option to do so, in a like-for-like home on the same tenancy terms and rent levels.

Working with Aberfeldy residents and pupils from local schools to develop designs that will create a safer, greener, child friendly neighbourhood alongside much needed new housing, the masterplan will deliver a new local centre on Aberfeldy Street, with purpose-built shops, workspaces, and a community centre. New connections will be created across the A12 and A13 to improve links to Poplar and Newham and deliver new walking and cycling routes and improvements to local streets, parks, and public spaces to create healthy streets that will improve the local environment, reduce air pollution, and encourage active travel.

Poplar HARCA Chief Executive, Steve Stride said “This application is a once in a generation opportunity to deliver the homes, workspaces and community facilities that this area of Poplar so desperately needs. The Aberfeldy LLP is committed to working with residents to deliver real change that makes Tower Hamlets a better place to live. 50% of the new homes to be built in the first phase as part of the transformation of Aberfeldy Street will be affordable. We hope to welcome the first residents into their new homes in 2024.

Commenting on the application submission, Heng Leong Cheong, CEO at EcoWorld London said “From the outset we have worked very closely with the local community and we are pleased that there is clear appetite from residents to see the masterplan brought forward, and we are happy to be submitting the application now with the support of the community. We have been working with Poplar HARCA in Aberfeldy since 2012 and we are proud of the positive change we have already delivered at Aberfeldy Village, and we look forward to continuing to work with them, Tower Hamlets, the GLA, TfL and residents to make this exciting and ambitious masterplan a reality.”