News on Aberfeldy New Masterplan

In September, Aberfeldy New Village LLP, the joint venture partnership between Poplar HARCA and EcoWorld London, held a consultation event to present the latest masterplan proposals for the regeneration of the Aberfeldy neighbourhood in Poplar. The event was an opportunity for residents to see and discuss the proposals to deliver new homes, shops, and workspace alongside better connections for walking and cycling and new and improved parks and public spaces.

Over 60 residents attended on the day, as well as ward councillor Rajib Ahmed and representatives from the Aberfeldy Masjid. Residents met with and discussed the masterplan with the Aberfeldy project team, and Maureen’s pie and mash and curry from The Indian Butler was provided free of charge. Feedback on the regeneration proposals from attendees was overwhelmingly positive about the future direction of regeneration for Aberfeldy and the event itself.

Commenting on the consultation exercise, Mahbubul Alom, Chairman of the Aberfeldy Islamic Centre said, “I was very impressed with the organisation of the consultation event held by Poplar HARCA and EcoWorld London and I look forward to seeing these exciting regeneration plans being delivered as soon as possible.”

Food leftover from the event was donated to Friends in Poplar, a charity that provides meals to those in need in the community. Sister Christine Frost MBE, who founded the charity in 1968, shared with the project team that the Friends are due to deliver their 20,000th meal in early October.

This consultation event, held at the Aberfeldy Neighbourhood Centre, marked the culmination of months of conversations with residents on the proposals for next stage of regeneration in Aberfeldy. In July, almost 5,000 information booklets were sent to households across Poplar with the details of the new masterplan, along with a feedback form and freepost envelope for residents to return their comments on the plans. The ‘Your Future Aberfeldy’ hub at 43 Aberfeldy Street has been open every Monday and Wednesday throughout August and September for residents to drop in to view the plans, speak to the project team and leave their feedback. The result of this consultation exercise has been overwhelming positive, with over 400 feedback forms received showing support for the masterplan proposals from almost 90% of respondents.

Over the last two years, feedback from the local community has helped to shape these plans and last year 93.1% of residents voted in favour of regeneration, with 91.1% participating in the ballot. A hybrid planning application is now being prepared and is due to be submitted to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets this autumn.

This latest regeneration of Aberfeldy will:

Although, the consultation period has now closed, Poplar HARCA and EcoWorld London will continue engagement and discussions with the local community as the plans are brought forward.