Led by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) the £45 million scheme for a high tech hub will see a ratcheting up of the range and quality of business accommodation building on the existing cluster of creative industries in Hackney Wick along with those industries struggling to establish a foot hole in high value Shoreditch and Hoxton.  

And allied with plans already put in place by LTGDC with TfL and Network Rail for significant improvements to Hackney Wick Station along with super fast broadband connections, the combined effect will heighten the attractiveness of the area as a viable business location. 

The consented plans provide for a range of workspace sizes and types including rent-a-desk options, shared incubator space and larger units for growing businesses. This mix of provision is vital for creating a vibrant employment hub capable of supporting continued economic growth and investment in Hackney Wick. 

1,596 sq m of retail for a convenience store, cafes, bars and restaurants, 1,820 sq m of public open space, and 130 residential units providing a mix of studios one, two and three bed apartments add to the creation of a new vibrant area for Hackney Wick. 

The creative industries remain a strong and dynamic component of London’s economy, accounting for one new job in every 12 created [1].  The prospects for creative industry growth in Hackney Wick received strong endorsement.  Research by the Tom Fleming Creative Consultancy cited the spotlight of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the presence of the IBC/MPC and its lure to high end media companies to locate and improving access to the area by road and train. 

Steve Oakes, LTGDC’s Development Director said: 

‘Tech City shouldn’t stop at Shoreditch.  We are providing the foundations for it to continue to spread eastwards through to Hackney Wick.  Already home to over 600 cultural and creative industry with a range of businesses aligning well with hi tech concerns, Hackney Wick is a ready-made creative and cultural industries cluster. Sitting between Shoreditch and the IBC/MPC in the Olympic Park there is a natural gradient for creative industry growth to happen here. 

‘Our plans will provide the supporting infrastructure of good transport access, excellent public space and will speed the successful transition of the area into a new district hub with great character and a work/live vibrancy. It will be the benchmark for further development emerging in Hackney Wick.’

 Speaking about the next stage in the development Steve Oakes said:

 ‘The critical next stage is to procure a developer partnership led by a workspace operator and provider who can bring the expertise and specialist skills which will be essential in ensuring that the final space provision, size, rental terms and services meet the business requirement.  There are real experts in this area, with sound, well funded, viable business models.  The workspace operator coupled with a residential partner will ensure the right scheme is delivered.’

[1] GLA Economics 2009

Agenda for 09 February 2012

ITEM 2 Draft Planning Committee Minutes 12 January 2012

ITEM 3 Virginia Quay

ITEM 3 Appendices 1 to 8

ITEM 4 Hackney Wick Hub

ITEM 4 Appendices 1 to 6

ITEM 5 Planning Performance Monitoring Quarterly Report

ITEM 6 Planning Obligations Monitoring Quarterly Report

Addendum Reports:

ITEM 3 Addendum Report Virginia Quay incl attachments

ITEM 4 Addendum Report Hackney Wick Hub incl attachment

The transfer comes in the aftermath of the passing of the Localism Act and with it the creation of the new Mayoral Development Corporation covering the Olympic Park and Olympic Fringe. Under the new arrangements all LTGDC projects outside the new Mayoral Development Corporation area will transfer to the Greater London Authority.

After the successful stewardship of planning and development activity in east London since 2005 which has secured over £6 billion of private sector investment along with planning consents with the potential to deliver over 18,000 homes and 15,000 jobs, LTGDC will transfer all its development assets and staff to the MDC and the GLA in April 2012 and will transfer its planning responsibilities for the Lower Lea Valley  to the new Mayoral Development Corporation and the relevant local authorities in October 2012.

Speaking today on the asset transfer LTGDC Chairman Bob Lane said;

‘The asset transfer is excellent news for both east London and the capital. It’s a testament to the effective management of LTGDC over the last 6 years that they are as substantial, containing many key developments that will be an essential part of securing east London’s prosperous future.

Assets set to transfer to the GLA include the 25 hectare London Sustainable Industries Park at Dagenham Dock, new homes development at Barking Riverside, the Creative Industries Quarter in Barking Town and both land and development sites in  Rainham Village, Havering.

A three week consultation with local councils on the asset transfer begins today.  After this point an Order is planned to be laid in Parliament in March providing legal sanction for the transfer.

Mr Lane continued:

‘With our assets come an expert and dedicated staff who know east London and its challenges intimately and the proven skills to overcome them.  They will be an asset to both the new MDC and City Hall in driving east London’s regeneration to a successful and fitting end. I thank them all for their hard work and dedication and their sheer level of achievement over the last 6 years.’

Further information from Patrick Edwards, Head of Communications, LTGDC Tel:  +442075174734 , Mobile +447825451424 patrick.edwards@ltgdc.org.uk 

The six hectare site will reconnect the areas north and south of the A13 flyover; Canning Town Corner with Barking Road and Rathbone Market – to create a vibrant, accessible and safe Town Centre. Phase 1 of the scheme will comprise 179 residential units of private and affordable housing, 424 square metres of retail and a Morrisons supermarket of over 7,000 square metres.

Work will start on site in Canning Town during the final quarter of 2012.

The entire Town Centre scheme includes approximately 1,100 mixed tenure housing units, over 30,000sqm of leisure and retail space and over 5,000 sqm of space for community facilities. The whole scheme is scheduled to be completed by 2023.

Speaking of the planning decision, Stephane Slama-Royer, Managing Director of Bouygues Development, said:

“This is a tremendous decision for Canning Town and for East London as a whole. The regeneration scheme will bring a much-needed sense of place to the area and a wealth of opportunity to the local community. 2012 looks set to be a monumental year for enhancing the economic prospects of the Olympic fringes in East London.”

Peter Andrews, Chief Executive of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, said:

“The impact of this decision will be truly transformational. Canning Town’s regeneration did not happen when the DLR and Jubilee lines were put in place but this sustained effort by LTGDC and Newham Council will provide a truer platform for the area’s rebirth. With the Mayor’s new development corporation soon to be established, Canning Town may well be the last example of substantial regeneration outside of the Olympic Park.”

Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of London Borough of Newham said;

“This scheme is the real game-changer for Canning Town, and illustrates the scale of our ambition when it comes to delivering regeneration in Newham. More than that though, it is being delivered very much for the local community and with existing residents at its heart. They will benefit from a new Town Centre and all the opportunities that come with that – jobs, new homes and community facilities. It’s through initiatives like this that Newham is bringing together physical and social regeneration to form strong, prosperous and resilient communities.”

Clive Dutton, Newham Council’s Executive Director for Regeneration and Inward Investment, said:

“To be delivering a new, £600m town centre scheme in the current market is a huge achievement and testament to the strength of Newham’s regeneration vision and our ability to work with private and public sector partners to deliver that vision. The Bouygues Development scheme will spur on not only the wider Canning Town and Custom House regeneration programme, it will also give momentum to the wealth of opportunities throughout Newham’s arc of opportunity running from The Royals through to Stratford. It is further evidence that East London and Newham in particular are at the heart of London’s future economic growth.”

Alan Williams, Group Director at One Housing Group said:

“One Housing Group has a wealth of experience in delivering successful regeneration schemes and we are delighted to bring this experience into our partnership with Bouygues Development. The regeneration of Canning Town will build a diverse yet balanced community and creates much needed affordable homes.”

Richard Haynes, development executive at Morrisons said:

“It’s fantastic that we have been given the go-ahead to provide a flagship ‘store of the future’ Morrisons at the heart of such a significant regeneration and development scheme. We’re now looking forward to bringing our unique fresh food offer to Canning Town along with important jobs, training and investment.  This is another great example of how Morrisons can support regeneration and it’s another step forward in our expansion strategy for London and the South East.”

2012-01-12 Planning Committee Minutes

Committee Papers:

Agenda for 12 January 2012

ITEM 2 Draft Planning Committee Minutes 08 December 2011

ITEM 3 Canning Town Area 7

ITEM 3 Appendices 1 to 12

Addendum Report:

ITEM 3 Addendum Report Canning Town Area 7

The judges commended the scheme for taking a 1870s listed building and giving it a new life with bronze cladding and a contemporary interior, transforming the previously derelict building into a chic commercial unit which more than meets the needs of a 21st century occupier.

Led by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, the Creative Industries Quarter (CIQ) at Abbey Road, Barking, has already seen the refurbishment of the Malthouse and now the restoration and addition of a modern extension to The Granary building which is home to the UK headquarters of Rooff.

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We are moving towards replacing 2011 – the year of challenges – with 2012 – the year of opportunities fully realised.

Read full issue

What are LTGDC’s plans for Hackney Wick?

A new creative and high-tech hub for east London with over 6,000 square metres of affordable and flexible workspace and up to 130 residential apartments with supporting retail space and café/restaurants set either side of the existing Hackney Wick Station.  LTGDC as part of the “Hub” project is working with Network Rail and TfL to initiate important improvements to the station which will see a pedestrian and cycle concourse (through the existing embankment) along with a new ticket hall and step-free access.  Making access from north and south to Hackney Wick far more accessible than it is now, these new connections  form a part of the new access schemes that open the Olympic Park up to its surrounding, with the two bridges over the Lea Navigation currently under construction.

Why in Hackney Wick?

Situated on the western perimeter of the Olympic Park Hackney Wick has suffered from opportunistic residential development driven by the last decades high land value. These developments have not delivered any benefits for the wider area, and have not provided the opportunity for enhanced culture and creative industry space that the area is crying out for.  LTGDC  with Hackney Council , wants to exploit this demand, kick starting developments that will provide a step change to the area and provide a much improved vibrancy with a balanced mix of new employment space and residential development.  This will start with LTGDC’s scheme on Hackney Wick Station with the potential for the station itself to benefit from £7m of improvements over the next three years.

Is this part of the PM’s Tech City initiative?

Tech City shouldn’t stop at Shoreditch or Dalston.  We are providing the foundations for it to continue to spread eastwards through to Hackney Wick.  LTGDC is enhancing the business accommodation offer to meet the huge demand for workspace to tech start ups struggling to find space in Shoreditch.

Already home to over 600 cultural and creative industries with a range of businesses aligning with the Tech City initiative, Hackney Wick is a ready-made creative and cultural industries cluster. Sitting between Shoreditch and the IBC/MPC in the Olympic Park there is a natural gradient for creative industry growth to happen here. The Centre for Cities stated that it is “very difficult to create a Cluster if there is not already one that has been created by businesses themselves”.  Hackney Wick is a Creative & Cultural Industries (CCI) cluster evidenced by the number of businesses already operating. It’s not just about artists but businesses ranging from architecture to computer games.

How are you going to ensure space is affordable for start up companies?

A range of workspace sizes and types will form part of the LTGDC scheme including rent-a-desk options, shared incubator space and larger units for growing businesses.  This provision is vital in terms of creating a vibrant employment hub which will support continued economic growth and investment in Hackney Wick.

Critical to this will be the procurement of a ‘Workspace Operator and Provider’.  They will bring experience and specialist skills which will be essential in ensuring that the final space provision, size, rental terms and services meet the business requirement.  There are real experts in this area, with sound, well funded, viable business models and LTGDC will attract an operator with a residential partner to ensure the right scheme is delivered.

Do LTGDC’s plans incorporate any residential?

The application includes the development of up to 130 residential units to include a mix of studios, one, two and three bed flats, 1,596 sq m of retail for a convenience store, cafes, bars and restaurants and 1,820 sq m of public open space.

The residential element sits neatly with the CCI element.  Being able to offer apartments for market rent and for sale close to their business location is of great benefit.  The scheme has a focus on work-live with the residential seen as a supporting element to the scheme, not the driver.  Getting the CCI space right is the essential element.  Notwithstanding this, the residential contributes hugely to creating a new hub of activity around the station and as other schemes come forward mirroring the Hub concept; it will provide a new focus for the area.  Particularly, once the station improvements are realised.

When will this application be decided?

The outline planning application (which will allow for the appointed developer for the CCI element and the residential to do the final designs) will be determined at LTGDC’s Planning Committee on the 9^th February with planning consent, including S106 planning agreement, by the end of February 2012.  Procurement of a development partner is to begin in February 2012.

What is it about the scheme that should attract private developers?

The ability to phase the scheme will be attractive to private developers.  It is also manageable in funding terms, as the scale of the scheme is reasonable and with workspace provider/residential developer partnership, the funding can be shared.

How are LTGDC’s other investment activities making businesses take a second look at Hackney Wick?

LTGDC’s Hub scheme is another part of a focused investment in partnership with Hackney and Tower Hamlets Councils, British Waterways and the London Development Agency.  This has addressed public realm improvements – with LTGDC putting some £2.4m to bring about improved access to and through the area. The public realm works are practically complete and have been shortlisted in the London Planning Awards.  Our decisive land purchases in the area make us one of the key landholders and therefore fully in the driving seat to bring forward our plans for the Hackney Wick Hub.

People now venture more and more into Hackney Wick.  It is no longer an undesirable cul-de-sac and in two year’s time, when it has full access to the Olympic Park, Hackney Wick has the opportunity to be a new and vibrant character area for London.

2011-12-08 Planning Committee Minutes

Committee Papers:

Agenda for 08 December 2011

ITEM 2 Draft Planning Committee Minutes 10 November 2011

ITEM 3 Station Street Stratford and New Town E15

ITEM 3 Appendix 1

ITEM 3 Appendix 2

ITEM 3 Appendix 3

ITEM 4 Consultation Response CIL Details Proposals and draft regs for reform

The new waterside pathway at Bow which was opened in September 2011 by former British triple jumper and world record holder Jonathan Edwards CBE, has won the Best Cycling Facility Award at the London Cycling Awards 2011.

The £2.4million scheme which provides an uninterrupted 28 mile route from Hertfordshire to the heart of east London, was funded by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and delivered by British Waterways, with supporting contributions from the Olympic Delivery Authority, Transport for London, the London Development Agency and Walk London.

Installed under the busy A11 junction at Bow, the suspended pathway provides a much safer route for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. Now local people and visitors can travel an unbroken waterside route all the way from Limehouse to Ware and Hertford.