Richard Desmond doubles size of Westferry Printworks scheme

Newspaper tycoon Richard Desmond has scaled-up plans to redevelop Northern & Shell’s Westferry Printworks site on London’s Isle of Dogs.

Revised plans submitted by development manager Mace to Tower Hamlets Council will see the number of homes planned for the site more than doubled from around 722 to 1,500 new homes.

Previous lower rise flats scheme with outline planning

This will be achieved by dramatically raising the height of the main buildings and including an extra building. Blocks previously planned to rise from four to 30 floors will jump in height to scale up to from 9 to 46 floors (161m).

As well as more private and affordable homes, the revised plan for waterfront mixed-used scheme also includes shops, restaurants, workspaces, a big secondary school and two new parks.

Cleared site of the former Northern and Shell Westferry Printworks

The former Westferry Printworks masterplan first received planning consent in August 2016 and since demolition contractor Erith cleared the 15-acre waterside site ready for construction.

New high-rise plan for over 1,500 homes at Isle of Dogs site

The revised plan responds to the new London Plan, which identified The Isle of Dogs as an area that required substantial investment in new and affordable homes.

The Mayor of London has called for almost 66,000 new homes to be delivered every year, with Tower Hamlets having a target of over 3,500 per year.

The new scheme will not only deliver more homes but also aims to deliver 35% affordable housing, which is three and half times more affordable homes than the previous consent.

Mike Myles, Mace’s Development Director, said: “The submission of a new planning application for Westferry Printworks to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is a real statement of intent that aligns itself with both the needs of the local community and the delivery of new and affordable homes for Londoners.

“We are extremely proud to be part of this flagship scheme that will contribute significantly to the enhancement of this area, whilst fully aligning with the London Plan.”

from Construction Enquirer http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/09/06/richard-desmond-doubles-size-of-westferry-printworks-scheme/

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