Third Carpenters Estate 'Meanwhile' Project Receives Approval
Posted 21 November 2024
We are pleased to announce that plans to transform the former Tenant Management Office (TMO) building on the Carpenters Estate into vibrant work and community spaces have been approved by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). This marks the third ‘meanwhile’ project to receive planning approval, following the green light for the new outdoor Gym and Playground as well as the innovative Train Carriage Café.
These meanwhile projects form an integral part of the first phase of the Carpenters Estate regeneration, aiming to foster community development, enhance access to amenities, and create dynamic social spaces during the phased delivery of the resident-led masterplan.
The regeneration of the Carpenters Estate will ultimately deliver a sustainable neighbourhood with over 2,000 high-quality homes (50% social rent), alongside new commercial, green, and community spaces. The masterplan was co-developed with residents and gained overwhelming support through a resident’s ballot, with outline planning approval granted in February 2024.
Transforming the TMO Building
The TMO project will carefully adapt the old Tenant Management Office and garages to provide a mix of community and workspaces. The upgrades include a small roof extension, two new two-storey buildings, and landscaped courtyards, creating spaces designed to connect and cultivate growth.
Flexible ground-floor areas will cater to local businesses, resident organisations, and a café offering healthy, nutritious food. The community hall will be upgraded with improved access and new doors opening onto the courtyard, making it more versatile for events, classes, and meetings. Community activities currently held at the Dovetail space will relocate to the hall, increasing capacity and functionality.
In keeping with the estate’s environmental goals, the project minimises waste by reusing existing structures and materials. Around 60% of wood, tiles, and granite, as well as surplus windows, have been sourced from other projects, making this a flagship for Newham Council’s circular economy and ‘Just Transition Plan.’
Supporting the Local Community and Economy
As with the other meanwhile projects, the TMO development prioritises placemaking and community integration. The project will create shared workspaces where compatible businesses and organisations can collaborate, foster connections, grow and maintain a sense of community.
-
The Workers Yard: A communal space with all workspaces facing onto a dynamic courtyard designed to foster social connections.
-
The Events Terrace: A flexible public area that can host events during the day and transform into a workspace for Populo Living during working hours.
-
The Events Corner: A flexible open community space designed to evolve through use, providing market testing and pop-up spaces for small businesses.
-
The Village Square: A lively triangular hub featuring cafés, food vendors, creative studios, and wellness spaces, offering a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.
Populo Living’s relocation to the TMO site will also contribute to the area’s transformation, supporting viability through cross-subsidy and reinforcing the estate’s economic growth.
Nick Clough, Carpenters Project Director at Populo Living said: “We look forward to seeing Jan Kattein Architect’s vision for the TMO being realised, as it is a key element in the Meanwhile Strategy. Together with the new playgrounds, outdoor gym and train café, the TMO marks a milestone for residents and Newham. Delivery of the meanwhile projects is the first step in the phased development of the resident’s masterplan which will transform the estate and deliver over a thousand homes in the first five years.”
Looking Ahead
Work on the TMO project is scheduled to begin in spring 2025, with Jan Kattein Architects leading the design. Known for their innovative approach to public-facing projects, the architects are bringing their expertise to ensure the development meets the needs of residents while advancing sustainability and social cohesion.
Alastair Johnson, Project Architect at Jan Kattein Architects, commented:
“With the phased regeneration of the Carpenters Estate programmed to taking 12 years, our project will play a vital role in providing social and cultural spaces for old and new residents and encouraging enterprise in the interim. We know from similar projects elsewhere that a well-thought out meanwhile programme can help to establish community organisations and new businesses and built their capacity to subsequently take up ground floor spaces created as part of the legacy development. Leveraging the power of local people and organisations represents the most effective way to foster social cohesion and realise placemaking objectives.”
Populo Living is dedicated to staying connected with Carpenters Estate residents as the regeneration progresses. Getting the green light for all three ‘meanwhile’ projects is an exciting milestone in bringing the community’s shared vision for the estate to life.
About Populo Living
Populo Living is Newham Council's wholly owned housing company, working to create high-quality homes and places that make Newham a great place to live. Learn more at www.populoliving.co.uk.
About Jan Kattein Architects
Jan Kattein Architects is a London-based practice with a 15-year track record of delivering public-facing projects that combine innovative design with social and environmental responsibility. Learn more at: jankattein.com