Newham Council seeks partner to deliver multi million pound redevelopment of Carpenters Estate creating thousands of new homes and jobs

The search is on for a development partner to bring to life Newham Council’s ambitious vision for the Carpenters Estate, which will create thousands of new homes and jobs.The procurement process to form a joint venture partnership to deliver the regeneration of the Stratford estate was given the green light by the Mayor and councillors at Cabinet last night (15 December). A joint venture partnership means the council will manage the transformation and ensure it delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to residents and businesses.The Carpenters Estate currently consists of 710 properties, comprising of three tower blocks and some low rise properties. The council’s proposal includes significantly increasing the number of homes on the estate to approximately 3,000 with at least 1,000 of these affordable. The transformation of the estate will also create more than 1,000 new jobs through its construction. Once completed, further job opportunities will be provided through 20,000sqm of commercial space. Newham residents will be prioritised for jobs through the council’s job brokerage service Workplace.In addition to the creation of new jobs and homes, the council has held discussions with Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust who are considering locating a 5000sqm Hospital hub within the Carpenters development. A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed which agrees all parties will continue to explore this opportunity as the scheme develops.The estate is currently home to a number of key education and skills providers and these will also play a key role in the redevelopment. Carpenters Primary School will be expanded as part of the proposals. The Building Crafts College will be improved and continue to provide vital training for Newham residents. There will also be community facilities, improved connections to the surrounding area and enhanced public realm. A rehousing programme has been ongoing on the estate since 2005. The council has worked with residents in specific properties, including the tower blocks, to help them find an alternative home of their choice meeting their specific needs. A Carpenters Residents Charter is in place that promises no rehoused residents will be worse off and offers a generous compensation and removal package. Many residents have now left the estate through this programme, mainly to homes in Stratford and surrounding areas of Newham. The procurement process, which will be through the Official Journal of the European Union, will start in the new year and it is intended a preferred bidder will be appointed by the end of 2017.