Canning Town Estate Regeneration
A community-backed vision for a greener and heathier Canning Town.
Location: London, UK
Client: Newham Council
Year: on-going
Area: 8.1 Hectares
“We have the overwhelming backing of the community who are ready to see positive change happen.”
– Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
Mayor of Newham
The Canning Town Estate Regeneration scheme has won the resounding endorsement of local residents, with 69.9% voting ‘YES’ in a month-long ballot, marking a significant milestone in Newham Council’s Affordable Homes for Newham programme. This £500m regeneration project aims to deliver 1,700 new homes, including 50% genuinely affordable, energy-efficient homes, alongside community facilities and enhanced public and green spaces. Led by architects Jestico + Whiles, URBAN was responsible for all public realm and landscape elements, including streetscapes, plazas, parks, playgrounds, courtyards, and roof gardens.
Community Collaboration and Involvement
A key feature of the Canning Town regeneration project was the two-year co-production process involving local residents. This collaborative approach ensured that the masterplan reflected the community’s needs and aspirations. Engaging with local schools, workshops, and public meetings, J+W, URBAN and the Council worked closely with the Canning Town steering group to develop a plan that prioritizes community well-being and connectivity.
Enhancing Public Spaces and Green Infrastructure
URBAN’s role in the Canning Town Estate Regeneration included designing all public realm and landscape elements to create vibrant, safe, and accessible environments. This involved the creation of communal gardens, play spaces, and roof gardens, enhancing the overall livability of the area. The project also focuses on sustainability, integrating energy-efficient homes and green spaces that contribute to Newham’s Just Transition Climate Action plan. These efforts ensure that residents benefit from lower energy bills and a healthier living environment.
Looking Ahead
Following the positive resident ballot, work will accelerate towards submitting the masterplan application to the Local Planning Authority later this year. This development marks a key milestone in Mayor Fiaz’s ambition to deliver high-quality homes for local people in safe, well-connected neighbourhoods. With 1,700 new homes, improved public spaces, and active community engagement, the Canning Town Estate Regeneration project sets a new standard for urban redevelopment, demonstrating how collaborative planning and innovative design can create thriving, resilient communities.