Key Points:
- Preparatory works to begin at James Riley Point, Stratford
- Part of the first phase of the Carpenters Estate redevelopment
- Newham Council approved a £2.1m contract with General Demolition Ltd
- Contractor chosen through a tender process assessing quality, price and social value
- Works can commence despite one leaseholder remaining in the building
- Exclusion zone approved for safety around the occupied flat
- 132 new affordable rent homes to be delivered in the first phase
- Populo Living, Newham Council’s housing company, is leading the project
- Entire redevelopment aims to create over 2,100 homes and community facilities
- Enabling works authorised following cabinet decisions from 2021 to 2025
Preparatory works set to begin at landmark Stratford redevelopment site. Newham Council has approved a £2.1 million contract for enabling works at James Riley Point, initiating the first phase of the Carpenters Estate redevelopment in Stratford. The move marks a major step forward in one of Newham’s most ambitious regeneration projects.
General Demolition Ltd has been appointed to carry out the initial site preparation. Despite the building not yet being fully vacated, the works can go ahead due to an exclusion zone created around the flat of the remaining leaseholder. This will allow safe access to begin work on the rest of the structure.
What is the Carpenters Estate redevelopment project?
The Carpenters Estate regeneration is a large-scale development plan aiming to revitalise a historic part of Stratford. The project will eventually deliver more than 2,100 new homes, along with a new building crafts college, commercial and community spaces including cafes, restaurants, shops, and workshops.
The development is being overseen by Populo Living, Newham Council’s wholly-owned housing company. The council is spearheading the redevelopment as part of wider efforts to provide more affordable housing in the borough.
Who is responsible for the current phase of works?
Newham Council has awarded the £2.1 million contract to General Demolition Ltd following a competitive tendering process. Five bids were assessed based on quality, pricing, and social value before the final decision was made.
The contract focuses on enabling works at James Riley Point. These include site clearance and preparation tasks that are essential before major construction begins. The contractor will also carry out any outstanding work once the building is completely vacated.
What housing will be delivered in the first phase?
As part of this initial phase, the redevelopment will create 132 affordable rent homes, replacing four leaseholder-owned properties. This new housing will form part of the wider Carpenters masterplan, which seeks to address the borough’s housing shortage through sustainable and inclusive development.
Has the redevelopment received all necessary approvals?
The authority to proceed with the enabling works was delegated by Newham’s cabinet in July 2021, with subsequent decisions in March 2021 and February 2025 paving the way for this phase of the project. These approvals were granted based on planning conditions and the outcome of a resident ballot.
Although full vacant possession of James Riley Point has not been achieved, safety measures — including the exclusion zone — have been put in place to begin work safely.
What is Populo Living’s role in the project?
Populo Living is acting as the lead developer for the regeneration scheme. As Newham Council’s housing company, its mandate includes delivering affordable homes and ensuring long-term benefits for local residents.
By coordinating the Carpenters Estate redevelopment, Populo Living aims to transform the estate into a vibrant and mixed-use community that retains current residents while attracting new ones.
