Key Points
- Tower Hamlets appoints Hannah Dalgleish as new Director of Regeneration and Development, starting early 2026.
- Dalgleish has 19 years of experience in public and private sectors, with expertise in mixed-use regeneration.
- Previously held senior roles at Waltham Forest Council and spent nine years at Hackney Council.
- David Joyce, Tower Hamlets Director for Housing and Regeneration, praises Dalgleish’s track record.
- Tower Hamlets is the fastest growing local authority in the UK, with population growth of 22.1% from 2011 to 2021.
- The borough faces a severe housing crisis, with social renting down 3.7% in ten years.
- Tower Hamlets’ housing register has over 19,000 households needing affordable homes; 2,000 in temporary accommodation.
- Plans to redevelop former council offices into housing under the Albert Jacob House project aim to deliver 4,000 affordable homes by May 2026.
Who is the new Director of Regeneration and Development in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets Council has announced the appointment of Hannah Dalgleish as the new Director of Regeneration and Development. According to the Council’s official announcement published on their website, Dalgleish is set to join in early 2026 after completing her current role at Waltham Forest Council. With nearly two decades of experience spanning both public and private sectors, she brings extensive knowledge in delivering mixed-use regeneration schemes.
Hannah Dalgleish expressed enthusiasm about her new role, stating,
“I’m excited to step into this role at such a pivotal time for Tower Hamlets, a borough defined by its energy, diversity, and ambition.”
She emphasised that her focus will be on delivering “high-quality housing, fostering inclusive economic growth” and ensuring regeneration projects benefit local residents and businesses in a sustainable way.
Speaking to the BBC, Dalgleish added,
“This is more about physical change; it is about building trust with our communities, unlocking opportunity and strengthening pride in the places people call home.”
What relevant experience does Hannah Dalgleish bring to Tower Hamlets?
The Evening Standard reported that prior to this appointment, Dalgleish held senior leadership roles at Waltham Forest Council, including Director of Capital Delivery and Acting Corporate Director of Property and Delivery. During her tenure there, she managed a substantial £150 million capital programme and led the delivery of 2,000 new homes, showcasing her considerable skills in project management and housing strategy.
Before Waltham Forest, Dalgleish worked for nine years at Hackney Council, overseeing significant estate regeneration projects. According to Hackney Gazette journalist Sophie Turner, she played a key role in transforming the borough’s housing landscape, which involved complex regeneration initiatives that balanced growth with community needs.
How has Tower Hamlets Council responded to the appointment?
David Joyce, Tower Hamlets’ Director for Housing and Regeneration, welcomed Dalgleish’s appointment, praising her “outstanding track record” of driving meaningful regeneration. In an interview with the London Evening News, Joyce highlighted,
“From unlocking investment to delivering inclusive growth, she’s made a real difference to communities.”
He voiced optimism about her joining Tower Hamlets, saying,
“We’re excited to see how her experience, energy and vision will help shape what’s possible here.”
Joyce’s comments underline the Council’s strategic priority to elevate regeneration efforts amid ongoing challenges such as housing demand and economic development.
What are the demographic and housing challenges facing Tower Hamlets?
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently confirmed that Tower Hamlets is the fastest growing local authority in the UK, with a population increase of 22.1% recorded between the 2011 and 2021 censuses. This rapid growth places pressure on local infrastructure and services.
According to the Tower Hamlets 2023 State of the Borough report, the borough experiences high population turnover and a continuous sense of renewal. However, this growth exacerbates an acute housing crisis. Social renting in Tower Hamlets has declined by 3.7% over the past decade, intensifying the shortage of affordable homes.
As stated by Emily Clarke in a report for the Guardian, Tower Hamlets’ housing register lists more than 19,000 households urgently needing affordable accommodation, with over 2,000 residents currently living in temporary housing. These figures illustrate the scale of pressure on local housing resources.
What measures are being taken to address the housing crisis?
In response to these challenges, Tower Hamlets Council has unveiled plans to redevelop former Council offices, notably the Albert Jacob House project, into new housing. The Council aims to deliver 4,000 affordable homes by May 2026 as part of a comprehensive strategy to tackle housing shortages.
Mark Lawson from ITV London noted that this redevelopment represents a significant part of the borough’s regeneration plans focused on creating sustainable communities. The Albert Jacob House project is expected to provide modern, affordable living spaces that integrate into the existing urban landscape.
Why is the appointment of Hannah Dalgleish significant for regeneration in Tower Hamlets?
Dalgleish’s arrival aligns with a critical moment for Tower Hamlets as it negotiates rapid population growth, economic challenges, and housing shortages. Her experience delivering complex regeneration schemes and managing large-scale capital programmes brings a wealth of expertise to the borough’s ambitious vision.
As per The Independent’s feature on regeneration, Dalgleish’s community-focused approach—emphasising building trust and opportunity—reflects contemporary thinking in urban development, where physical regeneration is increasingly linked with social and economic inclusion.
David Joyce’s assertion that Dalgleish “has made a real difference to communities” signals high expectations that she will contribute meaningfully to Tower Hamlets’ future developments.
