The long-awaited regeneration of the former London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green is finally moving forward, marking a major new chapter for one of East London’s most historic locations.
Construction firm JJ Rhatigan has secured a £32 million contract to deliver the first phase of the redevelopment, which will transform the disused hospital grounds into a vibrant new residential neighbourhood featuring affordable housing, restored heritage buildings, and expanded public spaces.
The project, commissioned by Bonner Road LLP in partnership with Clarion Housing Group’s development arm Latimer, represents a significant milestone in East London’s ongoing urban renewal efforts.
Located in the heart of Bethnal Green, the former London Chest Hospital site has remained largely inaccessible to the public for years. Under the new masterplan, the historic area will be reopened and reimagined as a mixed-tenure community designed to balance modern housing needs with heritage preservation.
The first construction phase will deliver 76 affordable homes across two residential buildings, alongside landscaped public areas and supporting infrastructure. Social rent housing is expected to form a major part of the development, helping address the growing demand for affordable homes across East London.
In total, the wider redevelopment scheme will provide 274 homes, with half of the housing classified as affordable by habitable room standards.
Construction is expected to begin in June and continue through to February 2031.
Designed by renowned architects AHMM, the masterplan carefully integrates new residential buildings with the restoration of several historic structures on the site. These include the Grade IIlisted main hospital building, the Sanitary Tower, and the South Wing, all currently listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.
The regeneration project will also introduce five new residential buildings ranging from five to nine storeys, as well as new community facilities and extensive green landscaping intended to improve the local environment.
One of the most notable aspects of the redevelopment is the reopening of the former hospital grounds to the public for the first time in nearly a decade. Plans include more than 1,100 square metres of open space, a new public square on St James’ Avenue, and the restoration of the site’s historic formal lawn.
Developers have also committed to preserving one of the East End’s best-known natural landmarks, a historic Mulberry tree believed to be among the oldest in the area, which will remain protected in its original location throughout the redevelopment.
The project highlights the growing focus on regeneration across East London, where local authorities and developers are increasingly combining housing delivery with heritage conservation and improved public spaces.
As work prepares to begin, the transformation of the former London Chest Hospital site is expected to become one of Bethnal Green’s most significant regeneration projects in recent years, bringing new homes, restored historic architecture, and renewed public access to a landmark East London location.
