East London News A Force for the community…
Whitechapel Vision has garnered more praise – this time at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards. Following its “silver” win at the national Planning Awards in November, Whitechapel Vision has now been nominated for the RTPI’s Excellence in Plan-making Practice Award.
Aman Dalvi, Corporate Director for Development and Renewal at Tower Hamlets Council, said: “Whitechapel Vision has been recognised time, and time again, as one of the leading regeneration projects in the country. Being nominated for this award is yet another credit to the hard work of our planners in the council. Work is currently underway to deliver a bigger and better Whitechapel for everyone who lives and works in the area. We are confident that, by 2025, Whitechapel will be even more of an exciting and dynamic place.”
Once the developments and other improvements have been completed, Whitechapel will have:
•a brand new civic hub based at the old Royal London Hospital site;
•up to 3,500 new homes delivered by 2025, including a substantial number of family and affordable homes;
•5,000 new jobs;
•a completely transformed Whitechapel Road;
•seven new public squares and open spaces;
•a rejuvenated town centre.
In recognition of these ambitious plans, the Greater London Authority (GLA) recently awarded over £500,000 to the area through their High Street Fund. This will be matched by funding and other resources provided by the council. The money will be used to support local businesses, bring empty buildings back into use, provide affordable workspaces and attract investment. It is hoped this will deliver a huge economic boost to the Whitechapel area.
Projects funded through this money will include:
•the creation of affordable workspaces through the conversion of empty or underused buildings;
•providing support to local businesses to take advantage of opportunities arising from change in Whitechapel;
•holding annual events and activities to celebrate Whitechapel.
The council will find out if Whitechapel Vision is the prize-winner at the RTPI Awards Ceremony held on Monday, 6th July at the Pullman London, St Pancras.
