London Chest Hospital

Planning Granted

The redevelopment of the former London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green aims to transform the disused site into a successful community of 274 new homes.

The redevelopment of the former London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green aims to transform the disused site into a successful community of 274 new homes. Developed for Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, the masterplan focuses on both preserving and restoring the site’s historical elements.

The refurbishment will include the Grade II listed main hospital building, the Sanitary Tower, and the South Wing, which are all currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. In addition, five new buildings ranging from five to nine storeys will be constructed, providing carefully designed new housing of which 50% will be affordable housing (by habitable room), with a significant proportion (70%) allocated for Social Rent.

The Hospital’s historic grounds will be opened to the public for the first time in nearly a decade with 1,140 square metres of open space, including the creation of a new public square next to St James’ Avenue, and the restoration of the formal lawn in front of the main hospital building.

The veteran Mulberry tree on site, which reputed to be the oldest tree in the East End, will remain in its original location, aligning with community and environmental priorities.

The proposals have been developed to maximise the number of dual aspects apartments within the constraints of the working around the listed buildings with 62% of new build homes dual aspect.

There is a focus on the design of high quality new affordable family homes to the south of the site. Blocks A & B address Bonner Square and the new public square. They contain 100% dual aspect family homes designed to overlook the child play spaces below.