A long-awaited housing regeneration project has received planning approval.
The overhaul of the New Era Estate in Hackney will deliver 208 dwellings to the borough, with half to be affordable as part of a scheme spearheaded by Dolphin Living in collaboration with The Hill Group.
Backed by resources from the Mayor’s Affordable Housing Programme, building work is slated to commence in August, with full completion targeted for late 2029.
Olivia Harris, chief executive at Dolphin Living, expressed satisfaction that Hackney Council has approved the planning application for the estate’s redevelopment. She noted that the project addresses the ongoing demand for quality, affordable housing for essential London workers amid chronic undersupply. She added that the organisation remains dedicated to engaging closely with existing tenants throughout the construction phase. With building work approaching, she said they anticipate creating an enhanced New Era and returning inhabitants to the site once finished.
The blueprints, crafted by Allies & Morrison, will substitute the current 1930s private rental properties with a range of one, two, and three-bedroom units arranged in blocks ranging from three to thirteen storeys. The design also incorporates 384 square metres of commercial space and a shared courtyard garden.
Of the 208 properties, 99 will be available for intermediate rental, fulfilling the 50 percent affordable requirement measured by habitable room. Most of these will be leased at 20 percent beneath London Living Rent levels permanently. Former estate occupants will have priority access to one of the new affordable units.
Dolphin Living, which purchased the estate in 2014, previously brought in means-tested rents before deciding on redevelopment following consultation with local residents.
Current inhabitants have been temporarily housed at 333 Kingsland Road and may return upon the estate’s completion.
Cain Peters, regional managing director for special projects at The Hill Group, stated that securing planning permission alongside Dolphin Living for the New Era redevelopment was a positive development. He described it as an ambitious regeneration that would provide much-needed high-quality, sustainable, affordable housing in central Hackney while preserving an established neighbourhood. He considered New Era an exemplary case of what collaborative working can accomplish. He said they looked forward to commencing construction and turning this vision into reality, establishing a sustainable and inviting community for residents for decades to come.
Initial occupants are anticipated to move in around late 2028.