Indoor play areas, TV rooms, a cinema, and even a bowling alley are redefining what modern living looks like in social rent and affordable homes in Tower Hamlets.
With space to build in short supply and more than 29,000 residents on the council’s Housing Register, there has never been a greater need for innovative design and planning to help address the housing crisis.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and Cllr Maium Talukdar, Deputy Mayor of Tower Hamlets, visited two affordable housing schemes on the Isle of Dogs that demonstrate what can be achieved through partnership working.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Tower Hamlets is a small borough. We can’t build out, but we can certainly build up. We have no choice but to deliver and develop tall buildings, but within them it’s important they have amenity spaces that cater for families. The developments I have seen today are wonderful and clearly show what modern living is.”
One Thames Quay, delivered by Chalegrove Properties Limited (CPL) and Poplar HARCA, provides 40 homes for affordable rent and 31 homes for shared ownership. Half of the affordable rented homes are family-sized with three bedrooms or more. Each of the 71 homes sits within a striking 48-storey tower and all include a private outdoor balcony.
The development sets a new benchmark for modern living in social and affordable housing. Residents benefit from a range of communal amenities, including an open-air children’s play area, garden space with seating, a cinema room and even a bowling alley. These shared spaces are free for residents to use and can be booked in advance.
Rami Atallah, speaking on behalf of Chalegrove Properties Limited (CPL), said: “We are proud to have worked alongside Poplar HARCA to deliver One Thames Quay. Our goal was to create high-quality homes that enhance the lives of residents and contribute positively to the wider community. Developments like this show how thoughtful design and collaboration can help meet local housing needs while building places people are proud to call home.”
Paul Dooley, Chief Development Officer at Poplar HARCA said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Chalegrove Properties, a developer that genuinely prioritises quality and long-term value. At One Thames Quay, we’ve helped deliver homes and shared spaces that set a new standard for affordable living in Tower Hamlets. From the bowling alley to the play areas, these facilities bring neighbours together and foster a strong sense of community.
“This is the power of collaboration- when developers and important local stakeholders like the Council work hand in hand, we create inclusive homes that respond to the needs of the people who live in them.”
Likewise, Harcourt Tower, delivered by L&G Affordable Homes and Berkeley Homes, and managed by Southern Housing, has communal work and study spaces, a relaxing area, TV room and children’s playroom all inside and free to use for residents.
The building includes 49 properties across 8 floors, including 19 family-sized homes and 5 adapted wheelchair-accessible homes.
Shaun Holdcroft, Head of Affordable Homes at L&G, said: “It’s one of our core aims to improve people’s lives through high-quality, well managed housing. In practice, that means building strong partnerships which are key to tackling the UK’s affordable housing crisis.
“The Social Rent homes at Harcourt Tower, and the Shared Ownership homes at Hampton Tower next door, are more than just bricks and mortar, because a safe and secure home is the foundation from which we our customers build a good life. As a Registered Provider, we have a long-term commitment as a landlord to our customers and the communities they live in.”
Harry Lewis, Divisional Land & Development Director at Berkeley Capital, said: “With world-class architecture, tenure-blind family-sized homes, and facilities that residents really need, South Quay Plaza is a testament to partnership working. With London Borough of Tower Hamlets and L&G, Berkeley has provided hundreds of local people with a high-quality, sustainable place to live, for social rent. Affordable homes are not just a housing statistic – each and every front door represents a very real change for a local family, and we’re truly proud of the positive impact here, helping people out of temporary accommodation and reducing overcrowding in the borough.”
As the fastest growing and most densely populated area in the UK, Tower Hamlets faces acute housing pressures. Yet, the borough continues to deliver, with a strong track record, an ambitious draft Local Plan that puts growth, jobs and homes at its heart, and planning teams working creatively to unlock stalled sites and accelerate delivery.
Posted on Friday 14th November 2025