A housing development in Bethnal Green has been recognised with a Housing Design Award, which celebrates excellence in completed housing schemes across the UK.
The Bancroft and Wickford Street development, delivered by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, was selected by a panel of experts for its inclusive, sustainable, and community-focused design. The Housing Design Awards are supported by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The scheme delivered a total of 33 new homes across two locations in Bethnal Green, including 14 family-sized properties and four that are fully wheelchair-accessible. One of the sites, previously used as a garage, has been transformed into 18 new homes. The second site, which formerly housed the Bancroft Tenant Management Co-operative, now provides 15 homes alongside modern office and community spaces.
Designed to support low-carbon living, the development incorporates photovoltaic panels and communal Air Source Heat Pumps, eliminating the need for gas boilers. It also includes a newly created neighbourhood park, which contributes to increased biodiversity in the area.
The homes are located close to public transport links and local shops, encouraging sustainable travel and access to amenities. Many of the units benefit from double and triple-aspect layouts and a thermally efficient envelope to reduce energy consumption.
(From left, Joanna Averley, Chief Planner from MHCLG, Viviana Vianco, FBM Architects, Abad Uddin, LBTH Project Manager)
Cllr Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding at Tower Hamlets Council, said:
“This award is a welcome recognition of the collaborative effort behind delivering high-quality, sustainable homes that truly reflect the needs of local families. The Bancroft and Wickford Street development reflects a strong commitment to inclusive design, environmental responsibility, and community wellbeing.
“We look forward to building on this success and continuing to deliver housing that meets the needs of our communities, both now and in the future.”
As part of the judging process, experts in planning, biodiversity, urban design, and low-carbon innovation visited the sites and spoke with residents to assess the scheme’s quality and impact.
The award was presented by Joanna Averley, Chief Planner at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Posted on Wednesday 8th October 2025