Tower Hamlets has today underlined its commitment to accelerating new housing delivery with the appointment of a leading, multi-disciplinary built environment team to drive forward the Mayor’s Accelerated Housing Programme (MAHP), as early community conversations begin across the borough.
The ambitious programme will fast-track up to 3,300 new homes across at least 37 council-owned sites, with the first planning applications expected in the spring. MAHP is a cornerstone of the Council’s long-term plan to tackle Tower Hamlets’ - and London’s - acute housing shortage and to deliver safe, high-quality, genuinely affordable homes at pace.
As the fastest-growing borough in the country, Tower Hamlets faces intense housing pressure, with around 30,000 households currently on the Housing Register.
The programme builds on the Council’s strong track record of delivery, including exceeding its commitment to provide 4,000 affordable homes by May 2026. Together, these initiatives represent one of the most ambitious council-led housing programmes anywhere in the country.
Following a competitive tender process by Mace Consult Ltd, a highly experienced team of architects, planners, engineers and advisors has now been appointed to take the programme forward. The MAHP team includes:
- Architects: PRP, Levitt Bernstein, HTA, Matthew Lloyd Architects, PTE
- Planning: Dp9, Sphere25, Stirling Planning
- Environmental & Engineering Advisors: Spoormaker, Buro Happold, Arup, BB7
- Communications & Community Engagement: Puttock Brown
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“Delivering new homes at this scale and speed depends on strong partnerships, deep expertise and — above all — listening to local people. By appointing a world-class team of architects, planners and specialists, we are putting the right skills in place to deliver high-quality homes across the borough.”
“The next crucial step is working with our communities. Through early conversations with residents, businesses and stakeholders, we want to hear what people need and how new homes can strengthen their neighbourhoods. Their voices will help shape these places for generations to come.”
Early-stage Community Conversations on the future of the sites will begin on Monday 26 January, giving residents the opportunity to share local knowledge and influence plans before designs are developed further.
A dedicated MAHP website provides details of event dates and venues and will continue to share information on each site, emerging designs and clear ways for residents to have their say as proposals evolve.
Visit https://talk.towerhamlets.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/mayor-s-accelerated-housing-programme to find out about sessions in your local area, or give your feedback online.
Cllr Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and House Building, added:
“We are determined that Tower Hamlets leads from the front on tackling housing need. These community conversations and the feedback we receive will be central to how we deliver this programme. People who live here will help shape what gets built here.”
The programme is being progressed alongside the Council’s broader delivery activity, including site by site work under the Capital Programme, development partnerships and Section 106 planning agreements, ensuring a coordinated and strategic approach to accelerating delivery.
We encourage all residents and businesses to get involved.
Posted on Friday 23rd January 2026