Construction has officially begun on Phase 1 of the Harriott, Apsley and Pattison House (HAP) regeneration scheme in Stepney Green, marking a major step forward in one of the council's most significant housing developments.
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman and Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Homebuilding and Enhancing Council Homes and Neighbourhoods, joined council senior executives and Kevin Delve, Managing Director for Vistry East London, the council's development partner, on site on 24 September to mark the start of main construction works following the project's successful Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval earlier this year.
The HAP regeneration programme will deliver 407 new homes across two phases, alongside a new purpose-built community centre, improved public realm, and enhanced connections throughout the neighbourhood. Phase 1 will provide 109 council homes, including replacement homes for existing residents, as well as the first phase of the new community centre, with the first residents expected to move into their new homes in 2029.
At the groundbreaking event, attendees gathered at the site in Stepney Green to celebrate the commencement of construction and mark the transition from site preparation works into full delivery. Site preparation works have now been completed, enabling the construction of two residential buildings that will provide 109 new homes, together with the first phase of the new community facility.
The start of construction follows the signing of the Development Agreement and Phase 1 construction contracts between Tower Hamlets Council and Vistry earlier this year, a milestone that has secured the long-term delivery of this vital regeneration project.
The HAP regeneration will also deliver a range of community benefits throughout the construction period, including employment, apprenticeship, training and work experience opportunities for local residents. Vistry will work with local schools, colleges and community organisations to support skills development, volunteering initiatives and other activities that align with the council's priorities.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “Tower Hamlets is building for the future. At a time when London desperately needs more genuinely affordable homes, we are getting on with delivering the high-quality council housing local families need.
“Breaking ground in Stepney Green is another important milestone in our ambitious homebuilding programme. Our commitment is not simply to build more homes, but to create strong, thriving neighbourhoods with the facilities and public spaces our communities deserve.”
Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Homebuilding and Enhancing Council Homes and Neighbourhoods, said: “This is a significant milestone for the HAP regeneration programme and, most importantly, for the residents and community who have helped shape its future.
“Phase 1 will deliver 109 new council homes, including replacement homes for existing residents, alongside new community facilities and improvements to the surrounding neighbourhood. We are committed to working closely with residents and Vistry throughout construction to make sure this regeneration delivers lasting benefits for the local community, from better homes and public spaces to jobs, skills and training opportunities.”
Kevin Delve, Managing Director for Vistry East London, commented: "Breaking ground on Phase 1 is a proud moment for everyone who has helped shape this project and reflects the strength of the partnership between Vistry, Tower Hamlets Council and local residents.
"The successful completion of site preparation works and receipt of Gateway 2 approval have allowed us to move confidently into construction. Over the coming months residents will begin to see the new homes and community facilities taking shape. As well as providing high-quality new homes, we are committed to creating jobs, apprenticeships, training opportunities and wider social value initiatives that benefit people across the borough."
Posted on Monday 28th September 2026