Approved: Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks Regeneration
Berkeley Group’s subsidiary, St William, has successfully secured full planning permission for the transformative regeneration of Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks. This milestone follows the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement with the London Borough of Newham, unlocking one of London’s most complex brownfield redevelopment projects.
A Landmark Restoration Project
The project represents a significant investment in the site’s industrial heritage, with £72 million allocated to restoring and integrating its seven Grade II-listed gasholders. St William has worked closely with both the council and Historic England to ensure that the redevelopment honors the site’s historic significance while creating much-needed new housing and public spaces.
Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks holds a unique place in London’s industrial history, containing the UK’s largest collection of listed gasholders. For the first time in 150 years, the site will be made publicly accessible, offering a dynamic blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
A Vision for Sustainable Development
Spanning 23 acres, the masterplan includes the construction of more than 2,150 new homes, a substantial portion of which will be affordable housing. A key feature of the project is the integration of the historic gasholders into the new development. Several residential buildings will be built within the gasholder frames, seamlessly merging old and new architectural elements.
Moreover, 70% of the site will be dedicated to open spaces, including a 4.2-acre riverside park along the River Lea. This green space will not only enhance biodiversity but also provide an invaluable recreational area for residents and visitors. Designed by RSHP in collaboration with Gillespies, the parkland will feature wildflower meadows and other natural habitats, fostering a connection between urban life and nature.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
The site’s prime location near West Ham, Stratford, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations underscores its potential to deliver well-connected, sustainable housing. The project aligns with Berkeley Group’s broader vision of unlocking brownfield land close to transport hubs, supporting the UK government’s pro-homebuilding agenda.
In addition to improving housing accessibility, the development will contribute £4.79 million towards sustainable transport initiatives. These include new cycling and pedestrian routes, enhanced bus services, and other infrastructure upgrades to promote eco-friendly commuting.
Strong Public and Private Collaboration
Dean Summers, Managing Director of St William, emphasized the complexity of the project and the importance of strong partnerships in bringing it to fruition:
“This is one of the most challenging brownfield sites in the country. Transforming it into thousands of sustainable, well-connected homes and a publicly accessible riverfront park required a unique and collaborative approach. This milestone reflects the power of partnerships—with Historic England, the London Borough of Newham, and the invaluable input from local residents. In today’s market, public-private collaborations like these are more essential than ever to accelerate housing delivery and economic growth.”
Historic England played a critical role in ensuring the project preserved the site’s historic integrity while allowing for modern development. By identifying key heritage features early in the process, they provided crucial guidance on how to enhance the gasholders as part of the wider regeneration.
Tom Foxall, Regional Director for Historic England in London and the South East, praised the project as a model for sustainable urban renewal:
“The regeneration of Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks sets an exemplary standard for how historic brownfield sites can be revitalized. This development not only helps address the housing shortage but also stimulates local economic growth while celebrating the site’s industrial heritage.”
Economic and Community Benefits
Beyond housing, the project is set to create significant economic opportunities. Over 2,800 on-site jobs will be generated during the construction phase, contributing to local employment and skills development. Additionally, the project will deliver 30,000 square feet of new commercial space, supporting local businesses and fostering a vibrant community hub.
St William will also invest £4.4 million into local skills and employment programs, ensuring that the benefits of the development extend beyond physical infrastructure to long-term community growth.
Enhancing Public Spaces and Local Infrastructure
One of the standout features of the Bromley-by-Bow regeneration is its emphasis on high-quality public spaces. In addition to the central parkland, St William will contribute to the enhancement of surrounding green spaces, creating a network of recreational areas that promote well-being and social interaction.
Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks is located adjacent to TwelveTrees Park, another major Berkeley Group development. Together, these projects will transform the area into a vibrant new district within Newham, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces. TwelveTrees Park itself will feature a new linear park, a secondary school, and a new entrance into West Ham station, further strengthening the connectivity and livability of the neighborhood.
