68-70 Stratford High Street
- Client: The Pickstock Group
- Architect: Pollard Thomas Edwards
- Contacts: Sean Tickle, Mike Bottomley
- LPA: London Borough of Newham
The redevelopment of 68-70 Stratford High Street aims to transform a long-vacant and underutilised site into a vibrant, sustainable, and community-focused residential scheme, seeking to enhance the local landscape, improve public spaces, and provide much-needed housing in the London Borough of Newham.At the heart of the scheme is the delivery of 355 new homes, including 272 Build-to-Rent units and 83 affordable homes, ensuring a diverse and inclusive mix of residents.
The development will feature modern living spaces, complemented by high-quality amenities such as dining areas, workspaces, communal lounges, a cinema, a jazz club, and 360-degree viewing terraces. The Jazz club proposed within the development will be operated by Jazz East, an organisation dedicated to curating, producing, and promoting live jazz music, art, heritage, culture, and educational events across East London and Essex. This will represent a valuable community asset by providing a culturally vibrant, accessible space at a significantly discounted rent. It is set to operate as a café and music venue, with the jazz element supporting the night-time economy and local cultural life
A strong emphasis is placed on public realm improvements and community engagement. The proposals include the creation of a riverside garden, new play areas, and a publicly accessible café, providing safe and inviting spaces for residents and visitors. The scheme also prioritises enhanced connectivity, with new pedestrian routes to the riverfront, promoting outdoor activities and social interaction.
A key feature of the project is its commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. The design incorporates green building materials, energy-efficient technologies, and significant landscaping, including green buffers and extensive planting along Stratford High Street. These initiatives aim to reduce carbon emissions and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Revitalising a brownfield site left vacant for eight years, the project introduces two buildings at 13 and 29 storeys. The form is inspired by the river’s shifting contours in this location, expressed through alternating bands of material texture and reflectivity. These contours extend from the buildings to connect generous entrance lobbies for both tenures and create a sheltered social space on the garden’s urban edge.
The architectural approach draws inspiration from the site’s riverside setting, integrating fluid forms and organic shapes that harmonise with the natural surroundings. This design strategy ensures that the new buildings not only provide high-quality housing but also contribute positively to the wider urban fabric.
Beyond housing, the development promises economic benefits through job creation, support for local businesses, and enhanced infrastructure. By improving the urban experience along Stratford High Street, the project will bring lasting benefits to both new and existing residents.
