Docklands News

Chowdhury Walk, designed by Al-Jawad Pike, has been awarded the 2024 Neave Brown Award for Housing, shortly after missing out on the RIBA Stirling Prize. This project, located in Hackney, features 11 homes built on a former garage site, with seven available for social rent. Jessam Al-Jawad, Founding Partner at Al-Jawad Pike, remarked: “Chowdhury Walk... demonstrates what is possible when a local authority elects to develop its own brownfield sites to address housing need.” The design prioritises creativity within a limited budget, showcasing innovative solutions to the housing crisis. The development includes two, three, and four-bedroom homes, uniquely staggered to enhance privacy and solar gain. Astrid Smitham, Jury Chair, praised the project for its uplifting design and efficient use of space, contributing to Hackney Council's initiative to build new council homes. 

The Standard (18/10/2024)  

The uptake of longer-term mortgages in the UK has significantly declined, with only 390 new loans taken out in August, a stark drop from 1,690 in March last year. This represents just 0.48% of all new loans, as British homeowners continue to favour shorter two- or five-year fixed rates, which accounted for 89% of new loans. Despite the introduction of European-style home loans by 12 banks, including Perenna and Kensington, the higher rates associated with long-term fixes deter buyers. Lewis Shaw from Shaw Financial Services noted: "Rates on long-term fixes are significantly higher than standard rates," leading many to avoid committing to lengthy terms. While politicians and economists advocate for longer-term loans as a solution to the housing affordability crisis, their higher costs and inflexibility remain significant barriers to adoption. 

The Times (21/10/2024)  

First-time buyers in London are set to face an average additional stamp duty bill of £6,250 from next spring, following Rachel Reeves's decision not to extend a previous discount. The tax-free threshold for homebuyers will revert to £125,000 from £250,000, and for first-time buyers, it will drop to £300,000 from £425,000. This change is expected to significantly impact new homeowners in London, where the average property price is £480,040. Overall, the changes will increase the average home purchase cost by £2,500 across the UK. 

The Times (21/10/2024)  

The Government is considering making solar panels optional on new homes in England, following pressure from housebuilders. The upcoming future homes standard, aimed at ensuring new homes are low-carbon, is expected to set guidelines on insulation and renewable energy generation. However, instead of mandating solar panels, builders will only be "encouraged" to install them "where appropriate." This contrasts with Ed Miliband’s promise of a "rooftop revolution" in solar power, despite polling showing that around 80% of voters support solar panels on new homes. A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government acknowledged the importance of solar technology but added: "they may not be the best option for all new homes," citing factors like shade or tree cover.

The Guardian (23/10/2024)  

Planners in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have given the go-ahead for One East Point, a 52-storey, 460-home residential skyscraper at 4-5 Harbour Exchange Square on the Isle of Dogs. The dual-core structure, designed by Make Architects, will be the second tallest in the Millwall Inner Dock cluster, 15m shorter than the nearby Maddison building in the emerging residential zone. “We are delighted with the positive outcome achieved at planning committee for One East Point, which will unlock underutilised office buildings to provide much-needed housing in this well-cTower Hamlets planners approve One East Point on the Isle of Dogsonnected East London location", said City & Docklands managing director Simon Passer. “The project will bring significant improvements to the local community, including 120 affordable homes, a retail and leisure offering, and a much-enhanced public realm".

Construction Enquirer 15/10/2024)  

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has hailed the proposed Barking Riverside development as "a model of how to fix our housing crisis" and "a blueprint" for the government. The ambitious project aims to create a new town with up to 20,000 homes on 443 acres of brownfield land, previously occupied by Barking Power Station. The plans include 13,046 new homes, with 35% designated as affordable, alongside schools, parks, and commercial spaces. Matthew Carpen, managing director of Barking Riverside Ltd, noted that £400m has already been invested in infrastructure, including a new London Overground station. Mr Khan said: “Barking Riverside is a prime example of a new town in London, a pioneering partnership delivering thousands of new homes for Londoners." 

The Standard (14/10/2024)