Property developer Neat Developments and BlackRock Real Assets are seeking planning permission from Waltham Forest Council for an industrial-led, mixed-use development in East London.
The proposed £800 mln (€925 mln) sustainable development at Uplands Business Park on Blackhorse Lane in London E17 would be one of the few multi-storey industrial developments in the UK.
It is also a unique project for London, co-located with residential and leisure uses, and responding to the GLA target of intensification of industrial space.
The mixed-use neighbourhood would include over 29,000 m2 of light industrial floorspace, up to 1,800 new homes, 35% of which would be affordable, along with extensive public, amenity and recreational space, including a new 6,000 m2 Wetlands Waterside park.
Parts of Uplands Business Park and Forest Trading Estate in Walthamstow would be redeveloped, while all existing buildings and structures will be demolished, with the exception of Uplands House.
Brian Reynolds, director at Neat Developments said: ‘This proposed development by Neat Developments and BlackRock follows close engagement with the local community and harnesses the potential of Blackhorse Lane, identified as a key growth area by the council. It seamlessly integrates housing with industry and culture, providing modern, stacked-industrial uses with much-needed homes in a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood.’
In the first phase, 18,000 m2 of modern stacked industrial floorspace across two towers and 119 new homes will be constructed.
The second phase will deliver an additional 11,000 m2 of industrial floorspace and up to 1,681 homes, plus new retail, restaurants, cafés, outdoor markets and leisure spaces.
Existing businesses at the park will be relocated within the newly created industrial units.
The plans target BREEAM Excellent for the new industrial and commercial buildings.
The biodiversity of the site will be increased by 50% as a result of high quality landscaping, tree planting and roof gardens.
Plans call for the reuse, recycling or recovery of 95% of construction and demolition waste and for building materials to be sourced locally, while rainwater will be recycled and re-used for external watering through blue roofs.
Electric charging points will be available for industrial and residential vehicles and secure bike storage will be provided.
Uplands is serviced by three nearby train stations, Blackhorse Road tube, and Walthamstow Central and Queens Road Overground, providing easy access to central London and beyond.
Subject to securing planning approval, phase one of construction works will kick off in late summer 2024, with completion anticipated in summer 2027.
