Clarion gets go-ahead for redevelopment of former London Chest Hospital

Clarion’s development arm Latimer has been granted planning permission to redevelop the London Chest Hospital site in Bethnal Green, East London.

The project will involve demolishing most of the existing structures, preserving only the Grade II Listed parts of the main hospital building, which was built in the 1850s.

Five new buildings, ranging from five to nine storeys, will be constructed, providing 274 new homes. Half of these homes will be affordable housing, with 76 designated for social rent.

The site was vacated by Barts Health NHS Trust in 2015 when the services provided by the London Chest Hospital were transferred to St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

The architects on the scheme are Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM). In their masterplan for the scheme, AHMM said it has focused on preserving and restoring the site’s historical elements.

>> See also: Clarion reports drop in turnover and surplus as it takes ‘cautious’ approach to development

>> See also: Plans submitted for 3,300-home redevelopment of Edgware town centre

The refurbishment will include the Grade II listed main hospital building, the Sanitary Tower, and the South Wing, which are all currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. The 400-year-old mulberry tree that is present on the site will also be preserved.

This follows the East End Preservation Society’s successful legal challenge against Tower Hamlets Council in 2021, which prevented the mulberry tree from being relocated. 

In 2020, the council approved Crest Nicholson’s plans to redevelop the site, which included permission to move the mulberry tree. However, the High Court overturned this decision.

Latimer subsequently acquired Crest Nicholson’s interest in the London Chest Hospital site in 2022 and unveiled its plans for the site in June last year.

Richard Cook, group director of development at Clarion, said: “We are delighted to receive approval for our redevelopment plans for the London Chest Hospital site. This project represents a unique opportunity to blend the historical significance of the site with local housing needs. Our commitment to providing a high proportion of affordable homes and preserving the Mulberry tree reflects our dedication to creating sustainable and inclusive communities for local residents.”

Paul Monaghan, Executive Director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris said: “We are very pleased that Tower Hamlets planning committee has voted to approve the proposals. AHMM’s design aims to sensitively restore the disused Grade II listed former London Chest Hospital and secure its long-term future. Working with Clarion, our proposals will deliver much-needed affordable homes for Tower Hamlets and for London.”