Stratford Waterfront approved

Having worked closely with client Ballymore, the London Legacy Development Corporation, collaborators O’Donnell+Tuomey and LDA Design, our masterplan which sits alongside the neighbouring East Bank—a community of 700 homes—has recently received planning approval.

Standing as an ‘island’ of buildings set within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the crafted palette of the four residential blocks complements the materiality of their prestigious Island neighbours: the V&A East Museum, London College of Fashion, UAL, BBC Music Studios, and Sadler’s Wells East. The buildings’ shared characteristics of strong vertical and horizontal lines harmonise with East Bank’s distinctive identity of earthen tones and materials, reflecting the making heritage of East London.

At the northern tip of the site, the leading building, known as the ‘Prow’, acts as a marker for the residential part of East Bank. The building’s architect, O’Donnell+Tuomey, has also designed the new V&A East and Sadler’s Wells Dance Theatre, respectively positioned at the centre and eastern tip of the island. The chamfered, hexagonal-type massing is driven by the site’s shape and immediate context, resulting in a striking architectural form that acts as an entry point to the new neighbourhood from all directions.

The three mid-block buildings of Stratford Waterfront, designed by Howells, also feature strong textured masonry bands that connect them to their East Bank neighbours. Set to a height lower than the Prow, the staggered positions create a sense of dynamism and depth to the townscape. The size of the windows responds to overheating and daylight/sunlight requirements, and inset balconies are placed strategically to continue the play of shadow and light displayed at the Prow. In addition, residents can enjoy amenities such as a gym, concierge, co-working spaces, and podium play areas.

At street level, the scheme will offer future residents, workers, or visitors to East Bank multiple café and restaurant options alongside a south-facing waterfront promenade with views of the park. An ample landscape designed by LDA Design features play space, seating and several tree species, all contributing to a green and walkable neighbourhood. Carpenters Yard is situated in the centre of the four buildings and is positioned to welcome home residents and encourage community.

Areta Soare, Director at Howells, explained: “We’re excited to share the final piece of the East Bank, Stratford Waterfront residential quarter and how its unique offering will complement the existing cultural hub. Situated on a constrained site, we have worked closely with clients and collaborators throughout to ensure this scheme represents high-quality designed and crafted homes for this prominent location.”

Simon Ryan, Development Director at Ballymore: “East Bank is transforming Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park with the most ambitious cultural project in a generation. With the London College of Fashion, UAL and UCL East already open, Sadler’s Wells East will follow later this year with V&A East, and BBC Music Studios soon after. So, this site demanded new homes of design excellence – in keeping with the bar that has already been set by our cultural and academic partners and neighbours and the site’s most incredible setting by the water and on the park. We’re so proud of what has been achieved by our partnership with LLDC, and with the support of a brilliant design team. It’s fantastic to have the green light so detailed design work can commence with a view to beginning construction in early 2026.”

Rosanna Lawes, Executive Director of Development at LLDC, said: “As East Bank, one of the country’s largest cultural and education districts, nears completion it is exciting to move onto the next phase of development. The joint venture partnership with Ballymore means that we can rapidly build on the Park’s successful legacy to create another thriving and sustainable community of well-designed and sustainable homes.”

John Tuomey, Founding Director at O'Donnell+Tuomey commented: "Our design for the Prow tower is driven by the site’s shape. The tower sits in a unique position at the most northern part of the site where it tapers to a point. The chamfered massing results in a striking architectural form and acts as a landmark from all directions for Stratford Waterfront's residential quarter and neighbouring East Bank."

Construction is anticipated to be underway in spring 2026, with completion anticipated for late 2029.