Howells has been appointed as the lead architect for an ambitious new development on the Limmo Peninsula, a 5-hectare former Crossrail site in east London. The project, a joint venture between developer Ballymore and Transport for London’s property arm, Places for London, will see the construction of around 1,400 homes, with approximately 40% designated as genuinely affordable housing, according to London deputy mayor for housing Tom Copley.

Situated near Canning Town, the Limmo Peninsula site was previously used during the construction of the Elizabeth line as a drop-off point for the tunnel-boring machines. It is flanked by train lines and Bow Creek and neighbours Howells’ recent London City Island development, a cluster of over 1,700 homes completed in 2022, as well as a proposed student accommodation project. This proximity showcases Howells’ growing influence on the area’s waterfront regeneration.

The scheme aims to create a new vibrant neighbourhood within the Royal Docks and Beckton Riverside Opportunity Area, incorporating a mix of affordable, market, and rental homes. A key feature will be a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the peninsula to Canning Town, along with a publicly accessible river walkway and a park offering around 600 metres of river frontage. The development is designed to be almost entirely car-free, with only limited blue badge parking, promoting sustainable travel due to its closeness to Canning Town station, which provides access to the Jubilee line, DLR, and Elizabeth line.

This initiative forms part of TfL’s wider strategy to deliver thousands of new homes and workspaces across London by making the most of surplus land it owns. The Limmo Peninsula represents one of the largest such projects and is considered a significant regeneration opportunity due to its strategic location close to a major transport hub and town centre.

Ballymore’s role as development partner was confirmed following a competitive tender process involving four shortlisted firms. The collaboration with Places for London also holds potential for Ballymore to expand its developments within east London further. The masterplan for the site includes not only housing but also ground-floor commercial spaces and new pedestrian and cycle links to improve connectivity and address isolation between existing land parcels, benefiting both new and existing residents in the Canning Town area.

This development is a clear example of the ongoing transformation of London’s Docklands, reflecting a broader commitment to building sustainable, connected communities with a balance of affordable housing and infrastructure improvements that prioritise public spaces and active travel.

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Source: Noah Wire Services