Robin hood gardens conflict continues

By John Hill on April 10, 2008 9:00 AM |

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A CONTROVERSIAL 1970s estate is still heading for demolition despite a campaign to save it.

Tower Hamlets is sticking to its guns over plans for the Blackwall Reach regeneration scheme, which would mean the end for Robin Hood Gardens.

Cabinet members have re-affirmed their decision to approve a rough framework plan for the scheme, which will see up to 3,000 homes spring up north of Aspen Way.

The development just to the east of Canary Wharf would involve the destruction of the ‘brutalist’ estate, a move which has pitched architects and locals into heated debate.

Last month’s decision on the English Partnerships development was referred back to the cabinet last Wednesday (April 2) after estate residents demanded guarantees they would be re-housed in the scheme and would remain council tenants.

Abdul Halim, chairman of the Robin Hood Gardens Tenants’ Association, said: “Given the fact that there are about only 260 homes – which may double in figure when it comes to alleviating overcrowding to a maximum of about 500 homes – we cannot see why the council cannot build 500 homes for its residents in this vast estate.�?

The council aims to demolish Robin Hood Gardens unless it is listed, and long-time resident and Blackwall and Cubitt Town councillor Peter Golds (Con) has described it as “an unmitigated disaster�?. But architectural digest Building Design has attracted 1,500 signatures to a petition calling for it to be saved.

It is believed culture minister Margaret Hodge could make the decision on whether to list the building by April 30.