The London Borough of Newham formally accepted the proposals at its cabinet meeting last week. The 23 acre site is known as the Greater Carpenters Neighbourhood.
The outline proposition for UCL Stratford envisages research and teaching facilities; halls of residence, and a hub for business collaboration. The university hopes the site will lead to a permanent major boost to the local economy and create an estimated 3,300 additional jobs. The university quarter would include activities in engineering, population health sciences and built environment, as well as improved public realm and landscaping of the area.
The campus estate has been designated for redevelopment by Newham Council since 2001. However, 318 of the 705 homes to be replaced on the site are still occupied. The University and the Council have been engaging with residents to find rehousing solutions, based on the existing commitments made by the Council in the Residents Charter. The council and UCL will consult with residents on the drafting and development of a masterplan in 2013. The target is to have a conditional contract ready for exchange by the end of 2013.
UCL provost Malcolm Grant said: “our outline proposition sets out why we believe that this is a major opportunity to create a world class residential and academic quarter that will be of real and lasting benefit to the Newham community, while also representing a significant step beyond Bloomsbury for UCL as we approach our bicentenary in 2026".
“UCL Stratford represents a truly long-term commitment by both organisations," he said. "UCL is a world-leading institution, but our plans for growth are currently limited by our central London location, so we need suitable space to support the development of world class teaching and research. UCL Stratford is not envisaged to be an east London satellite to our historic Bloomsbury campus, but a new internationally recognised research-led hub."
Sir Robin Wales, Mayor of Newham, said "this is a fantastic opportunity for Newham residents and I am looking forward to working with UCL to ensure our joint vision is realised. This decision supports our vision to transform the Greater Carpenters Neighbourhood into a high quality educational, commercial and residential quarter benefiting Stratford and the rest of the borough.
"It will also act as a catalyst for further investment," he said. "High calibre businesses such as Siemens have recently recognised the potential within Newham and are investing in the area and working with our partners including UEL and Birkbeck, a new academic quarter will play a valuable role in the ongoing regeneration of the wider borough.
"This important scheme will also inspire our youngsters to look at what prospects are available to them as well as creating fantastic long term economic benefits for residents and creating jobs and opportunities for years to come," he said.
