Conservation Strategy Adopted 2017- 2027 September 2017

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12 - Heritage Collections and Markets 11 - Modern Architecture - Modern 11 10 - Historic Landscapes, Gardens and Squares 9 - Conservation Areas 9 - Conservation 8 - Strategic and Local Views 7 - Locally Listed Buildings 6 - Statutory Listed Buildings Grade II* Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower 5 - Statutory Listed Buildings Grade I 4 - Archaeological Priority Areas 3 - World Heritage Sites and Scheduled Monuments 3 - World 2 - Overview of Heritage Assets 2 - Overview of Heritage 1 - The London Borough of Tower Hamlets Tower The London Borough of 1 - Figures E - Historic England Planning Advice E - Historic England Planning D - Key Stakeholders: Roles & Responsibilities D - Key Stakeholders: C - Audit of Tower Hamlets’ Heritage Assets Heritage Hamlets’ Tower Audit of C - B - Profile of Tower Hamlets Today Tower Hamlets B - Profile of 5 - Delivery Hamlets Tower - History of A 4 - Our strategy Appendices 3 - Caring for our heritage 2 - Our heritage 1 - Introduction Executive Summary Executive Preface Foreword Contents

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage London Borough of Tower Hamlets London Borough of Tower This Strategy is for everyone with an interest in the future conservation and enjoyment of with an interest in the future conservation and enjoyment of This Strategy is for everyone rich heritage. our borough’s This updated Conservation Strategy has been produced to support the development of This updated Conservation Strategy and heritage, Hamlets’ Tower aims to protect and enhance a new Local Plan to 2031. It key A and enjoyed by current and future generations. ensure that it can be appreciated community engagement and involvement in the heritage part of this is to ensure increased The Strategy also aims to enhance on-going sustainability. as a critical part of ensuring its to other strategic priorities of the borough, to ensure that the contribution of the heritage on-going regeneration and development, the borough’s heritage plays an active role in of life for all. thereby helping to improve quality The original Conservation Strategy developed in 2010 was the first of its type in London, in 2010 was the first of its type Strategy developed The original Conservation We all aspects of the heritage resource. take an integrated view across and the first to our to be proactive in managing Conservation Strategy to continue have updated the generations. Building on our successes, it will help heritage for current and future the changing heritage is protected and enhanced as part of ensure that the borough’s that heritage continues to actively contribute to the environment, and also help ensure of the borough. social and economic regeneration Foreword significant to experience are set and communities built environment Hamlets’ Tower and housing on regeneration a strong focus 10 years, with over the next changes history and heritage in transport. Our investment by a significant supported development are of and that we proud that we are immensely one legacy, is an irreplaceable resource committed to ensuring the on-going the same time, we are also At to. strongly committed heritage can play the important role that of our borough, and recognise success and vitality distinctive the foundation for the borough’s development – by providing in its sustainable development, the to social and economic of place, and by contributing character and sense agenda and quality of life. climate change Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Ordnance Survey mapping is provided by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets under Hamlets Tower of Ordnance Survey mapping is provided by the London Borough function to act as a Planning licence from the Ordnance Survey in order to fulfil its public Survey material with the Maps in this document are based upon Ordnance Authority. reproduction infringes Crown Unauthorised Stationary Office. permission of Her Majesty’s All Crown Copyright - Copyright and may lead to prosecution and/or civil proceedings. 2016. Photographs are Hamlets 11124501 Tower Rights Reserved - London Borough of Hamlets unless otherwise credited. Tower also provided by the London Borough of The council subsequently re-commissioned CBA in August 2016 to undertake a review August 2016 to undertake in CBA re-commissioned The council subsequently context, account of changes to the strategic Strategy to take of the original Conservation development The in delivery since 2010. progress that has been made and to reflect the at a discussions with stakeholders Strategy was informed by preliminary of the updated subject of public strategy was then the 2016, the resulting updated workshop in September and January 2031, between November 2016 the draft Local Plan consultation, alongside by Cabinet on 19 September 2017. The updated strategy was adopted 2017. Preface (CBA) to develop Associates Blandford Chris council commissioned Hamlets Tower of the The development 2010. the borough in Strategy for Conservation the original including council key stakeholders, with by engagement Strategy was informed original from a public and feedback Historic England) Heritage (now English departments, and interest range of local community that engaged with a diverse consultation process groups. Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

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3 2 1 Introduction Our heritage Our strategy Delivery Appendices our heritage Executive summary

1 Introduction Background Tower Hamlets is a unique inner-London borough with a long history of trade, industry and migration. It is famous for its East End heritage, its vibrancy, and its multiculturalism. Our borough’s heritage is of international, national and local importance, characterised by enormous diversity and variety. This rich heritage resource includes historic buildings and archaeology; historic parks and open spaces; heritage collections and intangible heritage. This is heritage in its broadest sense, including both designated and non-designated 2 heritage assets. Our heritage Conservation is an on-going and active process of maintenance and managing change requiring a flexible approach to get the best out of heritage assets. The first Conservation Strategy for Tower Hamlets was prepared by the council in 2010. It established a new direction for the future care of our cherished historic buildings and places. Considerable progress has been made over the last five years. This includes reducing the number of heritage assets at risk in the borough, investment in conservation-led area regeneration schemes and protection of the historic environment from inappropriate development. 3 our heritage Caring for Building on the framework provided by the 2010 document, this updated strategy sets out a refreshed vision for guiding conservation and enjoyment of the borough’s historic environment over the next 10 years. The Strategy informs the Council’s new Local Plan, which, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, sets out a positive strategy for the conservation and 4 Our strategy enjoyment of the historic environment. It sets out a common framework for all May 2010 stakeholders to use in helping ensure that the borough’s historic environment continues to play an influential role in the future well-being and success of Tower Hamlets’ communities and businesses. 5 The Conservation Strategy is a key part

of the evidence base for the Council’s Delivery A CONSERVATION emerging Local Plan 2031. It also actively STRATEGY FOR contributes to meeting the aims of the TOWER HAMLETS Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2015. Appendices

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Aim 1 Aim 2 Understanding and Conserving and 2 protecting the Our heritage appreciating our rich heritage Borough’s historic environment

Tower Hamlets 3 Conservation Strategy our heritage Caring for VISION

4 Our strategy Aim 3 Enjoying, celebrating and engaging with our rich history

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TOWER HAMLETS LOCAL PLAN 2031 Appendices TOWER HAMLETS COMMUNITY PLAN

ii Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 The vision for our heritage

1 Introduction Tower Hamlets’ rich and diverse heritage is an irreplaceable legacy that is widely valued, cared for and celebrated. The historic environment is intrinsic to the character of Tower Hamlets and makes it a unique and distinctive place. It also makes a significant contribution to the borough as a welcoming place to live, work and visit, delivering long-term 2 benefits for the social and economic well-being of Tower Our heritage Hamlets. This heritage resource is protected and enhanced to ensure that it continues to be appreciated and enjoyed by future generations.

The Strategy has three core aims to help people value, conserve and enjoy Tower Hamlets’ 3 historic environment, which together will help achieve our aspirational long-term vision for our heritage the borough’s heritage: Caring for

1 - Understand and appreciate our rich heritage 2 - Conserve and protect the borough’s historic environment 3 - Enjoy, celebrate and engage with our rich historyi 4 Our strategy

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Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 iii Aim 1 - Understanding and appreciating our rich heritage, and recognising its contribution to the borough’s vibrancy and distinctiveness

1 Introduction The people, stories, spaces and buildings that contribute to our heritage are an essential and intrinsic part of the borough’s vibrant street scenes, multi-cultural history and unique sense of place. Our borough’s historic environment is of international, national and local importance, characterised by enormous diversity and variety. It is a rich resource that includes historic buildings and archaeology, parks and open spaces, heritage collections and intangible heritage (including personal memories and traditional skills, markets and festivals). 2 The historic environment has a key role to play in shaping the growth and development of Our heritage the borough. To manage our heritage effectively, we need to understand its significance in terms of the contribution it makes to a place’s community, economy and environment, and how people relate to, enjoy and value their heritage. The historic environment continues to adapt and change, responding to the evolving needs of the borough as part of a modern and world-class city. Understanding the ambitions of local communities, property owners and other interested stakeholders is therefore key 3 to securing a sustainable future for our historic environment. Its stewardship must be

our heritage evidence-led, with a strategic approach underpinned by a thorough understanding of its

Caring for condition, value and the challenges it faces. Outcomes:

• Increased appreciation of the diversity of our tangible and intangible heritage

• Greater recognition of the contributions the historic environment makes to the intrinsic 4 character of our borough as a unique and distinctive place to live, work and visit Our strategy • Transparent decision-making informed by an up-to-date evidence base and accessible information about the condition, value and significance of the historic environment

• Shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for conserving and enjoying our rich heritage 5 Delivery Appendices

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iv Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Aim 2 - Conserving and protecting the borough’s historic environment, and capitalising on opportunities for attracting investment, conservation-led

regeneration and positive place shaping 1 Introduction The council is committed to conserving and protecting our historic environment for future generations to inherit, and improving heritage assets at risk, through its own plans and policies and when responding to development proposals. Proposals that are regarded as improving the borough’s historic environment will be positively supported, whereas proposals which could cause permanent harm to historic assets will be opposed unless there are considerable public benefits that would outweigh the harm. The council will use its influence and local planning authority powers in partnership with local communities, 2 property owners and other interested stakeholders to achieve this aim. Our heritage Our rich heritage can be used as a powerful catalyst for regeneration in the borough and has an important role to play in attracting investment and positive place-making. The council aims to promote opportunities for conservation-led regeneration that secure long- term environmental, social and economic benefits. As the borough evolves, historic assets can become neglected and fall into disrepair where they no longer have a sustainable commercial or community use. Investment can both release and benefit from their untapped potential, bringing heritage back into play and re- 3 our heritage vitalising buildings, areas and the borough as a whole. Small and medium businesses in Caring for particular have a crucial role to play in providing opportunities for creative and innovative uses of historic buildings, reflecting the tradition of adaptive re-use of buildings by immigrants to the borough. Continuing to increase the contribution of heritage to regeneration and sustainable development will not only support delivery of some of the key strategic priorities for the borough and for London more broadly, but it will also help to ensure the on-going 4 conservation of the borough’s heritage. Our strategy Outcomes:

• Number of heritage assets at risk reduced through improved conservation management and maintenance

• Significance of designated heritage assets and their settings effectively protected from inappropriate development 5 • Locally valued heritage assets and intangible heritage recognised and taken into

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• Up-to-date information and guidance about the historic environment that is easily accessible

• Aims and objectives of the Strategy incorporated into the Local Plan as appropriate

• Increased investment in the sustainable adaption and reuse of historic buildings Appendices • High quality new architecture and public realm that contributes positively to historic places

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 v Aim 3 - Enjoying, celebrating and engaging with our rich history, and promoting Tower Hamlets as a distinctive and welcoming place to live, work and visit for

1 Introduction current and future generations Tower Hamlets is a unique inner-London borough with a long history of trade, industry and migration. It is famous for its East End heritage, its vibrancy, and its multiculturalism. Our borough’s heritage is of international, national and local importance, characterised by enormous diversity and variety. People are proud about Tower Hamlets’ heritage and communities must be able to enjoy, celebrate and participate in their heritage. Stronger connections between people and historic places in the borough need to be 2 encouraged, raising awareness and increasing the relationship we have with our past. Our heritage Opportunities to promote and make the Tower Hamlets’ heritage more accessible must be developed, helping people enjoy the full breadth of the borough’s cultural offer. There is opportunity to broaden this offer through promoting a diverse and innovative programme of events in historic buildings and open spaces, expanding how it is experienced by local communities and visitors, and helping invigorate undervalued areas of the borough. Outcomes:

3 • Empowered communities, passionate about and able to enjoy their heritage our heritage Caring for • A valued and cherished historic environment, celebrated by all communities

• Accessible and well-connected historic places and heritage resources

• Collaborative approach to the interpretation and sharing of information about the borough’s historic environment 4 • A vibrant, diverse and attractive tourism and cultural heritage offer that is well integrated Our strategy with how the borough promotes itself Each of the three aims is supported by a series of objectives that will help secure a sustainable future for the borough’s heritage.

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vi Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Delivering the Conservation Strategy The council will continue to take a proactive and strong leadership role in delivery of the

1 Introduction Conservation Strategy, particularly in relation to council owned heritage assets. To be successful, the Strategy must be championed across all council departments and will also require the involvement of the community and contributions from a range of partners. It will also require prioritisation, with a particular focus on the significance of the heritage resource at risk. In consultation with key stakeholders across the borough, annual Action Plans will be developed to guide implementation of the Conservation Strategy over the next 5 years. This will set out a list of prioritised heritage projects/actions for delivering the objectives 2 Our heritage of the strategy, identify who is responsible for delivering these and potential sources of funding and delivery mechanisms.

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Introduction 1 Introduction 1 Introduction Background Tower Hamlets is a unique inner-London borough with a long history of trade, industry 2 and migration. It is famous for its East End heritage, its vibrancy, and its multiculturalism. Our heritage Our borough’s heritage is of international, national and local importance, characterised by enormous diversity and variety. This rich heritage resource includes historic buildings and archaeology; historic parks and open spaces; heritage collections and intangible heritage. This is heritage in its broadest sense, including both designated and non-designated heritage assets. The first Conservation Strategy for Tower Hamlets was prepared by the council in 2010. It established a new direction for the future care of our cherished historic buildings and 3 places. Considerable progress has been made over the last five years. This includes our heritage reducing the number of heritage assets at risk in the borough, investment in conservation- Caring for led area regeneration schemes and protection of the historic environment from inappropriate development. The Conservation Strategy Building on the framework provided by the 2010 document, this updated Strategy The council is very proud of the sets out a refreshed vision and objectives borough’s heritage but it cannot work for guiding conservation and enjoyment 4 alone. Conservation is a shared of the borough’s historic environment Our strategy commitment and the borough’s historic over the next 10 years in line with the environment is a shared resource. requirements of the National Planning Conserving Tower Hamlets’ heritage Policy Framework. assets therefore will require broad public support, understanding and involvement. The Conservation Strategy is a key part Conservation is an active process of of the evidence base for the council’s maintenance and managing change emerging Local Plan 2031. requiring a flexible approach to get the 5 best out of heritage assets, and is an on- going process. Delivery The council seeks to make best use of its considerable heritage assets. Through the publication of this updated Strategy, it will continue driving forward positive actions for the conservation and enjoyment of the borough’s historic environment. Appendices

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The updated Strategy contains up-to-date It will assist in the making of bids for future evidence about the historic environment resources, including partnership funding, 4 of Tower Hamlets, including information to deliver conservation-led regeneration Our strategy about the significance of heritage assets projects. It will be consistent with and help and the contribution they make to their achieve the Council’s corporate goals environment. As such, it assists the and commitments. Above all it will aim to emerging Local Plan in the objective provide a quality conservation service. of contributing to the achievement of The Conservation Strategy will ensure sustainable development in a way that that the council continues to meet its is both aspirational and realistic. It also statutory duties and responsibilities, 5 actively contributes to meeting the aims of having regard in particular to the Planning the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2015. (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Delivery The Conservation Strategy aims to Act 1990. The Strategy acknowledges guide future work programmes, influence the challenges posed by on-going resource decisions and ensure that Tower restrictions on local government finances Hamlet’s historic built environment is and the consequent need to explore managed in a co-ordinated, structured new approaches to service delivery and and corporate way. The Strategy helps to prioritisation where possible. prioritise actions to ensure that available Appendices The new Conservation Strategy was resources are directed to best effect. adopted by Cabinet on 19 September, following a period of public consultation. It will be reviewed again in five years’ time to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.

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Our heritage 1 Introduction 2 Our heritage

Maritime trade, migration and social change Historical growth has significantly shaped the physical morphology of Tower Hamlets. The 2 Hamlets grew around key movement routes and connections between the East of England, Our heritage the City of London and the Thames. Each hamlet was distinctive, having its own economic function, purpose and role to play, and eventually these hamlets began to merge together to form part of the greater London metropolis.

Tower Hamlets takes its name from the historical association with the Tower of London and the surrounding hamlets or villages. The connection to these distinctive places and their centres has been lost over the years 3 since the Second World War. The function, variety and role of each place has gradually our heritage

Caring for weakened, with their centres being dispersed, fragmented and loosened. This has had an impact on social cohesion and interaction and has contributed to the loss of a shared sense of place, a connection to our history, its distinctiveness and identity. Tower Hamlets has a long history of maritime and trade activity, migration and change, and these themes have had a strong influence on the development of the borough and on its unique character today. Shipbuilding was established here by the late 14th century, and by 4 the 19th century the docks were of international importance. Our strategy The docks around Canary Wharf were once part of the world’s largest port. The area takes its name from the many goods imported from the Canary Islands. Blackwall Yard, constructed in 1614, became the largest private shipyard in the country, and many world famous 5 ships, such as the Cutty Sark and Brunel’s Great Eastern, were associated

Delivery with local shipyards and docks.

The early 19th century West India Docks were internationally important. Many of the large warehouses, such as those along Wapping High Street, give a sense of the scale of trade activity which

Appendices was once prevalent in this riverside area. Despite the loss and redevelopment of several docks over the years, there are still more warehouses in Tower Hamlets than any other London borough.

6 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 The 14th century also saw the first wave Prompted by the poor conditions in the of immigration, with the Flemings who East End, William Booth formed The introduced hops into the area, leading to Salvation Army at a meeting held on 1 Introduction the development of the brewing industry. Whitechapel Road. Today, a statue There have been a number of successive commemorates both his mission and his waves of immigration since then, including work in helping the poor. the Huguenots who introduced silk weaving in the 17th century, the Jewish Tower Hamlets has also been a place of community and, most recently, arrivals social reform and radical politics. This from Bangladesh in the mid-20th century. was in part a response to the rapid 2 This emphasis on trade, migration industrialisation that has formed much Our heritage and change has also contributed to a of the character of the borough, which tradition in the borough of a dynamic resulted in poor housing and working built environment and adaptive re-use, condition. Battles against racism are also as new communities have found new a key part of the borough’s history. uses for existing buildings and spaces - such as at the Old Truman Brewery site The East London Federation of and the redevelopment of larger areas Suffragettes played a major role in the such as Fish Island. This is particularly campaign for the vote. They also set 3 our heritage well exemplified with the successful up the first ever children’s centre, the Caring for regeneration at Canary Wharf, and the Mother’s Arms, in Bow, as a part of their establishment of the internationally work to support families during the First competitive financial district. World War.

The Jamme Masjid Mosque on Brick Further information about the history of Lane was originally a church for the Tower Hamlets, from prehistory to the protestant Huguenot silk weavers in present day, is provided in Appendix A. 4 the late 17th century, subsequently a Our strategy methodist chapel, then a synagogue for the Jewish community, before becoming a mosque in 1976.

The themes of maritime and trade activity, and of immigration, were critical to the character and evolution of the borough, 5 and this heritage contributes to Tower Hamlets’ unique sense of place and Delivery identity. On-going regeneration and development of the borough, while being aligned with the pattern of its historical development, potentially increases pressure on the very remains of this tradition, and a balance is therefore needed to be found to Appendices accommodate both priorities. The tradition of adaptive re-use could be one solution to this, where the borough’s social and economic needs are partially delivered through existing heritage stock.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 7 Tower Hamlets today: people and places The London Borough of Tower Hamlets covers an area of 8 square miles (see Figure 1). It 1 Introduction is situated on the northern bank of the River Thames, immediately adjacent to the City of London, Hackney and Newham boroughs. The borough is one of the most ethnically diverse areas in the country, with 92 languages spoken. This diversity contributes to the borough’s evolving sense of identity and to the on-going development of its rich heritage – whether through new uses for existing heritage resources or through the establishment of new heritage. For example, the Bangladeshi 2 community has made an important contribution to the sense of place in Tower Hamlets. At Our heritage the same time, the relatively recent nature of the arrival of some of these communities, and the relatively young age of the population, can also lead to a lack of connectivity with the heritage that can be found in the borough.

Today, the borough is home to a large Bangladeshi community that comprises 40% of all Bangladeshis in London, as well as to a number of other diverse 3 ethnic communities. our heritage Caring for Tower Hamlets is also a borough of stark contrasts and many social and economic challenges. It is characterised by great wealth, but it is also the 6th most deprived local authority in the country, with a number of health issues including multiple 4 disabilities and comparatively lower life Our strategy ex­pectancy. It has the 4th highest density of jobs of all the London boroughs, but is the most employment deprived. It also has one of the highest population densities in inner London, and the population is set to Issues around low employment and high increase at a faster rate than the rest of deprivation could also be partly addressed London. through greater emphasis on tourism, and the borough’s rich and diverse heritage of 5 In 2013, Tower Hamlets was the fastest international, national and local importance growing area in the country over the past could have an important role to play in this.

Delivery 10 years, with the population increasing by 27%. It is predicted that the borough’s Heritage could also have a role to play population will increase an additional in addressing the health issues that 27% to reach over 320,000 by 2023. the borough faces, and the challenges associated with very high population Housing is one of the most significant densities - through increased emphasis issues in the borough, and a target has and access to the borough’s historic landscapes, gardens, squares and Appendices now been set of around 43,000 new homes by 2025. This will potentially waterways. increase the pressure on the borough’s Further details about the socio-economic heritage resource, but at the same time profile of Tower Hamlets today is provided also generates opportunities to adapt in Appendix B. existing heritage stock.

8 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Figure 1 - The London Borough of Tower Hamlets

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KEY Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 9 Tower Hamlets has a wealth of heritage, of The Fournier Street Conservation local, national and international importance Area includes the most important early

1 Introduction (see Figure 2). The borough contains all Georgian quarter in England or part of 50% of the World Heritage Sites in London, and in comparison to averages It also focuses around a number of uses across the London boroughs, it has a and purposes – residential and religious; relatively high proportion of Scheduled maritime, trade and industrial; public Monuments, Grade II listed buildings and (including town halls) and educational conservation areas. (including schools, libraries and learning centres); and recreation and leisure (such 2 The Tower of London World Heritage as music halls and festivals, public houses Our heritage Site is an outstanding, internationally and pie and mash shops). important example of late 11th century innovative Norman military architecture The Whitechapel Bell Foundry was the and home of the Crown Jewels oldest manufacturing company in Britain and a source of world famous bells such This heritage is also characterised by as Big Ben and the Liberty Bell. enormous diversity and variety, covering all aspects of the historic environment Brick Lane’s restaurants, neighbouring 3 (historic buildings/structures, buried street markets and shops provide our heritage the largest range of Bengali cuisine, Caring for archaeology and parks and open spaces), as well as heritage collections and woodwork, carpets and clothing in intangible heritage. Europe. The historic Spitalfields Market dates The Grade II* listed Wilton’s Music back to the 17th century. Hall is the oldest music hall in London to 4 survive in its original form. Our strategy The Grade I listed Christ Church in Spitalfields designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor is a masterpiece of the English Baroque period.

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The very richness of the heritage resource at Tower Hamlets does, however, present its own challenges. It drives a need to prioritise, and to use human and financial

Appendices resources as effectively as possible to maximise the protection and enhancement of that heritage. An audit of Tower Hamlets’ heritage assets in 2016 is provided in Appendix C.

10 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Figure 2 - Overview of Heritage Assets

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Designated Heritage Assets Appendices Undesignated Heritage Assets

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Caring for our heritage 1 Introduction 3 Caring for our heritage Benefits Some of the key benefits that the heritage resource already brings to the borough and its 2 communities are outlined below. This demonstrates why there is broad value in protecting Our heritage and enhancing the heritage resource, and identifies areas where the heritage resource could bring further benefits to the borough.

‘London’s built and landscape heritage provides a depth of character that has immeasurable benefit to the city’s economy, culture and quality of life…It is to London’s benefit that some of the best examples of architecture from the past 2000 years sit side by side to provide a rich texture that makes the city a delight to live, visit, study and do 3 business in.’ our heritage

Caring for (Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, The London Plan 2016)

The benefits associated with Tower Hamlets’ heritage resource are wide-ranging:

• The heritage resources help create a sense of place and build local pride, thereby attracting workers, residents and visitors to the borough. 4 • It provides volunteering, learning and recreation opportunities, and thereby contributes Our strategy to improved social inclusion and cohesion.

• It provides important environmental benefits to local communities who suffer from high population densities and significant health issues.

• It has a tradition of adaptive re-use that supports the borough’s sustainability agenda, and that also contributes to the on-going sustainability of local communities. 5 • It also contributes to tourism and economic development. Many of these benefits are aligned with the borough’s broader strategic priorities – such as

Delivery those in the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2015 and those put forward in the emerging Local Plan 2031. Appendices

14 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Contributing to sense of place and Similarly, promotional material for London distinctiveness Eastside (a brand name created by the

business tourism team in the council to 1 Introduction The history and heritage of Tower Hamlets promote the wide range of venues and is seen as an important component of services in east London to the business what makes the borough a distinctive and community) emphasises the uniqueness special place. It contributes to a cohesive of the area, with its blend of cutting edge sense of identity and community for the design with some of the oldest parts of borough, and also helps attract workers, London. residents and visitors. This is brought out in key planning documents, promotional The importance of retaining this special 2 materials and in comments by key character of Tower Hamlets, and of Our heritage community and amenity groups. protecting the East End heritage and the positive local identity and sense of place High Street 2012: The council led a that it provides, also emerged during major regeneration project launched consultations on the Core Strategy 2010 in 2009 in partnership with English and conservation areas during 2009. Heritage, Transport for London, the Boishakhi Mela: In 2016, following London Development Agency and the termination of the contract with 3 Newham Council. It has included our heritage

the Boishakhi Mela Community Trust Caring for physical regeneration along the A11 – (BMCT), the council stepped in to including Whitechapel, Mile End and ensure that the popular annual Mela Bow Roads. It has also involved a went ahead. As a celebration of Historic Buildings Programme designed Bengali heritage and culture, the Mela to improve and restore about 100 has been an important event for both buildings, most of which are businesses. the Bangladeshi and Tower Hamlets As part of the process, a series of community at large for the past 20 years. 4 community workshops were organised Our strategy by The Museum of London and muf architects/art to transform Altab Ali Park into a temporary open-air museum and archaeological dig.

The emerging Local Plan 2031 recognises the potential benefits of heritage in fostering a sense of place. The key spatial 5 vision for the borough (Reinventing the

Hamlets) is derived from an understanding Delivery of the historic de­velopment of the hamlets and the wider borough (as set out in the historic characterisation work), and their reinvention is seen as a key tool in protecting and enhancing the borough’s unique character. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 15 Contributing to culture, learning and There are also a number of leaflets and social inclusion booklets that have been developed on

1 Introduction various aspects of the heritage of the The heritage resource can also play an borough, including: important role for local residents, schools and communities, in terms of learning and • East London Heritage Trails; volunteering opportunities, as a venue and resource for cultural activities, and by • Brief history of the Docklands, station by contributing to improved social inclusion. station on the Docklands Light Railway; Much of this focuses at present around the 2 Tower of London, the key museums in the • Historic churches in Docklands and Our heritage borough, and the Local History Library and East London; Archives. • A celebration of architecture in London’s A residents survey for Tower Hamlets that East End; was carried out during 2006/7 revealed that almost 40% of respondents had • Conservation and regeneration in visited a museum or gallery at least London Docklands, with information on once during the prior 6 months – broadly Docklands heritage. 3 comparable to inner London averages and Local history resources, such as books our heritage a significant improvement on the almost

Caring for and maps, are for sale at the Local History 20% from 2003/4. Library and Archives, and also through the East London History Society website. Heritage training: Funded by the The council website also has listings on Heritage Lottery Fund, the Tower festivals and events that take place at Hamlets Local History Library and a variety of venues across the borough, Archives ran a twelve-month traineeship and event guides such as Culture Trip 4 in 2011 to provide training in work-based and the Londonist have pages dedicated Our strategy heritage skills including cataloguing, to discovering Tower Hamlets on their digitisation, oral history, preservation, websites. and responding to public enquiries. Towards the end of the project, the Discovering local history: The Charity trainee curated a programme of events ‘Friends of Tower Hamlets Cemetery across a number of library sites and Park’ received nearly £10,000 from the a final exhibition which showcased Heritage Lottery Fund for a research highlights from the newly acquired project entitled ‘Researching the 5 archival and oral history collections. names on the War Memorial in Tower Hamlets Cemetery’. The project was Delivery set up to reveal the stories behind the names of the war memorial and make the information publically available. In February 2016, members of the community dressed up as sergeants and nurses to educated people about WWI and its connections with Tower Hamlets. Appendices

16 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Contributing to Green Infrastructure Contributing to sustainable development through adaptive reuse As well as providing cultural and learning

1 Introduction opportunities, the historic parks and Historic building grant scheme: open spaces, trees and landscapes The council continues to manage in the borough also provide important this scheme, and regularly awards environmental benefits to the local grant assistance to listed buildings in communities in Tower Hamlets. community ownership, buildings ‘at risk’ As a borough with one of the highest (and or where there is clear public benefit rising) population densities in London, arising from the works. The George green infrastructure is a particularly Tavern, Oxford House in Bethnal Green 2 Our heritage valuable resource. Its generally free and and Limehouse Town Hall are examples open access contributes to the health and of listed buildings which have benefited wellbeing of individuals, and to community greatly and have all been removed from cohesion and social inclusion, by providing the Historic England’s heritage at risk meeting places. It also enhances the register as a direct result of the scheme. visual appearance of the borough. The successive waves of development and immigration have created a tradition 3 of adaptive re-use that supports the our heritage borough’s sustainability agenda. A number Caring for of historic buildings have been adapted and re-used for a variety of purposes – whether as premises for small businesses or creative industries, for larger commercial enterprises or recreation, or for museums, places of worship and other 4 community uses. Our strategy

Old Truman Brewery: The regeneration of the Grade II listed building, which was once the largest brewery in London, is one of the biggest success stories for the borough’s heritage. A 12 year project sensitively restored the building and Green Flag Awards: In 2016, Tower transformed over 10 acres of vacant 5 Hamlets won a Green Flag Award and derelict buildings into what is now for Meath Gardens, now bringing the the creative hub of London’s East End. Delivery number of Green Flag parks up to ten, Today, more than 200 small, creative the highest number of any borough. All businesses, together with retail, leisure parks that receive a Green Flag Award and unique event spaces, are housed at go into a nationwide online vote where the site. people can vote for their favourite park. In 2015, Tower Hamlets’ much loved Victoria Park, a registered park and Appendices garden, received thousands of votes and was crowned ‘The People’s Choice’, an award it has received on three separate occasions in recent years.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 17 As well as helping to reduce the borough’s Working with Historic Royal Palaces carbon footprint and increase its energy the Tower of London: The council

1 Introduction efficiency (and therefore complying with works regularly with Historic Royal the NPPF) these new purposes also Palaces on initiatives to promote tourism contribute to the on-going sustainability of in the borough. The ‘Blood Swept Sands local communities. and Seas of Red’ installation in 2014 of nearly 1 million ceramic poppies within Poplar Baths: The council led a scheme the Tower’s moat area proved extremely to restore and reopen the magnificent successful, attracting over 5 million Grade II listed Art Deco baths which visitors during the first 4 months of 2 had previously appeared on the Historic Our heritage opening. England’s Heritage at Risk register. This involved close cross-departmental In addition, the range of covered and collaboration within the council as well street markets (most notably Petticoat as liaison with English Heritage and the Lane, Spitalfields and Columbia Road) contractors. Prior to its completion, the also attracts visitors from beyond as well Baths were home to a series of specially as within the borough, as do major retail, commissioned temporary public artworks restaurant and entertainment areas such 3 as part of Frieze’s ‘Project East’ in 2012. as Brick Lane, and water associated our heritage The building has now been successfully

Caring for heritage resources such as the St removed from the register and after lying Katharine Docks complex. vacant for 30 years, it was opened to the public in 2016 as a leisure centre. Going forward, there is emphasis on encouraging visitors to explore more of Contributing to tourism and the visitor the borough’s assets. As part of this, a economy link is gradually being made between the Tower of London and Spitalfields, with 4 The heritage resource in Tower Hamlets Our strategy new public space opened up between the already contributes to tourism and two. In addition, new guides and leaflets economic development in the borough, have recently been published that promote although at present most of the benefits the East End as a destination, including tend to be concentrated around a small the Quirky Shopping Guide to London number of ‘honeypot sites’: Eastside (which references the covered • The Tower of London is the largest and street markets), and TimeOut’s DIY heritage visitor attraction in the borough, East. 5 with nearly 3 million visits/year; Community access to historic

Delivery • The newly extended Whitechapel Art buildings: In 2015, over 40 buildings Gallery anticipates increasing annual within the borough were opened over visitor numbers from c.250,000 to the Open House weekend. A survey c.500,000 visits/year; conducted by Open House reported that 36% of visitors surveyed said that • The Victoria and Albert Museum of went to an area they hadn’t been before Childhood has over 350,000 visits/year; and 97% described Open House as

Appendices and effective in engaging them with their local heritage. 13% of respondents also • The Museum of London Docklands has said they were more likely to comment over 280,000 visits/year. on a local planning issue in their neighbourhood as a direct result of Open House.

18 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Challenges Some of the key challenges facing Tower Hamlets’ heritage are outlined below. These 1 Introduction challenges are addressed by the Conservation Strategy. In overview, given the borough’s current social and economic issues, regeneration and housing development is a key strategic priority in the borough. However, development will potentially drive increased pressure on the heritage resource, impacting heritage character, context and significance, and heritage that is locally important. Although there is good protection already in place for much of the borough’s heritage, there are still some important gaps. There is often limited clarity on the specific characteristics 2 that contribute to significance, and therefore on the developments that are most Our heritage appropriate. There are a number of key heritage structures or types of heritage that are not well represented currently in designations – including for example industrial heritage, which remains less understood and appreciated despite its seminal role in the borough’s history and identity. There are also limitations around the protection for locally important heritage. In addition, evolving community needs are causing some buildings to cease to be fit for purpose, thereby putting their future viability at risk, and there are also issues associated with the condition of the heritage in the borough – around general upkeep and damage, 3 our heritage and around inappropriate works that undermine character and significance. Caring for

4 Our strategy

5 Tower Hamlets’ wealth of heritage raises a number of challenges around management of the resource – ownership is divided between a number of different types of organisations, Delivery and the council does not have the funds and resources to manage and maintain all of it. Prioritisation of resources will therefore be key, as will increased stakeholder and community engagement. At present, engagement between the key stakeholders involved in the heritage resource is not as proactive and effective as it could be. There also appears to be a general lack

of awareness among the public of the conservation and management needs of heritage, Appendices and community involvement in heritage does not fully represent the demographic profile of the borough. Although there are many values associated with the heritage resource, its contribution is not being fully realised, and communities and stakeholders are therefore not being fully engaged with it. As a result, neither the communities and stakeholders nor the heritage itself are benefiting as much as they could.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 19 Balancing regeneration, development The ambitious target for increased housing and conservation in the borough is encouraging high density

1 Introduction development on available land. This could The strong focus on regeneration, and the have significant impact on areas that are high targets set out in the London Plan for characterised by low density building (for the provision of new housing (developing example industrial heritage, or Chrisp 39,314 new homes) in the borough Street Market). between 2015 and 2025, will potentially drive increased pressure on the heritage Some development within the borough resource. has negatively impacted the setting and key views of the borough’s buildings – for 2 Fish Island, Leamouth, Cubitt Town, Our heritage example at the Tower of London, and at Blackwall and Millwall appear to potentially the Church of St George’s in the East. face the greatest challenges and Future development initiatives also include opportunities from both regeneration and tall buildings (for example in the Aldgate new housing targets. In addition, Poplar area and the rest of the city fringe), which Riverside, Poplar and Bromley by Bow could further affect the setting and views also appear to face real challenges and of heritage. In addition, a number of opportunities from the new regeneration conservation areas have suffered from areas, while Canary Wharf and Spitalfields 3 encroachment from adjacent development our heritage also appear to face challenges and Caring for (such as at the St Anne’s Church opportunities from new housing targets. Conservation Area). The heritage resource More detailed assessment would need to has a meaningful relationship with its be undertaken to understand the actual physical and spatial context, as defined potential impact of the regeneration and by its setting and key views. Where these housing development on the heritage are adversely affected, the distinctive resource. character and significance of the heritage 4 resource is also undermined. Our strategy Conservation advice on new developments: The Council’s Development pressure is threatening conservation officers provide detailed buildings and areas in the borough that advice on listed buildings, heritage are not considered significant enough to settings and conservation areas during be designated (and therefore give greater advice drop-ins, onsite and at meetings. protection through the planning system), For example, officers were involved but that nevertheless contribute to local 5 in the London Dock development and identity and sense of place, or that meet helped to amend the proposed design local community needs. of the tall tower to ensure that it did Delivery not cause harm to the setting of the Tower of London World Heritage Site. Conservation officers also provided advice and acted as expert witnesses on planning appeals such as that concerning the former Shoreditch Station building, where unsympathetic Appendices development proposals were dismissed at appeal.

20 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Improving the condition of heritage at In some cases, works have been carried risk out by contractors with less experience

of the needs and sensitivities of heritage 1 Introduction Historic England’s 2016 heritage at buildings – driven in part by the difficulty of risk register for London identifies 33 finding appropriate contractors. heritage assets in Tower Hamlets at risk. This represents 5% of all the borough’s Some heritage resources are damaged places of worship, conservation areas, and in need of repair (such as St. Mary’s archaeology, listed buildings and Church in Bow), driven by a lack of structures and registered parks and maintenance or funds for maintenance. gardens. Listed buildings continue to Some conservation areas suffer from 2 represent the biggest proportion of the graffiti and vandalism (for example the Our heritage borough’s heritage at risk. Important Poplar and Bow conservation areas), public buildings and structures are over- while the quality of others has been represented on the register, particularly undermined by public realm issues, places of worship. 39% of the heritage such as inappropriate materials used by features identified are in very bad statutory developers, poor signage and condition, and a further 42% are in poor pavements, or street clutter (for example condition. at Whitechapel Market or Lansbury). 3 our heritage

Type of heritage asset at risk 2009 2016 Caring for Buildings and structures 28 21 Places of worship 6 6 Archaeology 1 1 Parks and gardens 1 0 4

Conservation areas 1 5 Our strategy 37 33 Total heritage assets (4% of London average) (5% of London average)

Between 2009 and 2016, 21 heritage Wilton’s Music Hall: Previously on the assets have been successfully removed Heritage at Risk Register, the Grade from the register and 19 new entries II* listed building has had interior and have been added. Since 2009, there has exterior restoration works with the been a 5% increase in the number of support of a Heritage Lottery Fund grant 5 buildings and structures (including places and is now open as a thriving music of worship) assessed as in poor condition venue with a year-round programme Delivery and a 10% increase in buildings and of educational and heritage activities structures assessed as being in very bad such as workshops, tours and talks. The condition. project, led by Tim Ronalds Architects, Some heritage buildings and conservation received the RIBA London Award 2016, areas have suffered from inappropriate the RIBA London Conservation Award works, leading to loss of architectural and the RIBA Building of The Year Award features or loss of uniformity, and overall 2016. Appendices loss of character and significance. Some of these works have been unauthorised, while others are permitted but are not in keeping with the overall character of the area.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 21 Sandy’s Row Synagogue: The Grade II listed Place of Worship received funding

1 Introduction from the Heritage Lottery Fund in 2013 for an oral history and local community heritage project which involved collecting memories, photographs and artefacts relating to the heritage of the building and its role in the local community from 1920-80. Outcomes of the project 2 included a short film, a public exhibition Our heritage and a dedicated website.

20th century heritage, particularly post war housing estates, is similarly less Greater understanding and appreciation widely understood and appreciated. As of heritage a result, there are relatively limited funds and resources invested in this area, which Heritage promotion in schools: council in turn affects the condition of the heritage. 3 officers worked with Education, Social our heritage Care and Wellbeing Directorate to Limited appreciation of the integral Caring for provide formal educational activities and importance of the local streetscape resources to promote understanding and (including trees) has led to gradual enjoyment of the historic environment. disintegration of the townscape in some One such example was the recent ‘Land areas (for example the Chapel House and Lives’ school workshops run by Conservation Area). the Local History Library and Archives There are some minor inconsistencies 4 which involved students and teachers of information between the council and Our strategy in Bromley-by-Bow using old parchment Historic England, particularly in the lists of property deeds, including historical Scheduled Monuments and statutory listed photos and maps and many other unique buildings. sources to connect with the history of Bromley-by-Bow. There is often a lack of awareness among the general public of the heritage nature Despite its seminal role in Tower Hamlets’ of the building that they inhabit, and of the history and development, including its associated conservation and management 5 social history, the borough’s industrial needs of that heritage. heritage remains less widely understood

Delivery and appreciated. This is partially due to People’s Plaques scheme: In 2013, its more robust and functional style, which the council launched an initiative to can seem less aesthetically attractive. acknowledge the rich history of Tower The industrial heritage appears to Hamlets and honour individuals who be relatively under-represented in have made significant contributions to it. designations (potentially in part due Following a public vote, seven winners - including important members of the

Appendices to destruction in the 1980s), and is as a result under greater pressure from Bengali community, a nurse, teacher, development – particularly at Fish Island writer and influential director Alfred and along parts of the eastern boundary Hitchcock – now have a plaque installed of the borough (where there are good to commemorate the significant impact communication links with Stratford and they have made to the cultural history of Canary Wharf). the borough. 22 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Maximising the benefits of heritage In 2007, about 3.5% of the borough’s employment was related to tourism, Tower Hamlets is one of the most deprived

compared with over 5% in Greater London 1 Introduction local authorities in the country, with poor as a whole. Given the comparative wealth indicators of employment, health and of the heritage that can be found in Tower education. Through its ability to contribute Hamlets, this is relatively low. to social and physical well-being, engage in education, encourage access to open Limited opening times and high spaces and promote social cohesion admission prices can discourage heritage can help improve the lives of communities from visiting some heritage people in the borough. museums and sites. 2 Our heritage However, despite the borough’s rich There is very limited interpretation or heritage resource, its potential to benefit directional signage relating to the heritage the community is yet to be fully realised. resource on-site in the borough, and it Key to achieving this will be to make would therefore be easy for a casual visitor heritage accessible to all, increasing to remain unaware of the breadth and understanding and access through diversity of the heritage that can be found constructive conservation, education, and here. There is also limited information on celebration. the heritage resource on the Council’s 3 website, no borough map made available our heritage Caring for New Town Hall in Royal London to visitors or residents, and no central Hospital: Tower Hamlets council has Tourist Office or other resource where announced plans to convert this historic visitors can access information about the building (Grade II listed) into a new borough’s heritage. civic centre for the borough, as part of the Whitechapel Masterplan launched in 2014. Following a competition, the 4 internationally renowned architectural Our strategy firm AHMM have been appointed to lead the £77 million restoration project. Contributing to the area’s regeneration and securing the future of a building of heritage importance (which is currently on the Heritage at Risk Register), this project highlights the Council’s commitment to sustainable development 5 and heritage conservation.

Victoria Cross commemorative Delivery The potential contribution of the heritage paving stone project: In 2015, as resource to tourism in the borough is part of the national project organised not being fully realised. There are some by the Department for Communities honeypot sites and museums in the & Local Government, council officers borough that attract significant numbers liaised with relevant council departments of visitors (e.g. Tower of London, V&A to coordinate the installation of

Museum of Childhood, Brick Lane), but Appendices Commemorative Paving Stones. Each elsewhere in the borough visitor numbers paving stone bears an inscription relating and the economic benefits from tourism to one of the borough’s five First World appear to be more limited. War soldiers who was awarded the Victoria Cross.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 23 At present, community engagement in Ensuring effective protection and decision-making on heritage does not fully guidance for the historic environment

1 Introduction represent the demographic profile of the The planning system has a key role to play borough. in protecting historic buildings and places The Conservation and Design Advisory (also known as heritage assets). Panel is more representative of local amenity groups than local community Heritage assets: ‘A building, monument, groups, and public consultation events site, place, area or landscape identified involving heritage typically attract small as having a degree of significance 2 numbers of people. This is driven in meriting consideration in planning Our heritage part by a sense that it is the role of the decisions, because of its heritage council (and not of the local community) interest. Heritage asset includes to manage the heritage, and also by designated heritage assets and assets a degree of transience in the local identified by the local planning authority community. (including local listing).’ (NPPF Annex 2: Glossary) In addition, over time there has also been a reduction in contacts between planners It is through the planning system that 3 and Residents’ Associations. most changes to buildings and land in the our heritage

Caring for borough are carried out. This includes New Neighbourhood Planning Forums the way most decisions are made about (NPFs): Under the Localism Act, 2 proposed changes to historic buildings new NPFs in Spitalfields and the Isle and places, including those which are of Dogs were introduced in 2016 and protected by the designation system. It join Limehouse and East Shoreditch. is based on the principle of sustainable Working in partnership with ward development, to be achieved forums, government agencies and local 4 simultaneously in three specific areas: Our strategy councillors, the new NPFs place parts of economic, social and environmental. planning and development directly into Heritage can play a part in all three. the hands of local communities. The Government’s overarching aim for Evolving community needs are causing heritage managed through the planning some buildings to cease to be fit for system is to conserve it for the enjoyment purpose (for example schools, public of this and future generations. The baths, wharf warehouses). Unless planning system comprises: 5 buildings can be adapted appropriately, or alternative uses found, their future viability • Planning Legislation

Delivery is at risk. • National Planning Policy and Guidance

• Local Plans and Decision Making Appendices

24 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Planning legislation sets out how The NPPF states that in preparing this local plans should be made and how strategy, local planning authorities should

planning decisions should be taken. take into account: 1 Introduction Historic England’s Heritage Protection Guide explains in detail how planning law • ‘the desirability of sustaining and applies to historic buildings and places. enhancing the significance of heritage The law requires planning permission assets and putting them to viable uses to be obtained for most developments consistent with their conservation; or changes of use of existing buildings. • the wider social, cultural, economic Special heritage consents are required and environmental benefits that for some heritage, for example Listed 2 conservation of the historic environment Our heritage Building Consent. Historic England’s List can bring; of Heritage Consents explains these in more detail. • the desirability of new development The National Planning Policy making a positive contribution to local Framework (NPPF) published in March character and distinctiveness; and 2012 sets out the Government’s planning • opportunities to draw on the contribution policies for following legislation (The made by the historic environment to the Town and Country Planning Acts) and 3 character of a place.’ our heritage how they are expected to be applied. Its Caring for central theme is a presumption in favour Heritage is recognised as having the of sustainable development, set out in 13 power to act as a catalyst for successful core land-use planning principles that regeneration. There is often an optimal underpin both plan-making and decision- scenario where keeping the best of the old taking. and introducing high quality, sensitive new development can achieve the best result Section 12 of the National Planning Policy for both regeneration and sustainability in 4 Framework (NPPF), published in March Our strategy the historic environment. 2012, sets out the Government’s policy approach for conserving and enhancing Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), the historic environment within the also written by Government, gives further planning process. Paragraph 126 of the information for owners, developers and NPPF states that ‘local planning authorities local planning authorities on how national should set out in their Local Plan a policy is to be interpreted and applied positive strategy for the conservation and locally and underlines the support for enjoyment of the historic environment, sustainable development required by 5 including heritage assets most at risk the NPPF. The PPG includes advice on through neglect, decay or other threats’. conserving and enhancing the historic Delivery environment through the planning system, which recognises that conservation is an active process of maintenance and managing change requiring a flexible and thoughtful approach to get the best out of heritage assets. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 25 Local planning authorities have to make The Conservation Area Appraisals a Local Plan, setting out planning policies and Management Guidelines have

1 Introduction for making planning decisions in their area, limited detail (visual or written) on the including those covering historic buildings specific architectural and townscape and areas. characteristics that contribute to significance and that are of primary Local plans have to be consistent with importance, and of the specific views that planning law and national policy and need to be protected. They also do not guidance. In addition, local planning always fully address the issues specific to authorities in London also need to take into the historic parks within the conservation account the Mayor of London’s policies in 2 areas. This lack of clarity can result in Our heritage the London Plan (such as those relating inappropriate developments, and can limit to tall buildings and the management the effectiveness of the Conservation Area of strategic views) and associated Appraisals as Supplementary Planning supplementary planning guidance (e.g. Documents. Greater specificity would also the London View Management Framework act as a valuable benchmark for future and Guidance on Setting of World Heritage monitoring. Sites). Some conservation areas appear to have As the local planning authority, the council 3 key structures missing. For example, our heritage is normally responsible for deciding on Caring for the West India Dock Conservation developments or changes to heritage Area includes the quay walls, general assets in the borough, in conjunction with offices and two warehouses, but not the Historic England and the Greater London dock basins themselves. Similarly, the Archaeology Advisory Service (provided by Coldharbour Conservation Area includes Historic England). the entrance locks to Blackwall Basin A summary of historic environment and Poplar Dock, but not the basins 4 planning advice notes and guidance themselves. Our strategy currently available from Historic England The planning process for both is provided as . GLAAS also Appendix E conservation areas and listed buildings provides archaeological planning advice references the importance of preserving based on the Greater London Historic the setting of an area or heritage Environment Record (GLHER) managed building, but the lack of clearly defined by Historic England. and delineated settings undermines the Taking into account Historic England’s ability to control development that may 5 advice on designated heritage assets impact these heritage resources. where appropriate, the council is

Delivery Guidance on building heights and views responsible for deciding whether or not is provided in policies DM26 and DM27 of to grant planning permission for new the Managing Development DPD (2013). buildings or significant changes to the use However, more detailed guidance for of a building or land. The council is also planning officers relating to the protection normally responsible for making decisions of key local views that contribute to the on whether or not to grant listed building setting of conservation areas and listed consent.

Appendices buildings is needed to inform the Council’s decision making process relating to local landmarks and cherished buildings.

26 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 There are currently no selection criteria for Appropriate Management and Adequate assessing heritage features for inclusion Resources

on the Local List, which undermines the 1 Introduction Tower Hamlets has a rich heritage transparency of the selection process. resource, but inevitably there are There are also currently no overarching insufficient funds and resources to decision-making frameworks or principles manage and sustain all of it – an issue that to balance regeneration, development and will become exacerbated as the profile of conservation needs for locally important the heritage is raised. and distinctive, but undesignated buildings and areas. Decisions are currently made Supporting the English Heritage 2 on a case by case basis. Places of Worship Support Scheme: Our heritage Since 2014, the council has liaised War Memorials added to Local List: with English Heritage and the Inter- Almost 50 war memorials were added Faith Forum to coordinate a number to the Local List following a widespread of successful training sessions which public consultation exercise to coincide have covered topics such as funding with the centenary of the outbreak of opportunities, maintenance and repair of the First World War. The List includes places of worship, insurance and health memorials within churchyards, public and safety. The council is continuing 3 our heritage parks, schools and other buildings. The to work with many congregations in Caring for existing Local List was also reviewed and the borough to protect and improve revised to account for changes since the buildings. last review.

Prior to 2010, Tower Hamlets has had one of the highest tallies of spot listings of all the London boroughs. The existing 4 statutory heritage protection within the Our strategy borough may not be as comprehensive as in other boroughs, which have had their statutory Lists reviewed by Historic England more recently. A significant share of the borough is already covered by conservation areas and other designations. Consultations 5 have indicated a concern that such coverage may undermine the significance Delivery of what has been designated, or encourage an overly permissive approach to development in areas that are not designated but that are still locally important. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 27 Funds for the conservation, protection and Ownership of the heritage resource is enhancement of the heritage resource divided between a number of different

1 Introduction come from a number of sources. The types of organisations – public, private council has its own budget that it invests and commercial. Some of these owners in these areas. This is supplemented do not have the resources, or sometimes by grant funding from Historic England, even the interest in enhancing and historically in the order of magnitude of protecting the heritage resource they are £300-400k/year. occupying. This has been seen as an issue particularly for small businesses on The former English Heritage supported high streets. 2 High Street 2012 - a joint initiative by the Our heritage London Boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Interaction and engagement within Newham, English Heritage, Design for Council, between the different stakeholder London and Transport for London that departments related to heritage, currently delivered significant improvements to tends to be reactive and on a case by case Whitechapel Road, Mile End Road, Bow basis, rather than proactive and strategic. Road and High Street, Stratford prior to The Council’s Local History Library and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Archives team has delivered a number of Games. actions identified in the 2010 Conservation 3 Strategy with regards to curating heritage our heritage In addition, funding to support heritage Caring for collections and promoting the boroughs conservation work is also secured through intangible heritage. More could be done Section 106 agreements – for example, to encourage greater inter-departmental funding for conservation areas in the city collaboration within the Council. fringe was secured through the Spitalfields development in Bishops Square. Between Heritage and its conservation/protection 2000 and 2010, £10.1m of Section 106 can be seen by some council departments 4 contribution was earmarked for spend as an impediment to delivering their Our strategy on heritage, with the majority allocated objectives, rather than as a potential asset to the Brick Lane and Fournier Street or enabling resource. Conservation Area. In response to regeneration and The council focuses grant-aid mainly on development pressures, there has been heritage with distinct public benefit – for a greater emphasis in recent years example, on prominent listed buildings on identifying and designating new such as the George Tavern, on community conservation areas, than on monitoring 5 buildings, or on structures that are the condition of existing conservation included on the Buildings at Risk register. areas. There is no clear timeframe and

Delivery In addition, grant-aid is also given for shop accountabilities for delivering the actions fronts – for example on Roman Road. identified in the Conservation Area Appraisals. Appendices

28 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Working together The council owns part of the heritage resource across the borough, and is The borough’s heritage resource is owned,

therefore directly responsible for the 1 Introduction managed and used on a day to day basis maintenance of that heritage. However, a by a variety of organisations, but the significant share of the heritage resource, council has a key role to play in managing particularly around the periphery of the and sustaining the heritage at an overall borough, is owned by others - including level. public sector bodies and third sector Within the Council, this role is carried out organisations, private individuals, primarily by the Place Shaping Team (part commercial enterprises and developers. of the Place Directorate) and through 2 The Tower of London World Heritage Our heritage the work of the Local History Library and Site, for example, is owned by the Queen Archives team (part of the Resources ‘in right of Crown’ and managed by the Directorate). However, there are also a Historic Royal Palaces, while many of number of other key stakeholders that the borough’s waterways and associated have an important role to play, including structures are owned and managed by the external stakeholders, statutory agencies Canal & River Trust (including for example and voluntary organisations. See the Regent’s Canal, River Lee Navigation, for details. Appendix D Limehouse Cut, and Poplar and Blackwall 3 our heritage

The wide variety of organisations that Basins in the Isle of Dogs). Caring for directly impact, or are impacted by, the None of the museums and galleries in the heritage resource drives a need for a borough are owned by the Council, and co-ordinated and integrated approach so these are either privately managed to heritage, to maximise its potential or managed by other public institutions protection and enhancement. or third sector organisations (such as Although there are a number of systems the Victoria and Albert Museum and the 4 already in place to secure the protection of Museum of London). These owners have Our strategy the borough’s internationally and nationally an important role to play in the care and important heritage, there are still a number protection of the borough’s heritage. of areas where protection is currently less effective – for example, in relation to locally important heritage, and to smaller works that could incrementally degrade the special character and significance of heritage assets. 5

The Government’s NPPF encourages Delivery alignment between the Conservation Strategy and the borough’s broader strategic priorities, and further underlines the importance of an integrated approach. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 29

Our strategy 1 Introduction 4 Our strategy The vision for our heritage 2 Tower Hamlets’ rich and diverse heritage is an irreplaceable Our heritage legacy that is widely valued, cared for and celebrated. The historic environment is intrinsic to the character of Tower Hamlets and makes it a unique and distinctive place. It also makes a significant contribution to the borough as a welcoming place to live, work and visit, delivering long-term benefits for the social and economic well-being of Tower 3 Hamlets. our heritage Caring for This heritage resource is protected and enhanced to ensure that it continues to be appreciated and enjoyed by future generations.

Conservation is an on-going and active process of maintenance and managing change requiring a flexible approach to get the best out of heritage assets. Building on the 4 framework provided by the 2010 document, the updated strategy sets out a refreshed Our strategy vision for guiding conservation and enjoyment of the borough’s historic environment over the next 10 years. The Strategy informs the Council’s new Local Plan, which, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, sets out a positive strategy for the conservation and enjoyment of the historic environment. It sets out a common framework for all stakeholders to use in helping ensure that the borough’s historic environment continues to play an influential role 5 in the future well-being and success of Tower Hamlets’ communities and businesses. The strategy has three core aims to help people value, conserve and enjoy Tower Hamlets’ historic environment. The aims are to: Delivery 1. Understand and appreciate our rich heritage, recognising its contribution to the borough’s vibrancy and distinctiveness.

2. Conserve and protect the borough’s historic environment, capitalising on opportunities for attracting investment, conservation-led regeneration and positive place shaping.

Appendices 3. Enjoy, celebrate and engage with our rich history, promoting Tower Hamlets as a distinctive and welcoming place to live, work and visit for current and future generations. Together, the three aims will help achieve our aspirational long-term vision for the borough’s heritage.

32 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Each of these aims is supported by a series of objectives that will help secure a sustainable future for the borough’s heritage:

1 Introduction

Aims Objectives 1. Understand and Objective 1.1: Aim to increase awareness of the borough’s appreciate our rich historic environment and its conservation needs heritage, recognising Objective 1.2: Aim to build a better understanding of the its contribution to the borough’s intangible heritage and local heritage borough’s vibrancy and Objective 1.3: Ensure that planning applications and 2 distinctiveness decisions are based on a sound understanding of the Our heritage significance of heritage asset(s) affected by proposed changes Objective 1.4: Continue to develop and update an easily accessible digital historic environment information system to inform conservation of the borough’s heritage assets Objective 1.5: Consider increasing recognition of the existing and potential benefits that the historic environment 3 contributes to regeneration of the borough our heritage Caring for Objective 1.6: Consider creating and maintaining a register of the boroughs public artworks 2. Conserve and protect Objective 2.1: Reduce the number of heritage assets at the borough’s historic risk in the borough by improving the condition of assets environment, capitalising identified on Historic England’s heritage at risk register on opportunities for Objective 2.2: Consider developing and implementing an attracting investment, integrated monitoring and maintenance regime for owners 4 conservation-led of historic buildings and other heritage assets Our strategy regeneration and positive Objective 2.3: Aim to proactively encourage owners place shaping of historic buildings and other heritage assets to use appropriate advisors, contractors and materials when undertaking maintenance works Objective 2.4: Ensure the effective protection and conservation of the Tower of London World Heritage Site and its setting, and the setting of the Greenwich Maritime 5 World Heritage Site Objective 2.5: Ensure the effective protection and Delivery conservation of the borough’s listed buildings and their settings Objective 2.6: Ensure the effective protection and conservation of the borough’s conservation areas and their settings Objective 2.7: Aim to review the Local List of heritage

assets Appendices Objective 2.8: Ensure the effective protection and conservation of the borough’s Historic Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces and their settings

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 33 Aims Objectives

1 Introduction 2. Cont... Objective 2.9: Ensure the effective protection and conservation of the borough’s archaeology Objective 2.10: Aim to ensure effective protection of the setting of heritage assets and key views from inappropriate development Objective 2.11: Aim to ensure effective protection of the borough’s intangible heritage 2 Objective 2.12: Ensure effective enforcement to protect the Our heritage borough’s heritage from unauthorised changes Objective 2.13: Aim to work with local communities and partners to secure opportunities for the sustainable adaption and reuse of historic buildings and other heritage assets as part of the borough’s on-going regeneration Objective 2.14: Consider producing guidance to help resolve the conflict between the desire to retrofit energy 3 efficiency improvements to historic buildings and the need our heritage to preserve the special character and appearance of Caring for buildings and areas. Objective 2.15: Maintain and promote high quality architecture, streets and open spaces within the historic areas of the borough. 3. Enjoy, celebrate and Objective 3.1: Aim to increase community pride in and engage with our rich enjoyment of the borough’s diverse heritage 4 history, promoting Tower Objective 3.2: Aim to increase intellectual accessibility to Our strategy Hamlets as a distinctive and the borough’s heritage, and improve physical connectivity welcoming place to live, between different heritage resources work and visit for current Objective 3.3: Consider increasing community engagement and future generations in the active management and promotion of the borough’s heritage Objective 3.4 : Consider increasing the contribution that the borough’s heritage makes to tourism, diversifying how it 5 is experienced by visitors

Delivery The strategy is aligned with the borough’s emerging Local Plan 2031, and actively contributes to the key priorities of the Tower Hamlets Community Plan 2015. It will play a key role in helping make Tower Hamlets a great place to live by managing and sustaining the heritage, and thereby reinforcing the distinctive identity and unique sense of place of the borough; and also by increasing community enjoyment of the borough’s heritage. It also contributes to a prosperous community in Tower Hamlets, by supporting

Appendices the further development of the Third Sector, by offering diverse learning opportunities, and through the potential to use historic buildings as premises for local businesses. Through this, it supports the ‘One Tower Hamlets’ vision by helping improve the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in the borough.

34 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Aim 1: Understand and appreciate our rich heritage

Understanding and appreciating our rich heritage, and recognising its contribution 1 Introduction to the borough’s vibrancy and distinctiveness is a core aim of the Conservation Strategy. The people, stories, spaces and buildings that contribute to our heritage are an essential and intrinsic part of the borough’s vibrant street scenes, multi-cultural history and unique sense of place. Our borough’s historic environment is of international, national and local importance, characterised by enormous diversity and variety. It is a rich resource that includes historic buildings and archaeology, parks and open spaces, heritage collections 2 and intangible heritage (including personal memories and traditional skills, markets and Our heritage festivals). The historic environment has a key role to play in shaping the growth and development of the borough. To manage our heritage effectively, we need to understand its significance in terms of the contribution it makes to a place’s community, economy and environment, and how people relate to, enjoy and value their heritage. The historic environment continues to adapt and change, responding to the evolving needs of the borough as part of a modern and world-class city. Understanding the ambitions of local communities, 3 our heritage

property owners and other interested stakeholders is therefore key to securing a Caring for sustainable future for our historic environment. Its stewardship must be evidence-led, with a strategic approach underpinned by a thorough understanding of its condition, value and the challenges it faces.

Objective 1.1: Aim to increase This could include, for example, awareness of the borough’s historic supplements in newspapers (such as environment and its conservation a bilingual column in the history pages 4 Our strategy needs of Our East End) or other community publications, or information on heritage Achieving increased understanding and events/activities in listings sections. enjoyment of the borough’s heritage also requires building increased awareness of A communications campaign could be that heritage. Increased awareness of the launched where heritage is put at the top heritage and its needs also helps ensure of the agenda across the council media for that proposed works to existing heritage a dedicated week or month, similar to the resources and new planned developments approach taken to the Healthy Borough 5 are aligned with and protect the heritage and Safer Street campaigns. significance, and the attributes closely Delivery Production companies could also be associated with that significance. encouraged to film in the borough, making Increased awareness will happen in part use of the borough’s distinctive heritage. through activities related to interpretation, Outreach and roadshow activities could learning and education in line with Aim focus in particular on those groups who 3, but will also need to be supported own key heritage resources or who are by an active programme of marketing Appendices likely to have most impact on the physical and promotion (inside and outside the development of the borough, while borough), including outreach activities and marketing activities could be undertaken roadshows. by heritage owners and managers as well as by Council.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 35 Objective 1.2: Aim to build a better Objective 1.3: Ensure that planning understanding of the borough’s applications and decisions are based

1 Introduction intangible heritage and local heritage on a sound understanding of the significance of heritage asset(s) Tower Hamlets is characterised by key affected by proposed changes themes of trade and industry, migration and change that continue to this day. The NPPF also emphasises the This has resulted in a rich fabric of importance of understanding significance intangible heritage and local heritage that of heritage assets to inform local planning is experiencing an on-going process of decisions and consents. 2 development and evolution.

Our heritage Applicants should be required to There are a number of different aspects to consider the impact on significance in the intangible heritage, from historic street their applications – this will help ensure markets to more contemporary events and a greater chance of applications being festivals, from oral histories and personal accepted, and reduce the burden of time memories to different values and uses of a and cost on both applicants and the heritage resource, from performing arts to council. Decisions need to be based on social practices and traditional skills. an understanding of the nature, extent 3 and level of significance, and applications our heritage It is as important to protect the intangible

Caring for for consent where the extent of impact on heritage as it is to protect the more significance cannot be fully understood tangible heritage resources. It is also from the application should ideally not be important to protect local heritage as well accepted. as designated heritage resource. To do so, a better understanding will need to be built The significance of a heritage resource both of what intangible and local heritage can be defined in terms of historic, 4 exists in the borough, and also of the archaeological, architectural, artistic or Our strategy significance of that heritage. community interest. It articulates those aspects that have the greatest value to people, now and in the future, and that are therefore the most important to conserve. To ensure that the significance of heritage is placed at the heart of decision-making that affects the heritage resource, it will be necessary to develop clear 5 statements of significance for heritage resources. These statements will need Delivery to specify the particular characteristics (architectural, urban, visual and functional) that actively contribute to the significance of a particular resource, and that are priority requirements for conservation. In developing these statements, the views of community groups should also be obtained Appendices as appropriate. Once developed, these statements could also lead to a refinement of heritage boundaries.

36 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 National amenity societies and Objective 1.4: Continue to develop and update an easily accessible digital other organisations also have websites historic environment information providing useful information on the 1 Introduction system to inform conservation of the protection and care of old buildings and borough’s heritage assets places. These include, for example, Historic England; the Victorian Society; the Good understanding of heritage Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings; significance needs to be supported and the Twentieth Century Society by good quality information systems. Moreover, Government advice in the NPPF There would be significant benefit in (Historic Environment Para 169 and 170) developing an up-to-date and accurate 2 states that local planning authorities should centralised electronic database of heritage Our heritage have up-to-date evidence about the historic information that would be integrated and environment in their area. easily accessible. This database would include information on historic landscapes At present, while there are many sources and green infrastructure (including parks, of information about the heritage open spaces, squares, trees, statues and resources, they tend to be held in different street furniture), as well as information on locations within Tower Hamlets, and not the built heritage (including listed buildings, all council officers are aware of what conservation areas, locally listed buildings 3 our heritage resources are available or of how best to and other built heritage resources including Caring for access them. public art). It should include statements The council currently maintains an historic of significance as well as information environment record providing access to on location. It will need to be updated information relating to the local historic in the most timely and efficient way as environment. This includes: changes are made to the status of heritage resources (for example as local or statutory • Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy lists are updated) or as new information 4 emerges from planning applications and Our strategy • List of listed buildings in Tower Hamlets development works. It would further be beneficial to develop and maintain a • List of locally listed buildings and war centralised catalogue of all collections memorials in Tower Hamlets relating to the borough’s heritage. • Conservation Area Character Appraisals The database is separate from the Historic and Management Plans Environment Record (HER), which is maintained by GLAAS, but it will be 5 • Register of listed Buildings at Risk in important to ensure that information in the Tower Hamlets database is consistent with, and connected Delivery • Assessment of significance held on the to the HER and other information held Statutory Planning Register by Historic England and other key stakeholders, advisors and organisations In addition, information is also held (including adjacent boroughs). This will help at the Council’s Local History Library ensure consistency and prevent duplication and Archives and information about of work. The database should also be the collections relating to the historic linked with the ‘This Borough’ website. Appendices environment can be found on the Council’s Idea Store website. As resources allow, the council will seek to harness new technology to make information regarding heritage more widely accessible.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 37 Objective 1.5: Consider increasing Objective 1.6: Consider creating and recognition of the existing and potential maintaining a register of the borough’s

1 Introduction benefits that the historic environment public artworks contributes to regeneration of the borough Historic England defines public art as ‘fixed artworks which members of the Heritage plays an important role in public are able to access and appreciate. contributing to Tower Hamlets’ on-going Works may be sited in the public, civic, development and regeneration, and this communal or commercial domain, contribution in turn helps to protect and in semi-public or privately owned 2 sustain that heritage over the long term. public space, or within public, civic or Our heritage Increasing understanding and recognition institutional buildings. Artworks which of this contribution, and the benefits form part of the structure or decoration that it brings, will facilitate an increase of buildings may also be categorised as in the scale of contribution – as partner, public art’. stakeholder and community groups become more receptive to the value Tower Hamlets has many public artworks of integrating heritage within their own in a variety of mediums, forms, styles priorities. Key here will be to undertake: and ages, which are spread across the 3 borough. These artworks make an important our heritage

Caring for • a baseline study and on-going contribution to defining a sense of place monitoring of the role of heritage in in Tower Hamlets, as well as recording, attracting investments, residents, commemorating and interpreting the businesses or tourists to the area; borough’s history. Public art is often site- specific, made with a particular location in • an assessment of the contribution of mind and sometimes reflecting or portraying heritage to the public realm, quality of activities or events that took place within 4 life and leisure; and a place or nearby, either at the time or Our strategy in the past. Public art can provide an • an assessment of the contribution important reminder of the past that may of heritage-led regeneration to the prevent people, events and industries from rejuvenation of town centres. being forgotten. Even abstract artworks, This will need to be integrated with other which may be disliked at first, can become on-going studies around local market accepted through familiarity, leading to a economics. Findings could then be actively sense of communal ownership and local 5 promoted and celebrated, for example historical significance. through features in general newspapers, At present the council does not have a on the council website/heritage portal, and Delivery single complete record of public artworks. in presentations to stakeholders. Creating a register of artworks would be the first step in understanding and appreciating their contribution to the heritage of the borough. Given the size of the borough, and the relatively wide definition of what may be considered a public artwork, a

Appendices completely comprehensive register may be difficult to achieve. Opportunities could be explored for residents and other stakeholders to contribute to the register by identifying artworks that are of particular significance to their community or area of interest. 38 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Outcomes:

1 Introduction • Increased appreciation of the diversity of our tangible and intangible heritage

• Greater recognition of the contributions the historic environment makes to the intrinsic character of our borough as a unique and distinctive place to live, work and visit

• Transparent decision-making informed by an up-to-date evidence base and accessible information about the condition, value and significance of the historic environment 2 Our heritage • Shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities for conserving and enjoying our rich heritage

3 our heritage Caring for

4 Our strategy

5 Delivery Appendices © © Kathleen Conklin

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 39 Aim 2: Conserve and protect the borough’s historic environment

1 Introduction

Conserving and protecting the borough’s historic environment, and capitalising on opportunities for attracting investment, conservation-led regeneration and positive place shaping, is also a core aim of the Conservation Strategy. The council is committed to conserving and protecting our historic environment for future generations to inherit, and improving heritage assets at risk, through its own plans and policies and when responding to development proposals. Proposals that are regarded 2 as improving the borough’s historic environment will be positively supported, whereas Our heritage proposals which could cause permanent harm to historic assets will be opposed unless there are considerable public benefits that would outweigh the harm. The council will use its influence and local planning authority powers in partnership with local communities, property owners and other interested stakeholders to achieve this aim. Our rich heritage can be used as a powerful catalyst for regeneration in the borough and has an important role to play in attracting investment and positive place-making. The council aims to promote opportunities for conservation-led regeneration that secure 3 long-term environmental, social and economic benefits. As the borough evolves, our heritage

Caring for historic assets can become neglected and fall into disrepair where they no longer have a sustainable commercial or community use. Investment can both release and benefit from their untapped potential, bringing heritage back into play and re-vitalising buildings, areas and the borough as a whole. Small and medium businesses in particular have a crucial role to play in providing opportunities for creative and innovative uses of historic buildings, reflecting the tradition of adaptive re-use of buildings by immigrants to the borough. Continuing to increase the contribution of heritage to regeneration 4 and sustainable development will not only support delivery of some of the key strategic Our strategy priorities for the borough and for London more broadly, but it will also help to ensure the on-going conservation of the borough’s heritage.

In respect of protection of heritage assets (a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions, because of its heritage interest), the Strategy distinguishes between the 5 following types of heritage assets (see Figure 2): • Designated heritage assets – World heritage sites, scheduled monuments, listed buildings, registered parks and gardens, conservation areas and London squares Delivery designated under the relevant legislation for which greatest weight is afforded in planning decisions (Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.12, 2.15).

• Undesignated heritage assets – non-statutory designations and local lists identified by the council (archaeological priority areas, locally listed buildings, locally listed war memorials and local views) or the Mayor of London (strategic views and historic green spaces) and any other heritage assets that may be identified from time to time Appendices (Objectives 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.12, 2.15).

40 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 As part of this, if limited progress is being Objective 2.1: Reduce the number of heritage assets at risk in the borough made on addressing the issues, the

1 Introduction by improving the condition of assets Planning Enforcement team will need identified on Historic England’s to be actively involved (and also the heritage at risk register Public Realm and Environmental Health Enforcement Teams, as appropriate), The Heritage at Risk register identifies and a range of enforcement measures those heritage resources of national considered (including, if appropriate, significance that are most in danger of compulsory purchase of heritage losing their value. The long-term trends resources). have been positive for Tower Hamlets, 2 with buildings coming off the register There would also be benefit in publicising Our heritage each year. This reflects the work done by the Heritage at Risk register more broadly officers, together with the public attention and prominently. This will help increase created by the heritage at risk programme. awareness of those resources that are at Continuing to address the issues risk, and could also help prompt further associated with these resources needs to interest and support in resolving the issues be a key priority action. that they face. In 2016, the council created the role of Owners of listed buildings or buildings 3 within conservation areas have no specific our heritage Heritage at Risk Project Officer. A key Caring for purpose of the role is to develop and duty to keep their buildings in a good state implement a heritage at risk strategy for of repair, and may be reluctant to do so those assets that are currently on the when the building is perceived to be of heritage at risk register that integrates insufficient value to justify its long term up conservation priorities with community keep. The council is however empowered needs, and meets the aspirations set out to take action where a building has in this Conservation Strategy. deteriorated to such an extent as to put its 4 preservation at risk and/or to cause wider Our strategy Given the nature of some of the issues visual harm to the area. facing the heritage and that many of the resources are not under council The council will continue to make use of ownership or that resolving the issues its statutory powers to address historic may require multi-disciplinary working with buildings in poor repair under sections partners over a number of years. Where 47, 48, 54 and 55 of the Planning (Listed conservation areas are at risk, efforts Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act should, where appropriate, be linked to 1990 and under section 215 of the Town 5 the Public Realm Team’s service projects and Country Planning Act 1990. Each

of graffiti removal and fly posting in power has particular implications, which Delivery conservation areas, and to the work of the must be taken in to account in deciding on Planning Enforcement Team. an appropriate course of action. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 41 Under Section 57 of the Planning (Listed The second priority for action will be other Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act historic buildings in substantial need of

1 Introduction 1990, the council can make discretionary maintenance. In these cases, the council Historic Building Grants towards the will respond to concerns raised by local cost of repairs to local historic buildings. amenity groups and the public. In all such The council awards grant assistance to cases, the following criteria will be applied listed buildings in community ownership, in judging whether use of the Council’s buildings ‘at risk’ or where there is clear statutory powers to require works of minor public benefit arising from the works. The repair and redecoration to be undertaken annual budget is limited, and grants are is appropriate: 2 awarded from April each year, until the Our heritage funds are exhausted. • The prominence of the building within the street or area; The council is committed to reducing the number of buildings at risk in Tower • The length of time since the property Hamlets and to ensuring adequate levels was repaired or decorated; and of maintenance for all historic buildings, including those in its ownership. The • The extent of decay; council will work with local amenity • The extent to which the disrepair / 3 societies to identify potential buildings at our heritage neglect is an amenity issue. Caring for risk. The borough has a high number of historic It will also support and work with those places of worship of rich architectural local groups or organisations who wish to diversity. Over the decades, some have become involved in the restoration and been demolished but several have been re-use of historic buildings. Other historic adapted to new uses. Those remaining buildings may simply be suffering from a are of an age incurring ever increasing lack of maintenance that is clearly harming 4 costs of maintenance. A number of these, Our strategy the visual amenity of the area. In such including some listed buildings, have been cases the Council, will where appropriate, formally closed for public worship. The take action to secure their repair and council will continue to assist religious redecoration. organisations in finding new uses for The first priority for action will be those redundant historic places of worship, listed buildings that have been identified including with heritage assessments of the as being ‘at risk’ or vulnerable to risk architectural or historic merits of individual 5 through vacancy, neglect, decay or other buildings and their adaptability to change. threats. In these cases, the council will Historic Places of Worship at Risk are

Delivery continue to maintain a register of listed included on the Heritage at Risk Register. buildings at risk in Tower Hamlets based Working with Historic England, the council on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk is committed to reducing the number of Register. The register is a tool for helping historic places of worship that are included to prioritise action, including pro-actively on the register, to ensure a sustainable seeking new uses for redundant or long future for these buildings. term vacant listed buildings. The council

Appendices will act corporately to secure the repair and reuse of buildings at risk or vulnerable to risk.

42 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Objective 2.2: Consider developing and In addition, systems and processes implementing an integrated monitoring can be established to facilitate a quick

1 Introduction and maintenance regime for owners of response to heritage owners (e.g. historic buildings and other heritage by letter) if inspections reveal that a assets particular heritage resource is in need of In parallel with addressing the immediate maintenance. Heritage owners can also conservation priorities that are identified be encouraged to build monitoring and through the heritage at risk register, a maintenance into construction contracts, key step in improving the condition of the so that maintenance regimes are formally heritage more generally is to establish established, and also encouraged to 2 a regular monitoring and maintenance contribute to a ‘Maintain our Heritage’ Our heritage regime. This needs to take into account service. ‘Maintain our Heritage’ was first the findings from the Conservation Area launched as a pilot scheme in Bath, and Appraisals, and should link to the ‘Total focused on providing an inspection service Place’ pilot project, where the council for historic buildings in return for a small would provide 3-5 service standard fee from owners. Where appropriate, commitments to residents in return for heritage owners can also be encouraged an agreement to follow set ‘management to develop a Management Plan for their heritage resources. 3 guidelines’. Regular monitoring and our heritage maintenance will enable any issues related The council will continue to give owners of Caring for to the condition of the heritage resource historic buildings advice on works requiring to be identified and addressed early on, listed building consent and on appropriate before they become prohibitively large ways to carry out such works of alteration scale or complex to address. or repair to their property without harm to its special interest. Wherever possible, owners will be referred to publications 4 that set out council policy and/or technical Our strategy guidance. Some of the borough’s historic buildings are houses in multiple occupation or in a use other than that for which they were originally designed. The council is aware that owners of such listed properties are faced with reconciling the sometimes 5 conflicting demands of many statutory acts and regulations including for example Delivery the Disability Discrimination Act, the Housing Act and both the Building and Fire Regulations. The council will consider preparing guidance to provide detailed policy information on listed buildings. Appendices © ita © La Citta V

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 43 Objective 2.3: Aim to proactively Objective 2.4: Ensure the effective encourage owners of historic buildings protection and conservation of the

1 Introduction and other heritage assets to use Tower of London World Heritage Site appropriate advisors, contractors and its setting, and the setting of the and materials when undertaking Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site maintenance works Tower Hamlets contains the Tower of Some of the issues relating to the condition London World Heritage Site (see Figure 3). of the heritage resource are driven by This complex monument retains buildings inexperienced contractors carrying out of many periods, dating back to the 2 inappropriate works. Works carried out White Tower of 1078. It is internationally Our heritage on heritage resources require a good important for a number of reasons: its understanding of the significance of that landmark location to both protect and resource, and therefore of what works control the City of London; as a symbol of would be appropriate. Norman power; as an outstanding example of late 11th century innovative Norman Heritage owners have sometimes found it military architecture; as a model example difficult to source appropriate contractors or of a mediaeval fortress palace; for its crafts people, and there would be benefit in association with state institutions; and for 3 developing an easily accessible centralised

our heritage being the setting for key historical events in database of appropriately qualified Caring for European history. It is also the home of the companies/individual practitioners, Crown Jewels. together with a database of outlets where appropriate materials and fixtures for In addition to the Tower of London, the heritage resources could be found. borough also contains the buffer zone of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage In addition, the use of appropriate Site, although the World Heritage Site resources could be further encouraged by itself lies outside the borough (see Figure 4 the establishment of an awards scheme Our strategy 3). The buffer zone includes the Island that recognises high quality works and Gardens on the Isle of Dogs, which is that helps to foster pride in the property’s considered to have unrivalled views of the heritage, and by continuing to offer grants Greenwich site from across the river. for works.

5 Delivery Appendices

44 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 In continuing to meet its duties and Objective 2.5: Ensure the effective responsibilities for the protection, protection and conservation of the management and enhancement of the borough’s listed buildings and their 1 Introduction Tower of London WHS and the setting of settings the Greenwich Maritime WHS, the council will have regard to the following latest Buildings on the statutory List of Buildings sources of international and national policy of Special Architectural or Historic Interest and guidance: are protected by legislation. Listed building consent is required for ‘all works, both • Operational Guidelines for the external and internal, that would affect a Implementation of the World Heritage building’s special interest’. 2 Convention (UNESCO WHC, 2012) Our heritage There is a general presumption against • World Heritage Resource Manual on the demolition of listed buildings, though Managing Cultural World Heritage there are very occasionally cases where (ICCROM, UNESCO WHC, ICOMOS, demolition is unavoidable - mainly as a IUCN, 2013) result of deterioration through neglect, fire damage, or lack of viable new use. • The National Planning Policy Where information about the building is Framework (2012) and related likely to be lost or affected as a result of 3 our heritage

Planning Practice Guidance works for which listed building consent Caring for has been granted, it will often be made • The Protection and Management a requirement of the consent that an of World Heritage Sites in England archaeological record is made of those (Historic England, 2015) parts of the building to be affected. A Management Plan has been developed Buildings considered to be of national for the Tower of London World Heritage importance are included on the List of Site. This Plan is a material consideration 4 Buildings of Special Architectural or Our strategy in planning policy. The council has a Historic Interest compiled by the Secretary statutory role in protecting the setting of State for Culture Media and Sport on of the Tower of London World Heritage the advice of Historic England. Listed Site, and that part of the setting of the buildings are graded according to their Greenwich Maritime World Heritage Site level of historic and architectural interest: that falls within the borough. • Grade I buildings are of exceptional, often international interest, representing 5 only 2.5% of all listed buildings;

• Grade II* buildings are particularly Delivery important buildings of more than special interest; and

• Grade II listed buildings are nationally important and of special interest, representing 92% of the total. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 45 As illustrated on Figures 5 and 6, and In cases where important new or detailed in Appendix C, Tower Hamlets additional evidence on the significance

1 Introduction currently has almost 900 statutory of a listed building comes to light (e.g. listed buildings thought to represent as part of research submitted with an approximately 2,000 individual buildings application) we will pass this information or structures (including graves). These to Historic England for consideration of an include a diverse range of building types, amendment the list entry, and to GLAAS dates and styles, from the medieval for inclusion in the Heritage Environment parish church of St Dunstan, which pre- Record. Heritage Assessments and dates the Tower of London, Hawksmoor’s Conservation Plans for major listed 2 Christ Church Spitalfields, a masterpiece buildings are very useful for assessing Our heritage of the English Baroque, through to Erno significance and helping to determine Goldfinger’s 1960s Brutalist style Balfron applications for alterations. The council will Tower. encourage owners of major listed buildings to produce a Heritage Assessment and/ From time to time the council receives or Conservation Plan for the building prior suggestions for buildings to be added to to submitting applications for substantial the statutory lists. Where this occurs, the alterations. council will advise the relevant parties that 3 their requests should be forwarded directly The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform our heritage

Caring for to Historic England for consideration. Act 2013, which came into force in April 2014, introduced new optional powers It is vitally important that owners are for the maintenance of listed buildings made aware if their property is listed, and known as Listed Building Heritage that new purchasers are made aware of Partnership Agreements, Local Listed their consequential responsibilities, as Building Consent Orders and Certificates ‘guardians’ of this valued heritage. The of Lawful Proposed Works. New council will ensure that owners of newly 4 legislation is also due to come into force Our strategy listed buildings are notified promptly and to provide for National Listed Building details of the implications of listing, and Consent Orders. In considering use of the responsibilities of owners, will be these new powers, the council will have made available on the heritage pages regard to Historic England’s Advice Note of the Council’s website. The council 2 on Making Changes to Heritage Assets will continue to publish a map of listed (February 2016), Advice note 5 on Setting buildings within the borough and provide a up a Listed Building Heritage Partnership link to Historic England’s online full list of Agreement (November 2015) and Advice 5 entries on the conservation pages of the note 6 on Drawing up a Local Listed Council’s website. Building Consent Order (November 2015) Delivery - see Appendix E. Appendices

46 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Listed Building Heritage Partnership Objective 2.6: Ensure the effective Agreements (LBHPA) may be entered into protection and conservation of the

1 Introduction between local planning authorities and borough’s conservation areas and their owners of large scale listed buildings or settings major groups of similar listed buildings, The council has a duty under Section setting out works for which listed 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings building consent is granted (excluding and Conservations Areas) Act 1990 for demolition). Any proposed Agreements designating as conservation areas any would be subject to consultation prior to ‘areas of special architectural or historic its introduction, in accordance with the interest the character or appearance 2 relevant Regulations. The council does of which it is desirable to preserve or Our heritage not foresee entering into any LBHPA’s enhance’. Conservation areas are areas at this time, but we will keep the need of high townscape quality and historic for them under review depending upon interest, each with its own distinctive experience of their implementation in character, which gives cohesion to practice. buildings of intrinsic merit and creates a By applying for a Certificate of Lawful sense of place. Proposed Works (CLPW), owners and Conservation area designation is 3 developers can obtain formal confirmation our heritage

an effective tool in managing and Caring for from the local planning authority that the controlling works within areas of planned works alteration or extension works (but development, to protect the character not demolition) they are proposing do not and appearance of an area of special require listed building consent because architectural or historic interest. The they do not affect the special architectural council can apply for an Article 4 Direction and historic interest of the building. Order to remove permitted development Under both the National and Local Listed rights in Conservation Areas, such as 4 Building Consent orders, works of the type controlling small works which would Our strategy described in the national or local order otherwise not require planning permission would not then require an application for but which could incrementally degrade listed building consent. Any such national the special character of an area, including consent orders would be a matter for the uniformity of design and detail. Government. Local consent orders would be for local planning authorities to put in place. At this stage the council does not 5 foresee making any Local Listed Building Consent Orders (LLBCO) for the borough, Delivery but we will monitor the impact of this legislation and will review the need for them depending upon experience of their implementation in practice. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 47 As detailed in Appendix C, Tower Hamlets Character Appraisals describe the currently has 58 Conservation Areas architectural and historic character

1 Introduction covering c.30% of the total area of the and significance of each area, and the borough. As shown on Figure 9, the size Management Plans provide guidance and character of the Conservation Areas to residents, businesses and other varies enormously. Some conservation stakeholders about how this special areas are very small (such as St Paul’s character can be preserved and enhanced. Shadwell which comprises only the Whilst there is no statutory requirement church, its grounds and a small section to prepare Conservation Area Character of the quayside to Shadwell Basin), Appraisals and Management Plans, local 2 while others are very large (such as the authorities are encouraged by the NPPF to Our heritage extensive Victoria Park). Some have identify and assess the significance of all a uniform character (such as Jesus heritage assets. Hospital Estate), while others are more Character Appraisals and Management varied in character (such as Brick Lane Plans carry considerable weight when and Fournier Street, which retains the planning appeals or appeals against intimate proportions of the old 17th century enforcement action are considered by network of streets but also includes the the Planning Inspectorate, and can also most important early Georgian quarter 3 offer constructive guidance for owners our heritage in England). More than 30% of the Caring for when preparing their own development Conservation Areas have been designated proposals. They help to remove for their essentially 19th century residential uncertainty because informed decisions townscape character. Details of all can be made more efficiently. Character existing Conservation Areas, including Appraisals and Management Plans boundaries and dates of designation, are are also a prerequisite to any action to published on the conservation pages of address the reasons why a conservation the Council’s website. 4 areas is at risk. Conservation Area Our strategy The council also has a duty to identify Character Appraisals and Management the special character and appearance Plans have been completed for all of the of the area which the designation seeks borough’s 58 conservation areas and to protect or enhance. This duty is these are published on the conservation discharged through the preparation of pages of the Council’s website. Conservation Area Character Appraisals The council also has a duty under the Act and Management Plans. to review its conservation areas from time 5 to time and to consider whether there is merit in amending their boundaries or in

Delivery designating additional conservation areas. The boundaries may be extended where evidence and evaluation demonstrate that the additional streets or land possess similar special interest as the existing area. Streets or land may, on the other hand, be removed where their special interest Appendices has been irreparably lost or eroded, for example as a result of inappropriate permitted development or neglect.

48 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Future reviews may allow for partnership The following criteria, which were working with local amenity societies, agreed by Cabinet in 2008, will be used

particularly in respect of historic research for the selection of new conservation 1 Introduction and survey work. Priority would be given areas, including extensions to existing to the review of any conservation areas conservation areas: where it is considered that: • Be an area of special architectural • there has been substantial physical and historic interest, the character change to an area’s character or and appearance of which should be appearance since the current Character preserved. Appraisal and Management Plan was 2 produced; or • Be part of the cherished and familiar Our heritage local scene. • there is substantial pressure for change within or to the setting of a conservation • Be of interest as an area for its buildings area, such that it is at risk as a result. group value. Such reviews will involve local residents, • Be of interest not only for the buildings, businesses, ward councillors and amenity but for the townscape in a wider sense, societies the spaces between the buildings, mix 3 of uses, materials, details etc. our heritage The NPPF states that ‘when considering Caring for the designation of conservation areas, In addition, the area may either make a local planning authorities should ensure positive contribution to the setting of a that an area justifies such status listed building or existing conservation because of its special architectural or area; or have made a significant historic interest, and that the concept of contribution to the social or historic conservation is not devalued through the development of the borough; and there designation of areas that lack special must be a local community commitment to 4 Our strategy interest’. Designating any part of the its preservation. borough as a conservation area also In considering new designations, or carries significant resource implications for extensions or modifications to existing the Council. areas, the council will have regard to Over the past five years, a major extension Historic England’s Advice Note 1 on to the Fish Island Conservation Area was Conservation Area Designation, Appraisal designated in 2014 and the Limehouse and Management (February 2016) - see Cut Conservation Area was designated in Appendix E. 5 2011.

An initial review of the range of heritage Delivery Further designations, or extensions to resources that have been designated to existing conservation areas, will therefore date suggests that there may be some be made only if the council is satisfied areas of historic and architectural interest it can meet its consequential duties and that are currently under-represented by responsibilities, which include producing existing conservation area designations Character Appraisals and Management (including for example the dock basins

Plans. in the West India Dock Conservation Appendices Area, and the basins in the Coldharbour Conservation Area).

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 49 Subject to resources, the council will Objective 2.7: Aim to review the Local consider undertaking a thematic study to List of heritage assets

1 Introduction identify whether there are any key gaps that should be addressed by additional Although internationally and nationally designations, and to determine whether important heritage resources in the existing conservation areas include within borough are clearly recognised for their boundaries all buildings and land that protection in the planning system, it is contribute to their significance. This study also important to ensure that locally would take into account the LBTH Urban important heritage assets are also fully Structure and Characterisation Study recognised and protected. Locally 2 undertaken in 2009. Themes that this important heritage is defined as either Our heritage study could focus on include, for example, heritage that contributes to understanding industrial heritage and factories, modern and appreciation of the history and heritage, urban townscapes and street development of the borough, or heritage signs, art deco heritage, pubs and pie and that is important to local community mash shops, and historic schools, libraries groups. It is therefore an important part and learning centres. of supporting the ‘One Tower Hamlets’ Vision that is set out in the Community One of the key challenges facing Plan 2015. This is the type of heritage 3 the borough’s heritage resource our heritage that is often most at risk when significant Caring for is inappropriate works. Continued development takes place in an area, and inappropriate works can have a damaging there are significant changes to the built impact on the heritage resource, and can environment. significantly undermine its significance and values. Increasing clarity around Historic England’s Advice Note 7 on Local what works are appropriate and permitted Heritage Listing (May 2016) encourages (for example by developing more detailed local authorities to draw up Local Lists in 4 Conservation Area Character Appraisals their area as a way of ensuring protection Our strategy and Management Guidelines), could help of locally important heritage assets (see to address this issue, as would engaging Appendix E). Historic England’s Advice more proactively with developers. This Note makes it clear that Local Lists can will help to reduce the burden on both the cover other heritage assets in addition to applicant and the council by increasing buildings. The council has currently drawn the likelihood of planning submissions up separate Local Lists for Tower Hamlets proposing appropriate works, and by covering buildings (see Figure 7) and war 5 reducing the need for enforcement against memorials. Inclusion in the Local Lists inappropriate works. does not give any additional protection against loss or alteration of heritage assets Delivery that are valued locally. However, it is a material consideration in the determination of planning applications that directly affect them or their setting. Appendices

50 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 The retention, good repair and continued Objective 2.8: Ensure the effective use of assets on the Local List will be protection and conservation of the strongly encouraged by the council borough’s Historic Parks, Gardens and 1 Introduction through Local Plan policies. The Local Open Spaces and their settings Lists are available on the conservation pages of the Council’s website. The Local The statutory Register of Parks and List was updated in 2014 to include war Gardens of Special Historic Interest in memorials and changes to those buildings England is maintained by Historic England. on the existing list. These are designed landscapes that are considered to be of national importance. The council will keep the Local List They do not enjoy any additional 2 under review, including the desirability of legal protection but are designated Our heritage extending the Local List to cover historic heritage assets as set out in the NPPF. parks and open spaces of local interest Consequently, the effect of any proposed (see below). The review will be subject development on the significance of a to engagement with local community registered park or garden or its setting is a groups and public consultation. As part material consideration in the determination of the consultation process relating to the of a planning application. Local planning draft Local Plan (which included this draft authorities are required to consult Historic Conservation Strategy) the council has 3 England where any planning decision our heritage also consulted on draft Local List Selection affects a Grade I or II* registered site, Caring for Criteria and a draft nomination process and the Garden History Society on all for additions to the Local List. These applications affecting registered sites, criteria, and the associated selection regardless of the grade of the site. process, were adopted by Cabinet on 19 September 2017. 4 Our strategy

5 Delivery Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 51 As detailed in Appendix C, five parks The London Squares Preservation Act within the borough are included on 1931 asserts that a protected square may

1 Introduction Historic England’s Register of Parks and not be used for any purposes other than Gardens of Historic Interest (see Figure as an ornamental garden, pleasure ground 10): Victoria Park (Grade II*); The Novo or ground for play, rest or recreation, and Cemetery (Grade II); Island Gardens that no building or structure should be (Grade II); Boundary Gardens (Grade II); created or placed on or over any protected and Museum Gardens (Grade II). square, unless necessary or convenient for the use or maintenance of the square The Council’s conservation officers for an authorised purpose. As detailed in will work corporately with other council 2 Appendix C, the borough also contains Our heritage departments and teams to provide 16 squares that have been designated specialist advice to ensure that the under the London Squares Preservation special interest of these parks and Act of 1931 (see Figure 10). The London gardens is taken into account in any Inventory of Historic Green Spaces also proposed improvement schemes or other lists 77 open spaces of historic interest in changes. The production of Conservation the borough (see Figure 10). Management Plans for all registered parks and gardens will be encouraged and In addition to the resources identified 3 supported by the council. above, Tower Hamlets also contains our heritage

Caring for some important parks, gardens and open Where the council receives suggestions spaces that are not designated but are of for parks or gardens to be added to the local heritage interest. For example, the statutory register, we will advise the borough has two historic playgrounds – relevant parties that their request should the Henry Moore Play sculpture in Dora be forwarded directly to Historic England Street and the playground at the foot of for consideration. Balfron Towers (potentially designed by 4 Goldfinger) – and a number of city farms. Our strategy It also contains an important cemetery – the Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, which was opened in 1841, and which is one of London’s Magnificent Seven Cemeteries. Street trees were an important component of planned developments, such as the Chapel House Estate at the south end 5 of the Isle of Dogs. Tower Hamlets also contains numerous historic statues, street

Delivery furniture (including street signs and street ironwork) and war memorials that form an important part of the urban landscape. In addition, the borough also has an important network of historic canals and waterways. Appendices

52 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 All known archaeological sites and find- Objective 2.9: Ensure the effective protection and conservation of the spots in the borough are entered on the borough’s archaeology Greater London Historic Environment 1 Introduction Record, which is maintained by Ancient monuments and archaeological the Greater London Archaeological areas are protected by the Ancient Advisory Service based in Historic Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act England’s London Regional Office. In 1979. Archaeological sites considered to the Archaeological Priority Areas (APAs) be of national importance are sometimes that have been identified in the borough, included on a schedule of monuments developers are required to submit an maintained by Historic England. Any archaeological assessment of the potential 2 works affecting scheduled monuments impact of their proposed development Our heritage require Scheduled Monument Consent in works, as part of their planning application. addition to planning or any other consents. Developers are also required to Historic England is responsible for submit desk-based assessment when enforcing statutory protection of scheduled development outside an APA has the monuments and determining Scheduled potential to affect archaeological remains. Monument Consent applications. Where development is likely to affect As part of the National Heritage Protection significant archaeology, field evaluation 3 our heritage

Plan, the condition of archaeological is required to establish if archaeological Caring for sites and threats to them will need to be remains are present, and to determine the monitored and action taken to prevent impact of development on those remains. or mitigate damage in association with If archaeological safeguards do prove Historic England. The council as local necessary, these would normally comprise planning authority is responsible for either design measures to preserve enforcement action where damage remains in situ, archaeological excavation may be being caused to archaeological prior to development, or a combination 4 Our strategy assets and in respect of compliance with of the two. The need for archaeological relevant conditions placed on planning mitigation is often made a condition of permissions. The council will consider planning permission. The Greater London designating Article 4 Directions controlling Archaeological Advisory Service, in permitted development on important consultation with the council, is currently archaeological sites to protect them where undertaking a full review of APAs within appropriate. the borough.

As detailed in Appendix C, Tower 5 Hamlets is rich in prehistoric and roman

archaeology and 7 of the 151 Scheduled Delivery Monuments in London are found in the borough (see Figure 3). A number of APAs, comprising either known or potential archaeological areas, have been identified in the borough (see Figure 4). These include potential Roman burial grounds, Roman roads and the historic cores of Old Appendices Ford, Whitechapel, Stepney and Poplar. Significant archaeological remains can also be found outside of APAs.

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 53 The new Local Plan will identify locally Objective 2.10: Aim to ensure effective protection of the setting of designated views, strategic views

1 Introduction heritage assets and key views from and protected vistas (see Figure 8). inappropriate development These all contribute to the identity and distinctiveness of places in Tower Hamlets Views and visual relationships (within, and within London. The Local Plan into and out of Tower Hamlets) are an will require development to preserve or important part of both the heritage and the enhance the settings of heritage assets. modern experience of the borough. They The council will consider preparing enhance the experience of understanding additional guidance to help inform 2 the history of Tower Hamlets, and can development proposals and the council’s Our heritage also help orientation around the borough. decision-making process relating to the In addition to challenges surrounding protection and enhancement of local protection of locally important heritage, views. Tower Hamlets also faces issues around the setting of the heritage resources and Historic England’s Good Practice Advice key views, with developments already 3 on The Setting of Heritage Assets encroaching and impacting on the physical (March 2015) provides useful guidance and visual context (for example at the in assessing and managing change 3 within the settings of heritage assets (see our heritage Tower of London, and at St Anne’s Church Caring for Conservation Area). Appendix E). Historic England’s Advice Note 4 on Tall Buildings (December 2015) also provides relevant guidance.

4 Our strategy

5 Delivery Appendices

54 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Objective 2.11: Aim to ensure effective Objective 2.12: Ensure effective protection of the borough’s intangible enforcement to protect the borough’s heritage heritage from unauthorised changes 1 Introduction In accordance with UNESCO’S Strengthening protection through the Convention for the Safeguarding of the planning system and through planning Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), it is policies is an important part of protecting important to ensure that the borough’s the heritage resource. At the same time, intangible heritage is protected through the however, it is also important to ensure that planning process in addition to protecting those planning policies are well enforced physical or tangible heritage assets. by the council using powers available 2 This means avoiding, where possible, under the Planning (Listed Building and Our heritage changes that would undermine the Conservation Areas) Act 1990. existence or viability of the various markets (see Figure 12), contemporary At present, anecdotal evidence suggests events and festivals, performing arts, that inappropriate and unauthorised social practices, traditional crafts and other works continue to take place to heritage aspects of intangible heritage. resources. A new and more regular monitoring system will help to deter There would therefore be benefit in owners from undertaking unauthorised 3 establishing policies as part of the our heritage

works, but it will also be important to Caring for new Local Plan for the protection and enhancement of markets, festivals and publicise enforcement actions more other components of the intangible strongly, for example on the council heritage. website/heritage portal and in letters to owners of heritage resources, and to ensure that enforcement actions, including removal of unauthorised works, are prominently carried out as appropriate. 4 Our strategy In addition, for larger scale works, or works to particularly sensitive heritage resources, the council should consider making planning permission subject to the use of appropriately skilled contractors. 5 Delivery Appendices © © Ben Robinson

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 55 1 Introduction

2 Our heritage

3 our heritage Caring for

As well as effectively protecting the Objective 2.13: Aim to work with local communities and partners to secure heritage, successful re-use of historic opportunities for the sustainable buildings also actively contributes to 4 regeneration priorities by, for example,

Our strategy adaption and reuse of historic buildings and other heritage assets as part of the helping address issues around housing borough’s on-going regeneration shortages or by providing premises for local businesses. Heritage resources are often most effectively managed and sustained The issue of economic viability is also over the long term if they are being relevant to the borough’s street markets. actively used, and if that use is at least As well as being an important part of the economically self-sustaining. borough’s history, these markets also play 5 an important role in meeting community For those heritage buildings that are needs and contributing to the visitor

Delivery currently empty and whose future economy. For those that are not currently sustainability is at risk because of lack of performing well, it will be important to occupancy (such as schools for example), identify opportunities to increase their use, it will be important to identify opportunities vibrancy and on-going sustainability in line for sensitive adaptation and re-use that are with the Council’s Street Markets Strategy. economically viable, in keeping with the significance and value of the building, and

Appendices aligned with community needs.

56 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Objective 2.14: Consider producing Objective 2.15: Maintain and promote guidance to help resolve the conflict high quality architecture, streets and between the desire to retrofit energy open spaces within the historic areas of 1 Introduction efficiency improvements to historic the borough buildings and the need to preserve the special character and appearance of Significant new development is a reality of buildings and areas. Tower Hamlets’ regeneration over the next few years. Development that is sensitive Sustainability and the climate change to, and that celebrates the borough’s agenda has increased in prominence over heritage will not only protect that heritage, the last few years, and now forms a key it will also support the unique sense 2 part of national, regional and local policy. of place and identity that the heritage Our heritage The historic environment already makes a provides. As part of this, developers, contribution to the sustainability agenda in Registered Social Landlords, and a variety of ways. The focus on adaptation community and regeneration organisations and reuse of heritage resources, which could be encouraged to bring forward has long been a characteristic of Tower high quality and imaginative schemes that Hamlets, reduces the consumption of deliver wider objectives for the local area, building materials and energy, and reduces but that also have identifiable benefits for 3 waste. Conservation of historic buildings the borough’s heritage and significance, our heritage Caring for with appropriate materials and labour from and that respect and harmonise with the local sources also reduces emissions, the setting of the heritage. costs of transport and its harmful impact In addition, a prioritised list of public on the environment. realm improvements (including removing However, there is a need and opportunity street clutter from conservation areas, to increase this contribution further or introducing public art) could also be by helping owners and occupiers to identified that would provide the most 4 Our strategy understand the ways in which their historic integrated benefits to the borough in buildings may be able to improve their terms of conservation and enhancement energy efficiency, whilst maintaining their of the heritage, and improved quality of special character and appearance. These life for communities and visitors to the principles could be showcased through a borough. This would be in alignment with pilot project where, for example, a historic the Council’s Public Art Policy for Tower building or conservation area is renovated Hamlets and its planned Public Realm to improve its eco-performance without Strategy. 5 compromising its historic interest. This approach was successfully piloted in the Delivery London Borough of Camden’s Eco-House Project and in the London Borough of Lambeth’s Sustainable Conservation Area Initiative. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 57 These initiatives could be further The council will base its design supported by the establishment assessment of the appropriateness of any

1 Introduction of heritage and design awards to building design on the particular quality recognise best practice in this area. of the building itself, its contribution to Aberdeenshire Council, for example, run the wider street scene and its impact the Aberdeenshire Design Awards, which on strategic and other key views. For aim to stimulate and develop a deeper and prominent or otherwise visually sensitive broader interest in traditional architectural development in historic areas or settings, surroundings. the council will encourage pre-application discussions with owners/developers and The NPPF makes clear that new 2 their architects. For major schemes, Our heritage development in conservation areas, and the council will support the approach of within the setting of heritage assets, selecting architects and/or designs by should take the opportunity to enhance the competitive means, and will encourage significance of those areas or settings or public involvement, whether directly or better reveal their significance, wherever through the use of consultative groups, possible. including local community representation. The council is committed to preserving The council receives valued advice the best from the past, yet it also seeks 3 from its Conservation and Design our heritage to meet the borough’s new development Caring for Advisory Panel. The Panel draws on needs by good quality contemporary the experience of a wide range of local architecture, which will be admired in volunteers who give independent specialist years to come. This requires design advice on conservation and design matters skill, a proper understanding of the related to proposals for new buildings and historic environment and sensitivity to places in the borough. its quality, urban grain, scale and use 4 of authentic historic materials. Some of Membership is made up of those with Our strategy the borough’s conservation areas would knowledge of the creation of new buildings often be best enhanced through careful and places, including architecture, infill buildings that authentically reflect heritage, landscape, urban design, historic precedents. Other areas are sustainability, regeneration and town more diverse in appearance and are very planning. Design experts in disciplines capable of accepting bold and innovative from access, public realm and the arts are contemporary designs as long as, for also represented on the panel. example, rhythm, proportion and choice of 5 materials all respect the prevailing historic context. Examples of notable modern

Delivery architecture in the borough that has made a positive contribution to the historic environment are highlighted on Figure 11. Appendices

58 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 The National Planning Policy Framework To provide guidance for those parts of the sets out in Section 62 that the Council, borough beyond the conservation areas,

as a local planning authority, should have in 2016 the council published an updated 1 Introduction local design review arrangements in Urban Structure and Characterisation place to provide assessment and support Study, which provides a comprehensive to ensure high standards of design in understanding of the diversity and quality new development. Tower Hamlets’ of the borough’s urban character and the Conservation and Design Advisory Panel development trends and pressures that has been running for over 30 years and affect this character. The Local Plan will works with the Council’s planning officers require all new development to positively and applicants seeking to develop in contribute to the character of the borough’s 2 Tower Hamlets to give independent advice places, in particular retaining and Our heritage on the planning of a wide range of new respecting the features that contribute to developments in the borough. A wide each place’s heritage, character and local ranging publicity exercise in 2014 and distinctiveness. 2016 resulted in a strengthened Panel of The council will, through its Local Plan, 16 members drawn from professionals in identify appropriate locations for tall the local community. building clusters. It will also establish The council will continue to support and criteria that proposals for tall buildings in 3 our heritage work with conservation and amenity these areas must meet. To ensure that Caring for groups, individually and collectively, the potential impact of tall buildings on the under the mantle of the Conservation and historic environment is fully understood, Design Advisory Panel, to ensure that new the council will require proposals to be development in conservation areas and supported by appropriate assessment the settings of listed buildings is of the information, such as Accurate Visual highest quality and conserves the special Representations. character and appearance of those areas 4 and settings. Our strategy

Outcomes:

• Number of heritage assets at risk reduced through improved conservation management and maintenance

• Significance of designated heritage assets and their settings effectively protected from inappropriate development 5

• Locally valued heritage assets and intangible heritage recognised and taken into Delivery account in decision-making

• Up-to-date information and guidance about the historic environment that is easily accessible

• Aims and objectives of the Strategy incorporated into the Local Plan as appropriate Appendices

• Increased investment in the sustainable adaption and reuse of historic buildings

• High quality new architecture and public realm that contributes positively to historic places

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 59 Aim 3: Enjoy, celebrate and engage with our rich history

1 Introduction Enjoying, celebrating and engaging with our rich history, and promoting Tower Hamlets as a distinctive and welcoming place to live, work and visit for current and future generations, is also a core aim of the Conservation Strategy. Tower Hamlets is a unique inner-London borough with a long history of trade, industry and migration. It is famous for its East End heritage, its vibrancy, and its multiculturalism. Our borough’s heritage is of international, national and local importance, characterised by enormous diversity and variety. People are proud about Tower Hamlets’ heritage and 2 communities must be able to enjoy, celebrate and participate in their heritage. Our heritage Stronger connections between people and historic places in the borough need to be encouraged, raising awareness and increasing the relationship we have with our past. Opportunities to promote and make the Tower Hamlets’ heritage more accessible must be developed, helping people enjoy the full breadth of the borough’s cultural offer. There is opportunity to broaden this offer through promoting a diverse and innovative programme of events in historic buildings and open spaces, expanding how it is experienced by local 3 communities and visitors, and helping invigorate undervalued areas of the borough. our heritage Caring for Objective 3.1: Aim to increase This could include, for example: community pride in and enjoyment of the borough’s diverse heritage • Interpretation panels and heritage inspired public art, orientation and Increasing community understanding, signage; pride and enjoyment of the borough’s heritage is a key first step in building • Fun informal learning opportunities 4 engagement and involvement. Achieving – including heritage trails for adults Our strategy this requires increasing the information or children (such as the Millennium that is made available about that heritage Pathway at the Archbishop’s Park in – but doing so in a fun and informative Lambeth), learning DVDs and exhibits way that appeals to and has meaning for in libraries and museums, and festival all sections of the community, including activities that relate to the heritage of those that have historically been harder the borough, potentially connected to to reach (such as young people, diverse the Festival of British Archaeology; 5 ethnic groups, the less affluent and people with disabilities). This will require tailoring • Formal educational activities and the messages that are conveyed, and the resources specifically tailored to the Delivery media tools that are used to convey those National Curriculum for school pupils messages. and teachers; • Outreach activities with schools and community groups, including lectures and ‘show and tell’ sessions;

Appendices • A green or brown plaque scheme commemorating interesting and notable past local residents, as has proved very popular in the London Borough of Southwark;

60 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 • Activation of the waterspace within the Objective 3.2: Aim to increase Docklands, through moorings and other intellectual accessibility to the

water-based activities; borough’s heritage, and improve 1 Introduction physical connectivity between different • A heritage portal/micro-site where heritage resources information and downloadable resources relating to the borough’s A key part of increasing understanding and heritage are consolidated in one easy enjoyment of the heritage is increasing to find location, and are freely available access to it. Opening hours and admission to the community. This should also be prices should be reviewed to optimise a tool for two-way communication and access and the cost of providing access, 2 consultation, including online forums and physical accessibility reviewed Our heritage and discussion groups, as well as being to ensure reasonable alignment with a source of information. It should also the requirements of the Disability contain links to other relevant websites, Discrimination Act. including for example the East London In addition, to encourage both local History Society website, the Tower communities and visitors to the borough Hamlets Grid for Learning, the This to explore more than the traditional Borough website, and social network ‘honeypot’ sites (such as the Tower of 3

sites. our heritage

London or Brick Lane), it will also be Caring for Increasing community enjoyment of the important to improve the connectivity borough’s heritage in this way can help between different heritage resources – for further build local pride in the heritage, example by emphasising historic links which in turn can lead to greater sense in interpretation and learning materials, of local ownership and greater care and or by improving physical links through protection. Initiatives here should build pedestrian and cycling routes. Routes on the resources already in place and the should ideally be developed in accordance 4 successes already achieved, for example with Legible London principles. Our strategy through the work of the Local History The council will work to secure Library and Archives and other heritage opportunities for people to better access collections (see Figure 12), and through the and enjoy the borough’s historic parks, Beauchamp floating classroom that already gardens and open spaces through the navigates the waterways of East London. Tower Hamlets Green Grid Strategy. The Green Grid Strategy aims to deliver improvements to routes and open 5 spaces to encourage people to walk,

cycle and enjoy the local environment Delivery and to assist in tackling climate change, enhance biodiversity as well as promoting regeneration and healthy living. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 61 This could also involve participation in Objective 3.3: Consider increasing community engagement in the active the Council’s ‘You Decide’ event, where

1 Introduction management and promotion of the residents could be invited to vote for a borough’s heritage possible heritage related improvement project. In Newcastle upon Tyne, for The more involved that communities example, members of the local community become in heritage and its on-going worked with the council to restore the promotion and management, the greater Grade II listed Jesmond Library and the sense of engagement and ultimately ensure that it remained open to the public. ownership of that heritage - and the After closing temporarily in 2013, the 2 increased likelihood of its long term library reopened to the public as a limited Our heritage sustainability. This is particularly important company and registered charity and now given that the council neither owns all of acts as a community hub which hosts the heritage, nor has the management community events, arts and craft activities, time and financial resources to safeguard language classes, lectures, concerts and it all for current and future generations. fairs. Increased community involvement could This involvement would build on the take a variety of forms – from financially community consultation that already 3 supporting heritage conservation, to takes place today around heritage, and our heritage

Caring for identifying appropriate re-uses for that will continue in the future - such as obsolescent buildings; from nominating consultation on designation, character locally important buildings and areas for appraisals and management guidelines of designation, to leading on their restoration, conservation areas, and consultation on renovation and maintenance; from the Conservation Strategy itself. A variety providing a venue for presentations and of community groups could be involved activities to supporting promotion through in these initiatives, such as local schools, 4 publicity material and grass-root activities; youth groups or the youth forum, third Our strategy from designing heritage trails to organising sector organisations including local history programmes of activities and events to groups, residents’ associations or diverse celebrate the borough’s heritage; from ethnic community groups, or volunteers. contributing to local history records, oral In the London Borough of Lambeth, for history projects or interpretation material to example, local residents of a conservation setting up and managing heritage websites area artisans dwelling estate contributed and online discussion forums. to a comprehensive residents’ design 5 guide and history of the estate which was delivered to all of the community.

Delivery In addition, heritage owners could be encouraged to place more emphasis on regular monitoring and maintenance, and to ensure they use appropriate experts and resources when undertaking works to their properties in line with Aim 2. In support of increased community Appendices involvement, it will be important to ensure timely council response to community communications and initiatives.

62 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 There are many advantages to supporting In order to increase involvement in community skills development around heritage and its on-going management, heritage – by providing tangible benefits, it there is a need to strengthen the 1 Introduction encourages local communities to engage resources that community and external more and take a more active role with stakeholder groups can contribute – the heritage; it also helps to build the both in terms of time and also skills. necessary capabilities to support the For existing large organisations (such sustainability of the heritage on an on- as Canary Wharf or Tower Hamlets going basis. Schools), this could take the form of nominating a consistent point of contact Opportunities here could include for heritage (such as a Heritage Advisor) 2 supplementing any heritage grant with Our heritage that the council could build a productive, advice and skills training around on-going collaborative relationship with. For other maintenance, establishing a heritage bodies (such as the Canal & River Trust or conservation apprentice scheme for or heritage societies), this could involve local young people (potentially as part forming a partnership to leverage in- of a Future Jobs Fund application), and depth knowledge and contribute to the incorporating heritage skills as part of development of site specific assessments intensive training programmes that already and plans – such as Conservation Area exist, such as Skillsmatch. A range of 3 Character Appraisals and Management our heritage heritage related skills (both traditional Caring for Guidelines. and new) could be promoted through these schemes, including research, Partnerships could also be developed with interpretation, conservation, carpentry neighbouring Councils to jointly address and crafts. If sufficient demand were heritage on council boundaries including, established, a heritage skills training or for example, joint initiatives or pilot community education centre could be projects with Hackney to apply for funding established, potentially in a converted and address buildings at risk in areas 4 Our strategy historic building. adjacent to the City (such as Shoreditch).

5 Delivery Appendices © © Chris Sampson

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 63 Opportunities could also be identified Objective 3.4: Consider increasing the to strengthen the voluntary sector for contribution that the borough’s heritage

1 Introduction heritage – whether through existing makes to tourism, diversifying how it is organisations extending their remit, the experienced by visitors establishment of new organisations, or by further promoting the Conservation and Tower Hamlets has a wealth of Design Advisory Panel (CADAP). internationally, nationally and locally important heritage resources which are In addition, the council may consider broadly distributed across the borough. reactivating the role of Heritage Despite this, tourism activity and focus is 2 Champion and provide further support currently concentrated on a small number Our heritage to this position – for example in the form of ‘honeypot’ sites (for example the Tower of a Young Heritage Champion and/or of London and Brick Lane). Community Heritage Champion. These champions would play an important role in There would be benefit in dispersing helping to create a bridge between local tourism activity more broadly across the communities, the Council, and heritage borough - this would help spread the conservation and management. Support benefits from tourism (both economic for this can be found in Historic England’s development and heritage conservation 3 recently published Heritage Champions benefits) more evenly, and also relieve our heritage

Caring for Handbook (2016), which outlines the the pressure and impact on the ‘honeypot’ role, details what a Champion can do sites themselves. and provides information on sources of A key opportunity here is the development support. of a tourism/destination marketing strategy that would identify a number of additional heritage tourism clusters across 4 the borough, and that would identify Our strategy opportunities to connect those clusters and encourage visitor movement between them. This could involve the development of a centralised Tourist Office where locals and visitors could access information about the borough and its heritage. 5 Delivery Appendices

64 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Outcomes:

• Empowered communities, passionate about and able to enjoy their heritage 1 Introduction

• A valued and cherished historic environment, celebrated by all communities

• Accessible and well-connected historic places and heritage resources

• Collaborative approach to the interpretation and sharing of information about the borough’s historic environment

• A vibrant, diverse and attractive tourism and cultural heritage offer that is well 2 Our heritage integrated with how the borough promotes itself

3 our heritage Caring for

4 Our strategy

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Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 65

Delivery 1 Introduction 5 Delivery

The Strategy sets out a common framework for the future management of the borough’s historic environment by all stakeholders. The scope of the Conservation Strategy extends 2 beyond the remit and resources of the Councils’ Place Shaping Team. Delivery of the Our heritage Strategy will therefore require other departments within council to take accountability for some of the actions, and will also require on-going collaboration between council departments. The Place Shaping Team, will continue to take a proactive and strong leadership role in delivery of the Conservation Strategy. However, protecting and enhancing the borough’s heritage will also require the active involvement and contribution of other council departments and a range of community, stakeholder and partner groups. Delivery of 3 the Conservation Strategy will also require prioritisation, with a particular focus on the our heritage

Caring for significance of the heritage resource at risk. This will need effective governance and adequate resourcing to motivate, enable and monitor the delivery of the strategy.

Heritage Champion Examples of potential funding sources include: There would be benefit in reviewing, reactivating and potentially enhancing the • Heritage Lottery Fund 4 role of the Council’s Heritage Champion, Our strategy • Historic England in line with increased focus on more integrated and proactive working within • Transport for London’s Local the Council, and on closer partnership with Implementation Plan external stakeholders and other voluntary organisations. • O2 It’s Your Community Award Scheme • Traditional Building Skills Bursary Resourcing the strategy Scheme Some of the potential funding sources that 5 • Find Your Talent could support delivery of the Conservation

Delivery Strategy include both public funding • The Pilgrim Trust sources and grant schemes, and also • Esmee Fairbairn Foundation the potential for other funding sources, including Section 106 and the Community Further details about potential sources Infrastructure Levy. of funding can be found using the search tool on the Heritage Alliance website. This provides a thorough and up-to-date

Appendices directory of potential sources of financial support.

68 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Prioritising action Measuring success The sheer volume and breadth of heritage Monitoring and evaluation is a key part 1 Introduction that can be found in the borough is of delivering the Conservation Strategy. too great to be proactively managed in Without the information that on-going its entirety, and will therefore require monitoring provides, it is not possible to prioritisation. This prioritisation will need to determine how effectively the Strategy is focus around the following aspects: being implemented, whether management and financial resources are being • Resources that have been designated deployed most productively, and whether as being of international, national and the aims and objectives of the Strategy are 2 local importance; being realised. Our heritage • The particular significance and Understanding the positive impact that the values that give heritage resources council has on the historic environment their importance, and the specific through the development management characteristics (architectural, process is of particular importance visual, other) that contribute to that to measuring the success of the significance; Conservation Strategy. 3 • The heritage collections and intangible The Conservation Strategy will be our heritage Caring for heritage of the borough, to ensure there reviewed again after 5 years to take is sufficient recognition of the diverse account of changes to the strategic and and changing character of the borough, local context. and the strong history of immigration and trade; • Areas where regeneration and housing 4

development initiatives are most Our strategy concentrated, and where the heritage is most at risk; and

• Initiatives that also help to deliver the Council’s broader strategic priorities. The Conservation Strategy contains a number of initiatives that are new to the borough. To test their suitability and 5 maximise their effectiveness, there would be significant benefit in first trialing them Delivery out through pilot schemes. Findings from these pilots could then be taken on board before initiatives are rolled out across the borough. Appendices

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 69

Appendices Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

The pressure of population growth in the city, and the increasing restrictions on industry and the increasing The pressure of population growth in the city, of the area immediately and immigrants within the city walls led to the development The area saw its first wave of immigrants with outside the walls for industry and crafts. leading to the development of the the Flemings, who introduced hops in the 14th century, brewing industry here. Industry, immigration and development Industry, In general, however, settlement in the Tower Hamlets area was very light before 1300, Tower settlement in the In general, however, Stepney and also although early settlements are known in the vicinity of St Dunstan’s, much of the borough, at Bethnal Green. Flooding continued to be a problem across land by the early 13th century. although embanking and drainage had created much arable was essentially rural, with a The medieval economy across the majority of the borough development along the settlement pattern of isolated farms with the beginning of ribbon main routes. Following his victory at the Battle of Hastings (1066), William the Conqueror constructed of Hastings (1066), William the Conqueror constructed Following his victory at the Battle which to secure and maintain the city of London. He as a firm base from Tower’ ‘The White the ready-made defences of the existing Roman walls chose the site for his castle within east from the city was another major route 1110, In the city. at the south-eastern corner of developed, and pottery and bell-founding industries were established. In Roman times, Tower Hamlets lay largely to the east of the Roman city of Londinium. Two Two lay largely to the east of the Roman city of Londinium. Hamlets Tower In Roman times, of from the city and, as was typical of the period, burial main roads ran through the borough city walls, with cemeteries at Spitalfields and to the south the dead took place outside the or At that time the majority of the area would have been farmland Aldgate High Street. of large population. food for the city’s marshland grazing to provide Prehistory, Roman and medieval times Prehistory, known Londoner was buried in Blackwall The earliest prehistory. Hamlets is rich in Tower and later prehistoric activity took place at several sites in approximately 5,000 years ago, the Isle of Dogs. and Ford, Wapping the borough, including at Old An overview of the history of Tower Hamlets, from prehistory to the present day, is provided is provided day, from prehistory to the present Hamlets, Tower the history of An overview of influence on the development that have had a strong It identifies the key themes below. of They provide the foundation today. and on the heritage that remains of the borough, to the borough’s and make a significant contribution distinctive character, Hamlets’ Tower the priorities for what needs These themes inform place and identity. unique sense of They also identify Strategy. and enhanced through the Conservation to be protected the broader strategic priorities of the borough. opportunities for alignment with Introduction Appendix A A Appendix Hamlets Tower of History

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower It was during the later 18th and 19th centuries, however, that the increasing pace of It was during the later 18th and 19th centuries, however, The general trend was one development radically changed the character of the borough. of the wealthy to the rural of the spread of urbanisation eastwards, and the displacement peace of the outer suburbs. Radical changes to the borough’s character Radical changes to the borough’s Beyond the city fringes, development continued in the form of the enlargement of the Beyond the city fringes, development continued in the form development behind hamlets, ribbon development along the main routes, and increasing is now the modern borough. this. In 1720, a total of 21 hamlets were recorded within what including 3 by the architect New churches were constructed to serve the rising population, Nicholas Hawksmoor. The increasing affluence of the city brought people from Essex and Suffolk, and by the end of the city brought people from Essex and Suffolk, The increasing affluence Despite this, lived to the east of the city. population of the 17th century 22% of London’s areas of the borough remained rural, and continued to be used as a retreat large however, by the wealthy. The spread of industry from the city increased following the break up of monastic property city increased following the break up of monastic property The spread of industry from the rapidly rising population, which nearly fuelled by London’s after the Dissolution, and was This period also saw the arrival of the Huguenots, who trebled in the 17th century. Spitalfields area, where they introduced the silk-weaving that established themselves in the Lane’s This period also saw the beginning of Brick was to become an important industry. important brewing industry. The spread of people and industry The spread of people Although shipbuilding had been established at Ratcliff by the late 14th century, it was not by the late 14th century, established at Ratcliff Although shipbuilding had been The the waterfront to the east of the city really developed. until the mid-15th century that to develop along the riverside, until by the 16th century wharves and slipways continued numbers of workers employed in The increasing filled. the river frontage was completely of large areas of tenement housing in the hinterland the river trade led to the development a network of lanes, alleys and courtyards (such as at Wapping of the wharves, accessed by in 1614, which Yard The East India Company constructed the Blackwall High Street). and attracted a number of associated in the country, became the largest private shipyard became This hinterland gradually hinterland to the north. industries and services in the supporting the maritime trade. developed, with large villages Maritime trade and waterfront development Maritime trade There was further rapid expansion in the south-west of the borough from the 16th century, the 16th century, of the borough from rapid expansion in the south-west There was further as a place of was noted in the 16th century the majority of the borough but despite this, of the as a location for the country houses peace, and was favoured fresh air and rural the skills of the immigrant using in the 16th century, Improved drainage initiatives wealthy. useable pasture. allowed larger areas to become Dutch engineers, There was already a thriving suburb at Whitechapel in the 14th century, and hamlets with with and hamlets century, 14th in the at Whitechapel suburb a thriving already was There and with its shipbuilding, as Ratcliff such character developed, an industrial/commercial the mid-14th century chalk. By which processed the lime kilns named after Limehouse, Dogs) and Poplar, Marsh (Isle of End, Old Ford, at Mile small settlements there were Thames or River the to either the city, lived adjacent the population the majority of though the River Lea. Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

Local people organised their own response, including industrial action. The borough saw The borough saw action. Local people organised their own response, including industrial strike at Bryant and May in Bow in the creation of New Unionism, with the match women’s the beginning of mass trade 1888, followed by the Dockers strike in 1889, recognised as unionism, which led in part to the creation of the Labour Party. Rapid industrialisation formed much of the character of the borough, and led to Rapid industrialisation formed much of the character of the Tower spent time in overcrowding and poor housing conditions. Many social reformers Hamlets, including Burdett –Coutts, Barnado, and Booth. Elsewhere, other developments were taking place which would also have an impact on Elsewhere, other developments new large suburban cemeteries and noxious industries the built environment. Several and potash works) were built in the east of the borough. (including brewing, soap works had remained largely The eastern half of the borough, including the Isle of Dogs, main arterial routes, where undeveloped by the mid-19th century other than along the The mid- this was set to change rapidly. planned estates had recently been built. However, Street provided mass transport century development of passenger railways into Fenchurch out than was previously possible. and allowed them to live further for workers in the city, and by the end of the century This provided a massive stimulus to housing development, the urbanisation of the borough was largely complete. The London County Council and the three metropolitan boroughs of the area took The London County Council and in the borough, and a programme of wholesale slum responsibility for social housing authorities also led to a phase of The establishment of these new local clearance began. halls (such as Bethnal Green in 1909), municipal baths (such civic buildings including town as Poplar Baths), and libraries. Employment in the docks and associated trades also increased significantly, putting associated trades also increased significantly, Employment in the docks and and leading to the construction of more houses. pressure on available housing, to be located close to the docks given the lack of Furthermore, these houses needed squalor in population was experiencing significant overcrowding and The mass transport. and the decline in the weaving industry led to significant the urban areas and the docks, urban areas. poverty issues in the established The construction in 1812 of the Regent’s Canal and its associated dock (now Limehouse its associated dock (now Limehouse Canal and in 1812 of the Regent’s The construction and trade through the docks canal network, to the entire country’s Basin) gave access of trade and activity in the saw a huge boom in their level The riverside wharves soared. the waterfront, of huge warehouses along which led to the construction later 19th century, away the earlier, of the riverside largely swept This redevelopment especially at Wapping. and alleys. Massive warehouses were also built tighter urban grain of narrow wharves and adjacent to the railways. along the main arterial roads, The first major development of the 19th century, which was to have a momentous impact impact a momentous to have was which 19th century, of the development first major The with dock basins the new enclosed of was the construction as a whole, on the borough West important the internationally for example (including warehouses large associated of and unloading delays in loading to prevent Katharine Docks), and the St India Docks of considerable the clearance necessitated These risk of theft. and the associated cargoes of people, which of significant numbers building and the displacement areas of pre-existing unsanitary areas and the development of in neighbouring led to severe overcrowding housing conditions.

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower There has been an incredible surge in population in the borough since the 1960s, and There has been an incredible surge in population in the borough to as much as 300,000 by current projections suggest that the population could increase development of 43,000 new 2025. Regeneration is on-going in the borough, involving the will improve accessibility to the houses by 2025, with significant investment in transport that The London and Isle of Dogs. central and eastern parts of the borough, to the City fringe regeneration 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was the single largest in Europe project and the UK. The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was created in 1981 to address The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) redevelopment was the problems of regenerating these vast redundant areas. Early estates, but this changed generally focused around small scale industrial and business Wharf and its large post- in the later 1980s with the successful development of Canary competitive financial district. modern commercial architecture – today an internationally The decline of the docks began with the development of part of the East India Docks as The decline of the docks began mechanisation of cargo-handling and The increasing Brunswick power station in 1946. meant that these early 19th century facilities were the lack of need for large warehouses were modernised and continued to operate for a while, they largely obsolete. While others Tilbury the container revolution, with Felixstowe, Harwich and were eventually overtaken by 1960s saw the closure of East India, St Katharine and As a result, the taking their trade. and Limehouse became redundant, The riverside warehouses of Wapping London Docks. folded, leaving a vast area of and the associated industries which had located here also deserted or demolished buildings. Decline and regeneration such that by 1930 it was fortunes started to change significantly, the borough’s However, aimed at the destruction Two War World poorest borough. Bombing during the capital’s impact, and led to the need for an accelerated housing of the docks had a catastrophic on the receiving end of every development on post-war programme, with the borough in the borough were destroyed or damaged, Almost half of the houses social housing. the borough. By the 1960s the population of the borough leading to a mass exodus from that at the turn of the century. had dropped significantly from Immigration and migration have formed the borough’s character. Battles against racism Battles against racism character. borough’s migration have formed the Immigration and election of Cable Street in 1936, the from the Battle history, the borough’s are a key part of League seeking to 1993 and the English Defence councillor Derek Beacon in of BNP attacking mosques, in recent years. march through the borough, and The population hit a peak at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, with trade through the with trade through 20th centuries, of the 19th and at the turn hit a peak The population large portion of continuing to develop, and a industry along the river Lea docks at a high, still employed the large Jewish community, of Bethnal Green, in particular the population class Jewish community As the increasingly middle and footwear trades. in the clothing next major wave of they were replaced by the mid-20th century, moved out in the Bangladesh. immigration - from East London was a place of radical politics, and the East London Federation of Federation London the East and politics, of radical place was a London East up the first They also set for the vote. role in the campaign played a major Suffragettes families their work to support as a part of Arms, in Bow, the Mother’s centre, ever children’s War. First World during the . 4 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower There are also significant Chinese, There 2 . 1 Tower Hamlets. 2011 Census factsheet (Tower Hamlets Council, July 2015) Census factsheet (Tower Hamlets. 2011 Tower . 3 jections for Tower Hamlets: Analysis of the 2014 round GLA population projections. Research Briefing (Tower Hamlets population projections. Research Briefing (Tower Analysis of the 2014 round GLA Hamlets: Tower jections for Tower Hamlets: Analysis of the 2015 Indices of Deprivation data. Report (Tower Hamlets Council Corporate Research Analysis of the 2015 Indices of Deprivation data. Report (Tower Hamlets: Tower Tower Hamlets: Analysis of 2011 Census data. Research Briefing (Tower Hamlets Council, April 2013) Hamlets Council, Census data. Research Briefing (Tower Analysis of 2011 Hamlets: Tower

Unit, 2015) Population Pro Council, January 2016) Ethnic Profile: White Other population in Language in Deprivation in

Caribbean and African groups in the borough. Overall, approximately 92 languages are African groups in Caribbean and as their second language. spoken in the borough, and 66% of the population use English 30% of the population being This diversity is reflected in the religious demographic, with Christian and 38% Muslim 4 2 1 3 Tower Hamlets is a borough of stark contrasts. As well as containing the internationally Hamlets is a borough of stark contrasts. Tower most deprived in London, with competitive Canary Wharf, the borough remains one of the wards (12 out of 20) in the most deprived 10% of wards in two thirds of the boroughs’ the 6th most deprived local England. In terms of the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, it is and has the highest percentage of both children (39%) and older authority in the country, people (50%) living in income deprived households in England Social deprivation The population of Tower Hamlets is one of the most ethnically diverse in the country, with with diverse in the country, Hamlets is one of the most ethnically Tower The population of groups The largest of these ethnic other than white British. 69% belonging to ethnic groups represents almost one third (32%) of the borough’s which is the Bangladeshi community, in London. population and 37% of all Bangladeshis Ethnicity and religion Tower Hamlets has one of the highest population densities in inner London. The population of the highest population densities in inner London. Hamlets has one Tower than the rest of London, growing from 296,300 in 2016 is set to increase at a faster rate natural population growth and a number of regeneration to 374,000 in 2026, driven by population, with people under the age of Hamlets has a notably youthful Tower initiatives. in the borough 19 comprising 24% of those living Population and age An overview of the socio-economic profile of Tower Hamlets today is provided below, Hamlets today is provided below, Tower the socio-economic profile of An overview of health, housing religion, social deprivation and and age, ethnicity and looking at population Conservation local communities that the It identifies the nature of the and employment. of the key an understanding of some to engage, and also builds Strategy is seeking priorities for to the regeneration challenges that have contributed social and economic support the borough’s Strategy seeks to The Conservation forward. the borough going social and economic challenges have therefore informed regeneration priorities, and these Goals and Objectives. Strategy’s the development of the Conservation Introduction Profile of Tower Hamlets Today Hamlets Tower of Profile Appendix B B Appendix

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage . 5 pectancy pectancy ­ The population also has relatively high levels of infant mortality, relatively relatively The population also has relatively high levels mortality, of infant Tower Hamlets: Analysis of the 2015 Indices of Deprivation data. Report (Tower Hamlets Council Corporate Research Analysis of the 2015 Indices of Deprivation data. Report (Tower Hamlets: Tower Deprivation in Unit, 2015)

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Tower Hamlets now has the largest financial services district outside the City of London the largest financial services district outside the City of London Hamlets now has Tower the 4th highest density of jobs of all the London boroughs. (located at Canary Wharf), and Hamlets is the Tower are employment deprived and Despite this, 13.8% of the population population Hamlets’ Tower in London. One quarter of most employment deprived borough highest in London and the 6th highest of in England lives in income deprivation - the Employment Housing one of the most significant is and affordability, quantity in terms of quality, Housing need, and the lived in unsuitable housing, In 2004, c.25% of households issues in the borough. 30% of households Around conditions. could not be met within current needs of c.7,000 but supply, for housing significantly exceeds as overcrowded and demand are registered larger sized properties to meet low and there is a lack of is relatively housing affordability is therefore one of the key drivers for change and the needs of the population. Housing a target has been set of 43, 265 new homes by 2025. regeneration in the borough, and Health and disability and Health of obesity, are high levels There of health issues. a number from suffers Hamlets Tower lower life ex to comparatively contribute smoking, which consumption and alcohol for the population. for the population. high and a relatively age population, the working benefits among up of incapacity high take disabilities. and young people with multiple number of children 5 Improving employment and improving accessibility of borough residents to borough job Improving employment and improving focus for regeneration in the borough. opportunities is therefore a key Figure 2, the Figure 3). This Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower ). As illustrated on Figure 1). orld heritage sites, scheduled monuments, listed scheduled monuments, listed orld heritage sites, – non-statutory designations and local lists identified – non-statutory designations – W

by the council (Archaeological priority areas, locally listed buildings, locally listed war by the council (Archaeological the Mayor of London (strategic views and historic green memorials and local views) or assets that may be identified from time to time. spaces) and any other heritage Undesignated heritage assets Designated heritage assets Designated heritage gardens, conservation areas or London squares buildings, registered parks and legislation. designated under the relevant

Tower Hamlets contains the Tower of London World Heritage Site (see of London World Tower the Hamlets contains Tower zone of the the buffer of London, the borough also contains Tower In addition to the Heritage Site, although the world heritage site itself lies outside Maritime Greenwich World zone includes the Island Gardens on the Isle of The buffer the boundary of the borough. site from across the Dogs, which is considered to have unrivalled views of the Greenwich river. World heritage sites World of Tower of many periods, dating back to the White complex monument retains buildings for a number of reasons: its landmark location to both 1078. It is internationally important London; as a symbol of Norman power; as an outstanding protect and control the City of Norman military architecture; as a model example century innovative example of late 11th for its association with state institutions; and for being of a mediaeval fortress palace; It is also the home of the Crown in European history. the setting for key historical events Jewels. • The London Borough of Tower Hamlets is a densely built-up urban area on the northern is a densely built-up urban Hamlets Tower of The London Borough Thames in East London (see bank of the River Overview Audit of Tower Hamlets’ Heritage Assets Heritage Hamlets’ of Tower Audit • Appendix C Appendix assets in the wide range of heritage heritage of the borough is reflected rich and varied Hamlets: Tower found within

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 1 Kilometers 1 Kilometre Maritime Buffer Zone Buffer Greenwich WHS 0.5 0.5 0 0 N Bridge Parnell Road the SS Great Eastern Site of the launch ways of Gunmaker’s Lane Three Colt Bridge, Regent’s Canal Regent’s Bonner Hall Bridge,

WHS Tower of London Tower World Heritage Site World Scheduled Monument Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower London Tower of Tower of St Mary Spital London Wall West Priory and Hospital Tower Hill Tower Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower KEY Figure 3 - World Heritage Sites and Scheduled Monuments Scheduled and Sites Heritage 3 - World Figure Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

Other important archaeological remains include the survival of structures associated with remains include the survival of structures associated with Other important archaeological other hydraulic power features - such as the Regent’s the canals, railways, docks and Tower. Accumulator Canal Dock Hydraulic Undesignated archaeology from the Saxon, early mediaeval and mediaeval periods Undesignated archaeology from St Dunstans church There was a Saxon forerunner of can also be found in the borough. number of buildings and documentary sources and excavations reveal a at Stepney, away by the swept including: St Katharine-by-the-Tower, pre-dating the 12th century, on the site of Tower, the Royal Mint to the east of the construction of St Katharine Docks; Augustinian abbey of St Mary Graces was built; and the which the 14th century Cistercian east of Bishopsgate. Further establishments lay along the hospital of St Mary Spital to the nunnery to the south of Bow Road, close to the including St Leonard’s road to Colchester, crossing over the River Lea. The most impressive Roman remains found to-date in East London are the large baths to-date in East London are the Roman remains found The most impressive A cemetery. a possible mausoleum and at Shadwell, together with recently excavated century riverside wall Hill, and a section of 4th Tower city wall at section of the Roman Roman features of the of London are the only extant Tower within the precinct of the borough today. Tower Hamlets is rich in prehistoric archaeology. The earliest known Londoner was buried Londoner The earliest known archaeology. is rich in prehistoric Hamlets Tower activity later prehistoric evidence for ago, and other 5,000 years approximately in Blackwall and on the including at Old Ford, Wapping on several sites in the borough, has been found There are also structure was found. Age timber a noteworthy Bronze Isle of Dogs, where with the deep alluvial deposits associated remains in the important palaeoenvironmental evidence for changing environmental Lea floodplain, which can reveal Thames and River past. prehistory through to the recent conditions from Scheduled monuments and archaeology and monuments Scheduled remains Archaeological

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 197, and refounded in 1235 on a larger scale; in 1235 on a larger scale; 197, and refounded ictorian bridge over the Regent’s Canal, in red brick with ictorian bridge over the Regent’s all – a section of the Roman city wall at Tower Hill; Tower the Roman city wall at all – a section of ower of London; ower of of London; Tower – adjoining the ower Hill West stone voussoirs, cast iron panels and granite setts. stone voussoirs, cast iron panels Bonner Hall Bridge – early V Parnell Road Bridge - 1830 cast iron girder and plate deck bridge over Hertford Union Parnell Road Bridge - 1830 cast Canal; Three Colts Bridge – 1830 cast iron bridge over Hertford Union Canal; – 1830 cast iron bridge over Three Colts Bridge London W house of of St Mary attached to a of St Mary Spital - a hospital Priory and Hospital that was founded in 1 Augustinian canons T T

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower • • • • • • • There are 151 scheduled monuments in London, of which 7 can be found in Tower Hamlets Hamlets Tower found in which 7 can be in London, of monuments 151 scheduled There are 3): (see Figure Scheduled monuments Scheduled ). These 4). These Figure include Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

A number of Archaeological Priority Areas (APAs), comprising either known or potential either known comprising Areas (APAs), Priority Archaeological number of A (see in the borough have been identified areas, archaeological Archaeological priority areas priority Archaeological of Old Ford, the historic cores roads and grounds, Roman Roman burial potential found can also be remains archaeological Significant and Poplar. Stepney Whitechapel, outside of APAs.

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 1 Kilometers 1 Kilometre 0.5 0.5 0 0 N Archaeological Priority Areas Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Figure 4 - Archaeological Priority Areas Priority Archaeological 4 - Figure KEY Anne’s Anne’s Artillery Lane) or public Figure 5 and Figure 6), Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Tower of London (the White Tower, Tower, of London (the White Tower Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge approach Tower Bridge, Tower est India Docks, the Skin Floor from the former New Tobacco Tobacco est India Docks, the Skin Floor from the former New and a portion of the old London Wall; and and a portion of the old London Wall; Warehouse and Trinity House; Trinity and Warehouse 3 structures associated with industrial heritage – (56 Buildings and structures designed for commercial purposes Limehouse Parish Church, the Church of St George in the East and Christ Church Limehouse Parish Church, the of the English Baroque), a 19th century church by Sir John Spitalfields – a masterpiece All Bethnal Green), the Saxon foundation of St Dunstan & Soane (Church of St John on Anglican church of St Peter in Wapping; Saints, and the late 19th century ad curtain wall, the new armouries and the chapel of St Peter outer Tower, the Middle Vincula); dock walls and the 5 buildings associated with maritime and trade - warehouses, Blackwall Basin from the W Almshouses and Chapel). Green benefit (Trinity 5 buildings and structures comprising parts of the 5 buildings and structures comprising 6 churches - 3 early 18th century churches by Nicholas Hawksmoor (St 6 churches - 3 early 18th century Grade II* buildings are particularly important buildings of more than special interest; and buildings of more than special are particularly important Grade II* buildings and of special interest, representing buildings are nationally important Grade II listed 92% of the total. Grade I buildings are of exceptional, often international interest, representing only 2.5% interest, representing are of exceptional, often international Grade I buildings of all listed buildings;

ower Hamlets has almost 900 statutory listed buildings (see ower Hamlets has almost 900

• • • • • T • • • Buildings considered to be of national importance are included on the List of Buildings of the List of Buildings included on importance are be of national considered to Buildings for Culture of State by the Secretary Interest compiled or Historic Architectural Special to their level of interest: and are graded according Media and Sport, These include (see A). Grade I (and Ecclesiastical Grade 21 listed buildings are classified Figure 5): Listed buildings Listed listed buildings Statutory 2,000 individual buildings or structures (including thought to represent approximately dates and styles, from the These include a diverse range of building types, graves). of London, Hawksmoor’s Tower Dunstan, which pre-dates the medieval parish church of St of the English Baroque, through to Ernö Christ Church Spitalfields, a masterpiece Goldfinger’sTower. style Balfron 1960s Brutalist

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 1 Kilometers 1 Kilometre Blackwall Basin West India Docks West 0.5 0.5 Quay Walls,Copings Quay Walls,Copings Dock and Export Dock, and Butresses to Import 0 0 N Church of St Annes Church of St Parish Church of St Church of the High Seas) Dunstan and All Saints (The All Dunstan and North Quay General Offices General Offices Warehouses and Warehouses at Western End of at Western Church of St George in the East Wapping Lane Wapping Extending Under A Warehouse (Skin Warehouse A on Bethnal Green Church of St John Floor) Including Vaults Floor) Including Vaults Peter Church of St Tower

Tower Bridge Tower (part in LBTH) The New Wall, with Wall, Armouries Inner Curtain Mural Towers, Mural Towers, The White Approach London Wall Tower Bridge Tower Portion of Old Railings, Wall and Piers and Railings, Wall Trinity Green (Almshouses Trinity Grade II* Listed Building Grade II Listed Building Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Grade I Listed Building and Chapel) Including Gates, and Chapel) Including Gates, Tower to Tower West (Qv) and Vergers Yard) Vergers Chapel of St The Middle with Tower, Remains of Causeway to Causeway to Lion Outer Byward Tower Byward Tower Peter ad Vincula Towers Curtain Lane Wall with Wall War Memorial War and Mural The Mercantile Gatepiers and Gates to Casements Christ Church (Including 56, Artillery Marine First World Marine First World Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower KEY Figure 5 - Statutory Listed Buildings Grade I Grade Buildings Listed 5 - Statutory Figure 1 Kilometre 1 Kilometers Print Works Christ Church former Financial Times former Financial Times East India Dock House, 0.5 0.5 Public House Balfron Tower The Widow’s Son The Widow’s Phoenix School 0 0 Bromley Hall N Stratford Bow Church of St Mary 26, Tredegar Square 26, Tredegar Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Bridge Parnell Road Paul Church of St Church of St Matthias of St Katherine Three Colts Bridge No 37 St Paul The Royal Foundation Church of with Overthrow at Railings and Gate Power Company London Hydraulic Blind Beggar and His Dog, Cranbrook Estate Station with Number 37 Park Square 17-18, Victoria 17-18, Victoria Tunnel Thames Museum Drinking Fountain Bethnal Green Foundry (German Lutheran Church and Vestry) Baroness Burdett Coutts Baroness Burdett Church of St George Church Bell Bethnal Green Keeling House Mint Raine’s House Raine’s The Royal St Augustine St with St Philip’s Church St Philip’s

Grade II* Listed Building Grade II Listed Building Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Grade I Listed Building Matthew The Old Hospital Block and Raised Church of St Terrace and Railings Terrace Street Truman Brewery Truman

at No 2 Rectory The Directors’ House, The Directors’ Neuve Eglise) Wilton’s Wilton’s Masjid (former Revetment Wall Revetment Wall 19, Princelet to South Side of Art Gallery Moat, from Tower Moat, from Tower

(Roman Catholic) Memorial Music Hall Merchant Middle Tower (Qv) Middle Tower Church of St Anne Church of St Whitechapel Seamen’s Seamen’s Bridge Approach to Christchurch Brick Lane Jamme Area Railings KEY Figure 6 - Statutory Listed Buildings Grade II* Grade Buildings Listed 6 - Statutory Figure

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage apping s Memorial, in the borough borough in the Tower of London, with maritime and trade of London, with Tower s Music Hall (the oldest music hall in London oldest music hall in London s Music Hall (the Drinking Fountain and the Blind Beggar and his Dog bronze Drinking Fountain and the Blind s late 1950s ‘cluster block’ of Keeling House in Bethnal Green; of Keeling block’ s late 1950s ‘cluster Hydraulic Pumping Station and the Thames Tunnel at Wapping High Street; at Wapping Tunnel Thames the Hydraulic Pumping Station and (including the headquarters of the Port of London Authority at 10 Trinity Square), with Trinity at 10 Authority the Port of London (including the headquarters of Hill and the Director’sTrumans House in Tower Mint at commerce (including the Royal Brewery) and education. Buildings and structures associated with the Buildings and structures associated heraldic sculpture; and 3 buildings or structures of public benefit, including the Merchant Seamen’ 3 buildings or structures of public 4 industrial structures, including the 2 scheduled monument canal bridges, the W 4 industrial structures, including 4 recreational buildings, including Wilton’ 4 recreational buildings, the Whitechapel Public House in Bow, Son original form), the Widow’s to survive in its (re- and the Bethnal Green Museum internationally acclaimed gallery) Art Gallery (an Museum of Childhood in 1974); launched as the Baroness Burdett Coutts’ 6 residential buildings, ranging from the early 16th century Bromley Hall to Sir Denys 16th century Bromley Hall to ranging from the early 6 residential buildings, Lasdun’ 12 religious buildings, one of which was originally built as a French Huguenot Church, Huguenot Church, as a French originally built one of which was buildings, 12 religious Great Synagogue, the Spitalfields to become chapel, adapted to a methodist converted Masjid Mosque; the Jamme and is now

• Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower (including those formally listed as Ecclesiastical Grade (including those formally listed There are 828 Grade II listed the higher grades of designation, over half of Hamlets. In contrast to Tower C) entries in properties. Public buildings and features are the the Grade II entries relate to residential with approximately 150 examples (including bollards, second highest category of type, of religious The list comprises approximately 50 each telephone boxes and statues). Toynbee buildings and educational buildings (including buildings/components, recreational similar activities are still Hall, one of the first university settlements in the world, where are less than 70 examples of There taking place in the original buildings to this day). despite the considerable building types associated with maritime, trade and industry, significance of these activities to the borough and its development. • • • • There are 39 Grade II* (and Ecclesiastical Grade B) listed buildings B) Grade Ecclesiastical II* (and Grade are 39 There • ). These include the following: include the These 6). (see Figure Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

There are also approximately 50 locally listed war memorials in Tower Hamlets, which Hamlets, Tower war memorials in approximately 50 locally listed There are also parks, schools and other buildings. within churchyards, public includes memorials The council keeps a list of buildings considered to be of local historic or architectural or architectural of local historic to be of buildings considered keeps a list The council a to make which are considered buildings generally recognise designations These interest. situated. which they are area within character of the the townscape contribution to positive 7), (see Figure Hamlets Tower in buildings 184 locally listed approximately There are These Public House (now flats). Centre and the Royal Cricketers Sports including Wapping the exception of the Isle of Dogs. across the borough, with are broadly spread Locally listed buildings buildings listed Locally

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 1 Kilometre 1 Kilometers 0.5 0.5 0 0 N Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Locally Listed Buildings Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower KEY Figure 7 - Locally Listed Buildings Listed 7 - Locally Figure Figure 8). Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower ). The London view management framework also identifies a framework also identifies The London view management Figure 8).

The council has identified local views that contribute to the identity and distinctiveness of views that contribute to the identity and distinctiveness of The council has identified local Local Plan as shown on These will be designated in the new Hamlets. Tower places in Figure 8. number of protected vistas that partly fall within Tower Hamlets (see Tower vistas that partly fall within number of protected Local views Policy 7.11 of the London Plan (March 2016) sets out the strategic views identified as part views identified out the strategic 2016) sets Plan (March of the London Policy 7.11 by the views designated The list of strategic framework. view management of the London Bridge, (ii) Tower view from includes (i) a river prospect Hamlets Tower to Mayor relevant and (iii) a townscape of London Tower to the Walk The Queen’s along a townscape view Royal Thames to the across the River Gardens on the Isle of Dogs view from Island (see Naval College the London view management framework, Policy 7.11 With regards to implementing of this policy and include all designated states that ‘Boroughs should reflect the principles vistas, into their LDFs. Boroughs may also wish to use the views, including the protected designation and management of local views.’ principles of this policy for the Views Views Views Strategic (March Supplementary Planning Guidance Management Framework The London View The supporting of these designated views. guidance on the management 2012) provides contribution to the image of views make a significant number states ‘A text to Policy 7.11 strategic level. This could be because of their composition, and character of London at the an opportunity to see key landmarks or because they provide their contribution to legibility, panorama or river prospect. The Mayor will seek to protect as part of a broader townscape, of these views, particularly if they are subject to significant the composition and character the development will often make a positive contribution to pressure from development. New in others, development likely to compromise the is views and can be encouraged. However, and should be resisted.’ setting or visibility of a key landmark

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 1 Kilometers 1 Kilometre 0.5 0.5 3 0 0 N Local Views Protected Vistas Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Bridge Tower of River Prospect View The Queen’s along View Townscape of London Tower to the Walk from Island Gardens View Townscape on the Isle of Dogs across the River Thames to the Royal Naval College Strategic Views 1 2 3 2 1 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower KEY Figure 8 - Strategic and Local Views and 8 - Strategic Figure Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

Conservation areas Conservation of the borough the total area c.30% of areas covering has 58 conservation Hamlets Tower Some varies enormously. areas of the conservation size and character The 9). (see Figure the only which comprises Shadwell as St Paul’s very small (such areas are conservation others Basin), while to Shadwell of the quayside a small section its grounds and church, character (such Park). Some have a uniform as the extensive Victoria are very large (such as Brick Lane varied in character (such Estate), while others are more as Jesus Hospital century network proportions of the old 17th which retains the intimate and Fournier Street, More early Georgian quarter in England). includes the most important of streets but also townscape for their 19th century residential areas are designated than 30% of conservation character.

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Kilometers 1 1 Kilometre 0.5 0.5 28 16 11 0 0 49 13 45 58 N 25 43 29 26 47 38 7 32 55 Tower Maritime and Trade Industrial Public Buildings Open Spaces Other 19 30 54 35 8 27 15 10 36 39 37 17 31 51 9 33 6 51 12 20 42 21 41 34 1 23 51 2 3 40 48 53 46 56 24 50 5 57 52 18 22 Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Pre-19th Century Townscape 19th Townscape Century 20th Townscape Century Religious 44 4 14 Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower KEY Figure 9 - Conservation Areas 9 - Conservation Figure Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Tower Hamlets Cemetery Hamlets Tower Road Driffield Swaton Road Carlton Square Commercial Road Roman Road Market Medway Clinton Road Fairfield Road Lowell Street London Hospital Globe Road St Peter's Langdon Park Street Wentworth St Frideswide's Myrdle Street Lansbury Whitechapel Market Balfron Tower Whitechapel High Street Regents Canal Hackney Road Old Bethnal Green Road Brickfield Gardens Fish Island Wiltons Music Hall Redchurch Street Limehouse Cut 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. Bethnal Green Gardens Bethnal Pierhead Wapping East St George in the Elder Street Fournier Street Albert Gardens Grove Tomlins Annes St Church Square York Square Tredegar Island Gardens Stepney Green Three Mills (part in Newham) Artillary Passage Narrow Street Coldharbour Park Victoria The Tower India Dock West Wall Wapping St Paul's Chuch Boundary Estate Ford Square Jesus Hospital Estate All Saints Church Pop. St Mathias Church, Poplar Ropery Street Naval Row Chapel House

29. 28. 27. 26. 25. 24. 23. 22. 21. 20. 19. 18. 17. 16. 15. 14. 13. 12. Conservation Areas: Conservation 11. 10. 9. 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1.

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Figure 10): Figure ’s Land’ Trust, this comprises Trust, Land’ ’s Added in 2014, this is a Sephardi Jewish cemetery this is a Sephardi Jewish cemetery Added in 2014, ). Some comprise the remnants of medieval greens, such as Figure 10). Some comprise the remnants , this was saved by the Admiralty from redevelopment as part of the 1842 , this was saved by the ictoria Park (Grade II*) – this was created by an Act of Parliament in 1841, following in 1841, following Act of Parliament by an – this was created (Grade II*) ictoria Park a remnant of a former medieval green, and was opened to the public by the government green, and was opened to the public by the government a remnant of a former medieval open space to the south that was acquired by LCC in in 1875. It was then joined with was called Bethnal Green Gardens. 1895, and the combined space Museum Gardens (Grade II) - part of Bethnal Green ‘Poor Museum Gardens (Grade II) - Cubitt Town, to preserve views across the river to what is now the Maritime Greenwich to preserve views across the river to Town, Cubitt Heritage Site; World – this was laid out by LCC as the centrepiece of the Boundary Gardens (Grade II) and Boundary Estate in the early 1900s; Island Gardens (Grade II) - a strip of river frontage originally used for manufacturing Island Gardens (Grade II) - a and ship repair The Novo Cemetery (Grade II) – The Novo Cemetery opened in 1733 and is the surviving portion of an extension in 1855. It is situated entirely of an extension in 1855. It is situated and is the surviving portion opened in 1733 of London. of the Queen Mary University within the grounds V for petition called for green space The petition to Queen Victoria. a 30,000 signature in The council, unhealthy East End. within the overcrowded and healthful recreation carried out Lottery Fund, has successfully others, including the Heritage partnership with People scheme; to the park under the Parks for improvements

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower In addition to the resources identified above, Tower Hamlets also contains some important Tower In addition to the resources identified above, For example, the borough parks, gardens and open spaces that are not designated. in Dora Street and the has two historic playgrounds – the Henry Moore play sculpture (possibly designed by Goldfinger) – and a number Towers playground at the foot of Balfron Hamlets Cemetery Park, Tower of city farms. It also contains an important cemetery – the Cemeteries. Magnificent Seven which was opened in 1841, and which is one of London’s The London Inventory of Historic Green Spaces lists 77 open spaces of historic interest in Green Spaces lists 77 open spaces of historic interest The London Inventory of Historic the borough (see clearance while other areas result from slum Mile End Waste, Stepney Green Gardens and such as Poplar Recreation number of others, A or bomb damage, such as Weaver’s Fields. former burial grounds which were opened as Gardens, represent Ground and St James’ More formal urban squares, such as Carlton Square public gardens in the 19th century. 19th century in association Square Gardens, were laid out in the Tredegar Gardens and in the borough were designed with planned developments. Only a limited number of parks examples such as Victoria and created as such, but those that do exist include important that have been The borough also contains 16 squares Park and Island Gardens. Act of 1931 (see Figure 10). designated according to the London Squares Preservation • • • • Historic landscapes, gardens, squares and waterways and squares gardens, landscapes, Historic of Parks and Gardens Register of included on the borough are within the Five parks (see importance of national and are therefore Interest in England, Historic • 1 Kilometre 1 Kilometers (Grade II) Estate Island Gardens Lansbury 0.5 0.5 Bromley Recreation Ground 0 0 ! ( N ! ( Tredegar Tredegar ! ( ! ( Square Gardens Gardens ! ( ! ( Stepney Green ! ( ! ( ! ( Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Gardens ! ( Cranbrook Estate Beaumont Square Gardens Trafalgar Trafalgar (Grade II) ! ( The Novo Cemetery ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( and Farm ! ( Mudchute Park Square Rectory Gardens York Square York ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( Centre ! ( Farm and Rural Arts ! ( ! ( Stepney City ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( Gardens ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( (Grade II*) Arbour Square ! ( ! ( ! ( Victoria Park Victoria ! ( ! ( Carlton Square Albert ! ( ! ( Gardens ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( Gardens ! ( ! ( The London Chest Hospital Sidney Square ! ( ! ( Gardens (Grade II) ! ( ! ( ! ( Bethnal Green Gardens ! ( Ford Square ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( The Oval Verges ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( Mile End Road ! ( Gardens Ion Square Square ! ( Swedenborg World Heritage Site World London Squares Historic Green Spaces Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( ! ( Garden Residents’ Residents’ Burial

(Grade II) Trinity Trinity Ground Square Holland Estate City Farm St Mary’s St Mary’s Gardens Additional Spitalfields Arnold Circus

KEY Figure 10 - Historic Landscapes, Gardens and Squares and Gardens Landscapes, Historic 10 - Figure

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower In addition to its green infrastructure, the borough also has an important network of also has an important network green infrastructure, the borough In addition to its been Some of these have already in its canals and waterways. Blue Infrastructure which are both Canal and Limehouse Cut, for example, the Regent’s designated including, conservation areas. In addition to specific locations, it is also important to consider the broader historic historic the broader to consider important is also it locations, to specific In addition of is a key component infrastructure Green found in the borough. that can be landscapes were for example, Street trees, of the borough. historic environment grain of the the urban at House Estate such as the Chapel of planned developments, component an important statues, historic contains numerous Hamlets also Tower of Dogs. end of the Isle the south that form an ironwork) and war memorials (including street signs and street street furniture of the urban landscape. important part Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

Modern architecture Modern by important new buildings some significant also attracted the borough have Parts of official or afforded currently designated of these are not ). Many 11 (see Figure architects the environment and part of the built an important but they are or protection, recognition Cesar Wharf, including at Canary modern buildings The of the borough. distinctiveness group, and form a very Square, are an important iconic tower at One Canada Pelli’s miles away – they are visible from many of the urban townscape significant component Another group of within the borough. as well as from many places in several directions, at Mile Queen Mary University Campus buildings are those on the high quality modern Pavilions and CZGW’s the Mile End Ecology Park and buildings, together with These End. over the busy Mile End two areas of a green corridor (which connects ‘Green Bridge’ the ‘Idea built heritage value. In addition, important focus of significant Road), form an at Canary Wharf and the new Jubilee Line station Whitechapel, the new buildings at Store’ modern heritage. of the borough’s are all high quality components

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage 1 Kilometre 1 Kilometers Container City 0.5 0.5 Hospital Hall

Trinity Buoy Wharf/ Trinity Bromley by Bow Healthy Living Centre Former Andrew’s St. Development Bow Zero Energy Kingsley 0 0 N Tower

Donnybrook Quarter Balfron

CZGW’s CZGW’s House Pavilions Green Bridge Voss Street Voss Mile End Park Ecology and Art Station Gardens

Jubilee Line Studios

Square Jubilee One Canada Westferry Nursery Alice Madel St Paul’s Church St Paul’s Bishop School Challoner Centre Chisenhale

New Heart of Bow Project - New Heart of Bow Primary School Four Corners Westfield Westfield Student Village Graduate Lock-keeper’s Cottage Mews Thames

River Police Patriot Square Town Hall Hotel, Town Elsden Idea Store, Whitechapel Blue House, Garner Street Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower Notable 20th Century Buildings (not exhaustive list) Building

House, St. Queen Mary Tower Bridge Tower Katherine’s Way Katherine’s College - Blizard for Girls BioEnterprises One Street Innovation Centre Square Bishops 23, Bacon Mulberry School KEY Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Figure 11 - Modern Architecture - Modern 11 Figure Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

The significance of many places lies not in their bricks and mortar, but in the activities that bricks and mortar, of many places lies not in their The significance or worked in lives of the people who dwelt and around them, and in the took place within if their use, and the histories of buildings can be far greater The value and interest them. and today, who used them, both historically perspectives of the people and different an of buildings and areas is also The names and recorded for posterity. are understood carried out by recording, such as that of this. Programmes of Oral History important part Mile End Old published in part in the Programme or recordings the Eastside Community Places book in 2001, can add considerable value Association Changing Residents’ Town intangible heritage also area. In addition, the borough’s to the heritage resource of an events and festivals taking place in the borough includes the range of key contemporary Mela in Banglatown in Brick Lane), and other performing arts, today (such as the Baishakhi skills (such as carpentry). social practices and traditional Intangible heritage Intangible heritage as: intangible defines Convention’ Cultural Heritage ‘Intangible 2003 UNESCO’s on to and passed our ancestors inherited from expressions traditions or living ‘includes festive rituals, arts, social practices, performing as oral traditions, such our descendants, and the knowledge and the universe, nature practices concerning knowledge and events, traditional crafts’. and skills to produce

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Figure Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Markets Markets interesting and which make an markets, covered and street has a range of Hamlets Tower (see local communities and to its townscape the borough’s contribution to dynamic ). They are considered to be an important force in the promotion of social cohesion of social cohesion the promotion force in to be an important are considered They 12). markets include goods. Covered of affordable and in the provision economies, and local and the more recently the 17th century, Market, dating back to the historic Spitalfields site. Street markets give Brewery Truman occupying part of the Old established market such as parts of the borough and some, to the street scene of considerable vibrancy Roman Road Others, such as Chrisp Street, have considerable longevity. Petticoat Lane, community), popular with the Bangladeshi Market (a large vibrant market and Whitechapel Flower Lane and the Columbia Road local resource, while Brick provide an important outside the area. numbers of visitors from Market attract large 1 Kilometers 1 Kilometre Library 0.5 0.5 Cubitt Town Cubitt Town Street

Billingsgate Fish Market Idea Store

Chrisp Gallery 0 Nunnery 0 $+ Market N !( Chrisp Street !( $+ !( Bow Idea Store !( Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower !(

!( Wharf !(

Museum $+ Ragged School Idea Store Museum Canary !(

Gallery SS Robin Whitechapel Art !( Market Market Roman Road Watney Street Watney Library Whitechapel Road Market Library Archive Bethnal Green Idea Store Local History Whitechapel Royal London !( Hospital Museum !( $+ $+ Street !(

!(

!( Idea Store Watney Childhood Brewery Victoria and Victoria Whitechapel Bell Foundry and Diversity The Museum of Immigration Old Trueman Albert Museum of !( !( $+ !( !( $+ Museum

Armouries

!( Key Museums and Libraries Markets $+ Tower Hamlets Borough Boundary Tower $+ $+ !( Fusiliers Royal Regiment of Tower of London Tower Royal Colombia Road Market Bethnal Petticoat

Art Gallery Market Whitechapel Market Lane Market

Green Market Brick Lane House Dennis Severs Spitalfields KEY Figure 12 - Heritage Collections and Markets Collections Heritage 12 - Figure

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Figure 12): Figure ictorian to present ictorian to present Thames and Docklands, Thames and Docklands, Art Gallery – an internationally acclaimed venue founded in a purpose-built, Art Gallery – an internationally acclaimed venue founded in ’s house; ’s Armouries – part of the Royal Armouries’ collection is located in the Tower of Tower is located in the collection Armouries’ Armouries – part of the Royal ictoria and Albert Museum of Childhood - formerly the Bethnal Green Museum, housed Albert Museum of Childhood - formerly the Bethnal ictoria and ower of London – as well as being a World Heritage Site, the Tower of London also Tower Heritage Site, the a World ower of London – as well as being in an iron and glass building relocated from South Kensington, with a new entrance in an iron and glass building relocated from South Kensington, foyer. V Grade II* listed Arts and Crafts building in 1901 to bring great art to the people of East Arts and Crafts building in 1901 to bring great art to Grade II* listed London; and Whitechapel Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (London) Museum – which covers the history of the Royal Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (London) Museum – which covers of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (City of London Regiment) from 1685 to 1968 and Fusiliers from 1968 onwards; Royal and two permanent public displays on the Line of Kings including Tower, White London’s the personal armoury of Henry VIII and displays on more modern Armoury, the Spanish weapons and armours; T contains important collections, including the Crown Jewels (part of the Royal Collection); contains important collections, SS Robin – a historic steamship, the last remaining steamcoaster in the world, and a SS Robin – a historic steamship, SS Robin has recently undergone a substantial restoration Grade I/Core Collection ship. return to the borough. and refit at drydock, and may Museum of Immigration and Diversity (19 Princelet Street) – a museum celebrating the Museum of Immigration and Diversity located in a Grade II* listed building which was waves of immigration in the borough, silk weaver merchant and then a synagogue; and formerly the house of a Huguenot and occupies part of a Grade I listed ‘low’ warehouse at West India Docks; India warehouse at West of a Grade I listed ‘low’ and occupies part museum which re-creates life in a former Huguenot silk Dennis Severs House – a living weaver Royal London Hospital Museum - covers the history of health care in the East End since history of health care in the Hospital Museum - covers the Royal London the 18th century; Ragged School Museum – tells the story of East London from the V Museum – tells the story of Ragged School Museum of London Docklands – tells the history of the River Docklands – tells the history Museum of London times, and includes a recreation of one of Dr Barnardo’s original classrooms; Barnardo’s a recreation of one of Dr times, and includes

• • • • • Other significant museums with more universally-themed collections include: Other significant museums with • • • • The heritage of the borough, together with information on its history, is preserved and preserved and is on its history, with information together of the borough, The heritage (see of museums of a number objects and activities through the celebrated • Heritage collections Heritage objects Museum • Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower

In addition to the Local History Library and Archives, there are also a number of other Archives, there Local History Library and In addition to the Women’s archives associated with the borough, including for example archives in the as those held and community archives such Trust, Royal London Hospital Library and the Trust. and the Swadhinata by Eastside Community Heritage The borough also contains a number of archives that hold information on Tower Hamlets’ Hamlets’ Tower on hold information of archives that a number also contains The borough Bancroft Archives at Library and Local History most notably the heritage – history and Hamlets to the Tower in settlement the oldest Saxon records from Library holds The Road. government building local the oldest surviving the Library is also and part of day, present and making role in collecting, preserving The Library plays an important in the borough. has been Over the past five years it the histories of the borough. publicly accessible of, and - a hub for the preservation a heritage centre for the borough redeveloped into in learning and participation archive collections, and for promoting access to the Council’s including intangible heritage. local heritage, Reference libraries and archive and libraries Reference

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Team have focused on reducing, and dealing more efficiently with, the have focused on reducing, and dealing more efficiently Team

Design and conservation input into corporate initiatives; Design and conservation input Enabling and partnership working. Development briefs, frameworks and implementation; Development briefs, frameworks Preparation of conservation and urban design strategies; Preparation of conservation and and pre-application advice; Providing planning application Heritage and conservation, including heritage improvement projects and their delivery; Heritage and conservation, including

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower The Place Shaping Team is supported by a number of council Members. These include is supported by a number of council Members. Team The Place Shaping historic environment plays a a Heritage Champion, whose key role is to ensure that the policies, plans, targets and strategies. central role in the development of all the Council’s • The Place Shaping that typically comes through on a day to day basis (such as volume of conservation traffic For example, a pre-application requests around grants, listed buildings, and enforcement). to send emails, photos and plan process has been established that encourages people an important role This has played any relevant information in advance of a meeting. improving the quality of the in improving the quality of interactions with Council, and in Asked Questions have also been put on the applications. In addition, a set of Frequently website. • • • • • Within the Council, this role is carried out primarily through the Place Shaping Team. The Team. carried out primarily through the Place Shaping Within the Council, this role is which is responsible for a number of key services team is part of the Place Directorate, regeneration and development and building control. including planning, housing, transport, principal functions include: Team’s The Place Shaping The council takes the lead role in securing the conservation of the heritage of the borough. conservation of the heritage the lead role in securing the The council takes It has the and Listed Building consent. for planning permission It handles applications it can take action and in satisfactory repair, that listed Buildings are kept power to ensure areas and place. It designates conservation demolition or alterations take if unauthorised local interest, and has an important role to play in planning maintains a list of buildings of enforcement. Tower Hamlets council Tower Responsibilities Responsibilities Key Stakeholders: Roles & Roles Stakeholders: Key Appendix D Appendix Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower s most significant historic buildings, monuments and s most significant historic buildings, s role is the advice it gives to local planning authorities and s role is the advice it gives to local planning authorities and Promoting education and research; archive of the heritage. Maintaining the National Monuments Record as the public Maintaining registers of England’ of the historic environment; Advising on the preservation with the heritage; Encouraging broader public involvement Acting as a national and international champion for the heritage; Acting as a national and international of historic buildings, monuments and landscapes; Giving grants for the conservation landscapes;

In London, Historic England’s role also includes the provision of archaeological advice role In London, Historic England’s Advisory Service) and hosting the Greater Archaeology (through the Greater London London Historic Environment Record. • Central to Historic England’ on proposals with potential This focuses Central Government on development proposals. heritage resources (such for major change or for damage to significant, nationally important and gardens, and conservation as listed buildings, scheduled monuments, registered parks areas). • • • • • • Historic England works in partnership with central government departments, local Historic England works in partnership the private sector to conserve and enhance the historic authorities, voluntary bodies and understanding of people’s the heritage and increase access to environment, broaden public by: the past. It meets its responsibilities In April 2015, English Heritage split into two organisations; English Heritage – a new charity English Heritage – a new charity split into two organisations; April 2015, English Heritage In historic of more than 400 state-owned the National Heritage Collection which looks after the statutory England, which continues across England; and Historic sites and monuments as well as to local authorities and the public expert, constructive advice role of providing environment. championing the wider historic Historic England In addition to the Place Shaping Team, there are also a number of other key stakeholders key stakeholders other of a number are also there Team, Shaping to the Place In addition – whether role to play in heritage an important that have within council and functions heritage, borough’s aspects of the specific for managing they are accountable because their impacts or because heritage on heritage, have an impact their activities because role in the an important Archives play and History Library the Local In particular, activities. Resources is part of the This team in the delivery of this strategy. heritage and borough’s impact on services that have a significant is responsible for delivering Directorate, which borough. and those who work in the and quality of life for residents social cohesion

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage Tower Hamlets History Online website, as Hamlets History Tower – a registered charity who manage the – a registered charity who manage - helps people who share a common interest who share a common interest - helps people – identifies, documents and preserves Jewish – fund and manage the restoration of Nicholas – fund and manage the restoration – this exists to further interest in the history of East – this exists to further interest – seek to promote civic pride, greater harmony between – seek to promote civic pride, - a cultural institute that runs courses for adults and cultural that runs courses for adults - a cultural institute – focusing on education, conservation and lobbying for education, conservation and lobbying – focusing on - arrange a programme of talks; s German Lutheran Church – a national charity and statutory amenity society dedicated to – a national charity and statutory – established to take into ownership redundant chapels and rust – established to take into ownership redundant chapels and - this is a community history project dedicated to recording and rust - this is a community history project dedicated to recording – this society promotes the history of Wapping, Ratcliff, Ratcliff, – this society promotes the history of Wapping, apping Trust ower Hamlets Cemetery Park ’s Grade I listed Christ Church; ’s fecting listed Georgian heritage; East End heritage for future generations both of Jews and immigrant communities in the East End heritage for future generations both of Jews and area; Jewish East End Celebration Society other places of worship in England which are of outstanding architectural importance other places of worship in England which are of outstanding maintenance for public and historic interest, to secure their preservation, repair and benefit; Island History T live there; preserving the history of the Isle of Dogs and the people who History of W Historic Chapels T through books and a programme of talks; Shadwell and St George’s, well as organising a programme of talks and outings, and publishing newsletters; well as organising a programme historical research; people and to provide independent The Georgian Group on planning applications preserving Georgian buildings and gardens, who are consulted af Friends of T Friends of St George’ Friends of Christ Church Spitalfields in furthering family history and genealogical research in the historic East End of the city research in the historic East End history and genealogical in furthering family of London; maintaining the London, and is responsible for Eastside Community Heritage Hawksmoor Park on behalf of the council; Hamlets Cemetery Tower The East London History Society East of London Family History Society East of London The Bishopsgate Institute The Bishopsgate talks, debates and poetry; music concerts and illustrated events, such as The 20th Century Society The 20th Century architecture and design in Britain from 1914 onwards; design in Britain from 1914 architecture and

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower • • • • • • • • • • • • Voluntary organisations Voluntary number A associations. and residents’ sector organisations has 2,500 third Hamlets Tower the related to on activities societies are focused trusts and voluntary groups, of these for These include heritage. of the borough’s and enjoyment conservation understanding, list): (not an exhaustive example • Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower – the largest, oldest and most – the largest, oldest – established to support the study of local history in to support the study of local history – established Ancient Buildings - promotes the study of Whitechapel murders and the impact - promotes the study of Whitechapel – provides learning opportunities around the history and rust – provides learning opportunities – a charity dedicated to restoring Georgian houses; rust – a charity dedicated to restoring – social club offering a venue club offering Association – social and Leaseholders enants - helps residents with local history, local local history, local with residents - helps Association Residents’ own - a non-partisan secular Bengali group that offers seminars and group that offers rust - a non-partisan secular Bengali – campaigns for historic buildings; s Heritage – campaigns for – the ‘champion’ for Victorian and Edwardian buildings in for Victorian ictorian Society – the ‘champion’ - aims to build interest in the history of the East Society - aims to build interest in the ower Hamlets Local History England and Wales, with a formal role in the planning system, and with a focus around with a formal role in the planning system, and with England and Wales, and education; and conservation, public involvement workshops, expeditions and educational literature to young Bengali people; workshops, expeditions and educational The V The Whitechapel Society surroundings in Stepney by holding lectures, exhibitions and historical excursions; surroundings in Stepney by holding T Hamlets. It publishes newsletters, Tower Borough of End of London, namely the London and also arranges coach outings; organises a program of talks, End of London. these murders had on the East for various gatherings and social events in the local area; in the local and social events gatherings for various Stepney Historical T Swadhinata T the area; Protection of Society for the to local a statutory role as advisor national pressure group, with technically expert planning authorities; The Spitalfields T Save Britain’ History Society Shadwell Local Mile End Old T End Old Mile applications; and planning tradesman Estate T Ocean

number of these groups are represented on the Council’s Conservation and Design number of these groups are represented on the Council’s

• Advisory Panel. • • • A • • • • • • •

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(March 2015) - The purpose of (March 2015) - (March 2015) - The purpose of this Advice The purpose of this (March 2015) - (forthcoming)

A 4 - Enabling Development A A 3 - The Setting of Heritage Assets 3 - The Setting of Heritage A A 2 - Managing Significance in Decision-Taking in the Historic Environment Significance in Decision-Taking 2 - Managing A A 1 - The Historic Environment in Local Plans 1 - The A

GP GP (March 2015) - The purpose of this Advice Note is to provide information to assist local Advice Note is to The purpose of this (March 2015) - consultants, owners, applicants and other interested authorities, planning and other of heritage assets, using appropriate expertise, parties in assessing the significance recording and furthering understanding, neglect and historic environment records, and design and distinctiveness. unauthorised works, marketing and other consultants, Note is to provide information to assist local authorities, planning and managing change owners, applicants and other interested parties in assessing remains and historic within the settings of heritage assets, including archaeological buildings, sites, areas, and landscapes. GP GP this Advice Note is to provide information to help local planning authorities make well provide information to help local planning authorities make Advice Note is to this the The advice in this document, in accordance with local plans. informed and effective work in support emphasises that all information requirements and assessment NPPF, needs to be proportionate to the significance of of plan-making and heritage protection heritage assets. and the impact on the significance of those the heritage assets affected decisions need sufficient information to understand the At the same time, those taking policies. issues and formulate balanced

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower • • • Historic Environment Good Practice Advice (GPA): Practice Historic Environment Good Historic England provides written planning advice to support owners, developers and local to support owners, developers provides written planning advice Historic England buildings proposed changes to historic when they are considering planning authorities in accordance through the planning system need to be given consent and places, which are summarised These and the related PPG. policy in the NPPF with historic environment below. • Introduction Introduction Historic England Planning Advice Planning England Historic Appendix E E Appendix

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower and Management Appraisal Area Designation, (December 2015) - This Advice Note seeks to guide This (December 2015) - The Historic Environment and Site Allocations in Local Plans Site The Historic Environment and Buildings Tall (February 2016) - This advice - (February 2016) Assets to Heritage Making Changes

(October 2015) - The identification of potential sites for development within a Local Plan The identification of potential sites for development within (October 2015) - where change and growth will happen across local is an important step in establishing This type of development and when it should occur. authority areas, as well as the ensure advice to all those involved in the process, to help document is intended to offer a positive role in allocating sites for development. It that the historic environment plays out in gathering and site allocation policies, as well as setting advice on evidence offers are fully integrated in detail a number of steps to make sure that heritage considerations any site selection methodology. Advice Note 4 - parties involved in planning developers, designers, local authorities and other interested in a sustainable and for and designing tall buildings so that they may be delivered management process. successful way through the development plan and development Advice Note 3 - Advice Note 2 - Advice Note 2 of the policies set out in the NPPF in determining note illustrates the application and listed building consent, as well as other non- applications for planning permission scheduled monument consent. It provides general planning heritage consents, including in heritage assets, including categories of intervention advice according to different and alteration, as well as on works for research alone, based restoration, addition repair, asset: buildings and other structures; standing remains on the following types of heritage and marine sites; and larger heritage assets including earthworks; buried remains landscapes, including parks and gardens, and World including conservation areas, to owners, developers, local planning authorities and Heritage Sites. It will be useful heritage assets. others in considering works to Advice Note 1 - Conservation Note 1 - Conservation Advice that change in a way to manage note sets out ways This advice 2016) - (February conserves enhances and areas through historic conservation area designation, appraisal managing involved in advice to all those intended to offer It is and management. is fully areas worthy of protection so that the potential of historic conservation areas benefits of consultation examined, and the for community and owner realised, the need achieve regeneration and enhancement, to manage change, and management plans areas is also given, as is assistance on appraisal of conservation Advice fully exploited. and in guiding investment character, special interest and articulating in demonstrating plan. developing a management

• • • Historic England Advice Notes: Advice England Historic •

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1 Introduction 2 Our heritage 3 4 Our strategy 5 Delivery Appendices our heritage (November Partnership Agreements. LBHPAs LBHPAs Agreements. Partnership

Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order Drawing up a Local Listed Building Agreement Partnership Heritage Building a Listed up Setting

2015) - The purpose of this Advice Note is to provide information to assist local Advice Note is to provide information to assist local of this The purpose 2015) - consultants, owners, applicants and other interested authorities, planning and other Listed Building Consent Orders. LLBCOs were introduced parties in implementing Local These allow a local Act 2013. and Regulatory Reform by section 60 of the Enterprise building consent for an extended period for works of planning authority to grant listed or extension of groups of listed buildings in all or part any description for the alteration This is a pro-active particular description in their area. of their area, or buildings of a which means that owners of those listed buildings will not and blanket grant of consent, but will be able to proceed with the works, subject have to make individual applications, allow works which would LLBCOs attached to the Order. to any conditions that may be for listed building consent to be dealt with by otherwise require a series of applications They have the period. a single consent mechanism, potentially covering a much longer multiple owners and potential to act as a focus for development of consensus between to common issues local planning authorities, to establish well-understood approaches over the aspirations and of maintenance, repair or minor alteration, to increase certainty for owners and local planning requirements of all parties, and to save time and resource They will allow the local planning authority to spend less time on minor authorities alike. in their area, and will and well-understood works to well-understood listed buildings changes. make it easier for owners to get on with minor and un-contentious Advice Note 6 - Advice Note 5 - Note Advice (November 2015) - The purpose of this Advice Note is to provide information to assist information Note is to provide Advice of this The purpose 2015) - (November and other interested applicants owners, and other consultants, planning local authorities, Heritage Listed Building in implementing parties were introduced by section 60 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013. Act 2013. Regulatory Reform Enterprise and 60 of the by section were introduced authority and their local planning owner of a listed building or buildings They allow the if done are routine and regular and, necessary works to the building to agree which listed building consent The agreement grants will not harm its special interest. correctly, whenever of time, and they can go ahead works, for an extended period (LBC) for these the owner and the local a partnership approach between This supports convenient. term an agreed vision for the medium-long and will help them to reach planning authority dialogue building(s) covered. It will support maintenance of the listed management and parties to the and requirements of all certainty over the aspirations and increase mutual partners time and resources for the also have the potential to save agreement. LBHPAs time dealing with minor applications, freeing them up as they will be able to spend less the building. Other bodies contentious issues affecting to concentrate on any major or authority may be party to the agreement, including besides the owner and local planning England. the Secretary of State and Historic

Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower • • (Historic Tower Hamlets Conservation Strategy 2017-2027 Tower (May 2016) - Local lists play an essential role an essential lists play - Local 2016) (May orld Heritage Sites in England (May 2011) - This document presents a method for This - iew (May 2011) Authority Heritage Assets: some guiding principles for decision- Authority Heritage Local Heritage Listing Heritage Local

(June 2003) - The guidance promotes and encourages appropriate standards in The guidance promotes and encourages appropriate (June 2003) - England, 2015) - With the introduction of the NPPF and the subsequent Planning England, 2015) - With the introduction was cancelled and has no formal status in the Practice Guidance, this document it still contains some general information about the planning process. However, Heritage sites, especially in regard to management protection and management of World This guidance note supports and amplifies the plans, that remains relevant and useful. Heritage Sites and highlights Planning Circular for England on the Protection of World and sustaining World the importance of sustainable community strategies in protecting Heritage Sites. The Protection and Management of W The Protection and Management understanding and assessing heritage significance within views that may be selected by heritage significance within views that may be selected by understanding and assessing (in consultation with Historic England) as part of the a developer or planning authority development proposal. Assessment of a specific Environmental Impact Managing Local makers and high quality design in new work related to them, the management of heritage assets including public spaces. Seeing the History in the V Advice Note 7 - Note Advice in the historic and distinctiveness local character a sense of and reinforcing in building of significance enable the They of designation. the wider range as part of environment, to the local planning a contributor right and as the list (in its own or site on any building in taken into account to be better objectives), strategic planning wider authority’s The advice supports or site or its setting. the building affecting planning applications changes a local list in their area or make and communities to introduce local authorities a selection criteria, thereby encouraging through the preparation of to an existing list, heritage assets and management of local approach to the identification more consistent of a breadth of the historic environment local list can celebrate the A across England. the historic heritage assets that make up the full range of local area by encompassing assets. and recording of local heritage ensure the proper validation environment and assets, way of identifying local heritage a consistent and accountable They also provide need to understand local development of owners and developers who to the benefit opportunities and constraints.

• • • • England advice: Other current sources of Historic

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Written and Designed by Chris Blandford Associates a All photographs - Tower Hamlets www.cbastudios.com Council unless otherwise credited