The land near Canning Town Tube station was previously used for construction of the Elizabeth line – providing the space for the tunnelling machines to be lowered to dig the tunnels.

Places for London and Ballymore will transform the five hectares of brownfield land into a new neighbourhood containing 1,400 homes.

Ben Tate, Head of Property Development at Places for London, said: “The Limmo Peninsula development will be one of our most ambitious developments to date, showing how we can work with the private sector to benefit from the unique opportunities that our estate provides, and helps, us as part of TfL, to support London’s continued growth.

” We’re looking forward to creating a thriving and inclusive new residential neighbourhood, that is safe and child friendly, with excellent transport and active travel connections.”

John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, added: “We have deep roots in Newham and are truly delighted to be partnering once again with Places for London. This partnership is in line with our ambition to partner with landowners across London to deliver new neighbourhoods and communities at scale.

“Newham is a fast growing, diverse borough – and it’s hugely important that the vision for this site reflects that character. Limmo Peninsula will be a dynamic neighbourhood – where its community can thrive. We’re looking forward to collaborating closely with local residents and businesses to create opportunity, connections, and a thoughtfully designed, sustainable neighbourhood.”

The agreement with the Department of Health and Social Care gives the university control of 80,000 sq m of land next to its existing East London campus.

This unlocks ambitious plans to build a major life sciences centre, one of the largest of its kind to come forward in the capital.

The site sits opposite the Royal London Hospital on the south side of Whitechapel Road,

Five new and refurbished buildings, designed by Allies & Morrison and Gibson Thornley, will form part of the scheme, which already has planning consent from Tower Hamlets.

Queen Mary boss Professor Colin Bailey said the landmark deal future-proofed the long-term future of the University.

“This major investment gives us the opportunity, working with partners, to drive economic growth and healthcare benefits in an increasingly hyper-connected area of London within which we have deep historic roots.”

The university first acquired part of the site in 2021, which Professor Bailey said at the time was one of the biggest research investments in its history. Today’s deal completes the acquisition and cements Queen Mary’s commitment to Whitechapel, where it has operated since 1785.

The new campus will sit alongside facilities run by long-standing partner Barts Health NHS Trust.

Camden Council gave the green light for construction to start at 100 Avenue Road in Swiss Cottage where plans had stalled under a previous developer.

The revised scheme retains the original building’s 24-storey height and massing but delivers substantial improvements and meets Camden’s updated fire safety and sustainability standards with a second staircase.

has approved two significant Regal-led schemes at the same committee meeting, unlocking 442 homes across Swiss Cottage and Camden Town and bringing long-awaited progress to two complex and high-profile sites.

Regal will act as developer, contractor and long-term steward of the building.

The council also approved Regal and 4C Group’s joint venture scheme at 33–35 Jamestown Road and 211 Arlington Road in Camden Town, which will deliver 178 purpose-built student bedrooms, 27 affordable homes, and over 3,600 sq ft of commercial space.

Designed by Morris+Company, the scheme sensitively wraps around a historic pub, with active frontages and a woodland-inspired courtyard at its centre.

33–35 Jamestown Road

Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Regal, said: “The approval of 442 homes across two major sites in one evening is a real statement of intent – and a turning point for delivery in Camden.

“These are not off-the-shelf schemes: they bring forward genuinely affordable homes, much-needed student accommodation, and high-quality public realm in two very different but equally important locations.

“Our work with the London Borough of Camden has proven that it is possible for both public and private sector to work together with the speed and pragmatism that the planning system needs. This is the kind of delivery that makes a difference – not just more homes, but better ones.”