Newham Council's Cabinet will consider ambitious plans to transform the industrial areas of Canning Town into a thriving Enterprise Hub, including a pedestrian and cycle bridge across the River Lea.
The vision is set out in a Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) covering a 60-hectare site to the northwest of Canning Town’s town centre. Recently shortlisted for an NLA award, the SRF supports the delivery of Newham’s newly adopted Growth Plan.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, portfolio lead for Inclusive Economy, Strategic Housing Delivery and Culture, said: “This Framework sets out a clear vision to establish the area as a thriving Enterprise Hub anchored in the principles of Newham’s Growth Plan and designed to foster an inclusive economy.
“It identifies opportunities to catalyse innovation in high-growth sectors such as the data economy and green industries, building on the momentum of Newham’s Data Economy and Climate Action programmes, the recently approved Bidder Street Data Centre, and activities of other organisations within the industrial zone.
“With significant landholdings in the area, the Council is well positioned to lead a coordinated programme of development and strategic disposals. This will enable industrial intensification, unlock new employment opportunities, and generate capital receipts to reinvest in local priorities.”
The Cabinet papers outline how the Enterprise Hub will increase industrial and workspace capacity, create new jobs and homes, and improve connectivity across the Lower Lea Valley.
A key component of the proposals is the construction of the Mayer Parry Bridge, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the Enterprise Hub, new housing, transport hubs and social infrastructure.
The new £12m crossing is expected to be jointly funded by the Greater London Authority, Tower Hamlets and Newham. Newham’s share would be covered through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) receipts and Section 106 contributions from nearby developments, including the Bidder Street Data Centre.
Delivery of the framework will complement other major projects and programmes in the Canning Town area, including:
- Canning Town Estates Regeneration Programme that will deliver over 1,700 new homes.
- Partnership delivery of developments at Hallsville Quarter and Manor Road Quarter, delivering circa 2000 new homes and representing £950m of investment into the area.
- Canning Town Heritage Centre, set to open in 2026 at the heart of the town centre, showcasing Newham’s archive and museum collection alongside a dynamic programme of activities.
The report states: “Adopting the SRF signals a clear intent by the Council of the ambitions for the area, providing a vision and plan that can be used to co-ordinate delivery across the Council and with external partners.”
