Newham celebrates five shortlisted Pineapple Award projects, highlighting its national recognition for regeneration, better homes, stronger neighbourhoods and long‑term community value.
Newham is celebrating a major national achievement, with five regeneration and placemaking projects shortlisted for the 2026 Pineapple Awards, recognising places that make a real difference to communities and urban life.
Across the UK, 129 projects were selected by judges for their contribution to place. The next stage of judging will take place during the Festival of Pineapples (24–26 February 2026), where shortlisted teams will present live online before winners are announced on 22 April 2026.
For Newham, having not one but five projects shortlisted is a remarkable achievement and reflects the borough’s long-term commitment to building stronger communities, better homes and thriving neighbourhoods.
Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “To have five Newham projects shortlisted for the Pineapple Awards is fantastic news and a real tribute to our residents, partners and communities who are helping shape the future of our borough.
This is about creating better homes and better neighbourhoods, not just building more but building well. Our regeneration is delivering safer streets and travel routes, greener spaces, better lighting and the community facilities local people have told us they want and need.
We’re building a lasting legacy of homes, places and opportunity for Newham, one that will benefit residents long into the future. I’d encourage everyone to come and see the progress happening in neighbourhoods across the borough.”
The shortlisted Newham projects:
The Pineapple for Activation – Carpenters Estate
Newham’s ongoing work at Carpenters Estate has been recognised for creating social and environmental benefits from the very start of regeneration. While long-term rebuilding continues, residents are already seeing improvements: the Dovetail community hub hosts activities and support, co-designed playgrounds and outdoor gyms promote wellbeing, and murals created with residents brighten the estate. Clear pathways, footprint trails and community gardens are improving everyday life, alongside local jobs and skills opportunities. The project shows how regeneration can support residents immediately — delivering better homes and better neighbourhoods, not just new buildings.
Partners: Populo, Meanwhile Space, Make:Good, Proctor and Matthews, LDA, Tibbalds, Campbell Reith
The Pineapple for Infrastructure – Lower Lea Crossing
The A1026 Lower Lea Crossing connects Newham and Tower Hamlets and has been transformed to support safer, healthier travel. Previously, pedestrians and cyclists shared narrow routes that no longer met modern standards. Completed in March 2025, the
upgraded crossing now features a wider cycle lane and separate footway, improving accessibility and safety. Adopted by TfL as part of the Silvertown Tunnel scheme, the improvements help more people walk and cycle - supporting London’s goal that residents achieve 20 minutes of active travel daily by 2041. The project strengthens connections between communities and supports healthier, greener neighbourhoods.
Partners: Tower Hamlets Council, Transport for London, Project Centre, TKJV
The Pineapple for Future Place (Over 20ha) – Canning Town and Cody Road Strategic Regeneration Framework
Newham’s Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Canning Town and Cody Road has been recognised for shaping the long-term future of a major industrial area. Developed collaboratively with businesses, community groups and partners, the SRF ensures growth reflects local needs while supporting jobs and economic development. A key early success is securing full funding for the Mayer Parry Bridge, improving connectivity and supporting long-term growth. As part of Newham’s Growth Plan, the framework demonstrates how regeneration can deliver lasting value - creating sustainable neighbourhoods for the future.
Partners: We Made That, Steer, Useful Projects, Cushman & Wakefield
The Pineapple for Public Space – Queen’s Market and Queen’s Square
A £6.6 million investment in Queen’s Market and Queen’s Square is transforming a much-loved local destination through four co-designed projects delivered between 2024 and 2025. Improvements to the market are enhancing its look, feel and function, while new workspace supports local businesses and residents. A new flexible community space — including improved library provision — and upgrades to Queen’s Square are creating safer, greener and more welcoming public spaces. Shaped by extensive community consultation, the programme reflects Newham’s commitment to community wealth building and to creating places that residents are proud to call home.
Partners: JA Projects, Nulty, BWA, EDP, Andreas Lechthaler Architects, Simple Works
The Pineapple for Building – Demonstration of a Modular Home
The Demonstration Modular Home led by Rollalong was showcased outside London City Hall in the Royal Docks, giving residents the opportunity to see how modular construction could shape the future of housing. The project shows how modern, factory-built housing can deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes more quickly and with less waste. This type of housing is being pioneered as part of the solution for those in temporary accommodation.
While the Demonstration Modular Home is part of a London-wide housing innovation programme, its showcase in the Royal Docks highlights Newham’s role at the forefront of testing modern methods of construction (MMC) that can help deliver better homes faster, while reducing carbon and improving quality - supporting Newham’s commitment to better homes and better neighbourhoods.
Lead: Rollalong with Wates Residential
Partners: RCKa Architects, Design 4 Structures
Whilst winners for all categories are yet to be announced, what does remains certain is that Newham’s regeneration programme is gaining national recognition for delivering better homes, stronger neighbourhoods and lasting community value.
Residents can stay up to date on award news via Council social channels or online via The Developer’s website.
