The London Borough of Tower Hamlets strategic planning committee has voted 7-1 in favour of this £90m mixed-use scheme for a site close to Whitechapel’s Crossrail station, which is due to open next year.

Whitechapel Central is set to transform the former Safestore facility into a new urban quarter, with 30% of the site dedicated to new public realm. The scheme, which includes a large proportion of family homes alongside 38,000sqft of commercial space and storage facilities for a market, is a fundamental piece of Whitechapel’s vision for regeneration.

Straddling two nearby conservation areas, the design concept focuses on connectivity and permeability, introducing new pedestrianised streets and squares. A number of new ‘character areas’ embed the scheme into its surroundings.

The predominantly brick and reconstituted stone design creates strong street-based frontages to the existing urban context, while a glass and aluminium-clad tower stands at the heart of the scheme, enhancing the future townscape of Whitechapel.

564 new homes – 149 of which will be affordable housing – and 38,000sqft of commercial space including flexible office space for SMEs, shops, a gym and a cafe sit around a new public square and landscaped walking routes. Construction is due to begin in early 2017, with first completions on site expected in 2018.

Ewout Vandeweghe, Partner at Stockwool, said: “We are delighted that Tower Hamlets has granted consent for this landmark scheme. It reflects the ambitions and aspirations for this area in London and we are proud to be a part of the wider regeneration of Whitechapel.”

Jerome Geoghegan, Group Director of Development and Sales for L&Q, said: “The Whitechapel Central development will be an excellent contribution to the area masterplan and regeneration of Whitechapel. We are very pleased to be granted permission to progress these exciting plans to create much needed high-quality residential and commercial space in London.”