Bromley-by-Bow looks set to be the first major beneficiary of an Olympic regeneration legacy after recent steps taken by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) and supermarket giant, Tesco has been agreed.

Planning permission was granted to transform Bromley-by-Bow through a scheme which will deliver 454 new homes, a new supermarket creating 200 jobs, a new district centre with space for 17 shops and other outlets, a library, two-form entry primary school, 104-bed hotel, car park, business starter units and a riverside park and footpath.

The LTGDC planning committee gave approval for the multi-million pound Tesco scheme, which is in one of the most deprived boroughs (Tower Hamlets) in the country.

As well as the main scheme Tesco is also investing in safer connections for pedestrians, cyclists and cars, by improving the Bromley-by-Bow station subway and creating a new pedestrian crossing over the A12. The first part of the development will be completed by 2012.

-- Advertisement --

LTGDC's role in East London is to ensure that the communities surrounding the Olympic Park benefit from a regeneration legacy in the build up to and after the London 2012 Games. As one of the key areas earmarked by LTGDC for change, Bromley-by-Bow is one of the most deprived areas in the country, fragmented and divided by main roads and rail lines. At its heart is 14 acres of underused, industrial land between the A12 and the River Lea near Three Mills, one of London's remaining historic tidal mills. In a pioneering agreement with Tesco, LTGDC is using its powers to bring about the comprehensive redevelopment of the area which, as a result of last night’s independent planning decision, will now see visible change in two years time.

Michael Kissman, Corporate Affairs Manager at Tesco, said: "We're delighted to be working with the LTGDC to deliver this important regeneration scheme.

"The proposals have been welcomed locally because of the physical regeneration, the creation of new homes and facilities such as the idea store, school and riverside park and benefits such as job creation and safer connections.

"We see our work with the Development Corporation in Bromley-by-Bow as an opportunity to help and transform the local community. Tesco wants to offer 50% of the new jobs created in our store to local people who have been unemployed for more than six months. As well as the employment benefits we will also offer training both within the company and in partnership with local organisations."

(CD/GK)