The second phase of the £180m Rathbone Market regeneration programme in Canning Town in east London called Aurelia at Vermilion, has seen construction work start after demolition of existing buildings was completed.

The scheme will see shops, community facilities and 165 new homes built by the English Cities Fund (ECf) - a joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal and General Property and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Cllr Conor McAuley, Newham Council's Executive Member for Regenration and Strategic Planning, said: "The transformation of Canning Town is clear to anyone visiting the area with the Rathbone Market development visible across Newham and wider East London. The success of Vermilion has demonstrated exactly what the public and private sector can achieve when working together. I am looking forward to seeing the second phase of this project get underway bringing more homes, retail space and community amenities for both existing residents and those who have recently moved here. Residents are the heart of this regeneration project and we will ensure they continue to have a say in how the area develops."

123 new homes will be available to buy on the open market with a further 42 available for shared ownership through Notting Hill Housing. Aurelia also includes 12,000 sq ft of retail space, a new community building and two public squares.

Duncan Cumberland, Development Director for ECf, he said: "Rathbone Market is an enormously important development not only for the people of Canning Town but for the whole of the East End. Together, we're changing things, creating an attractive and vibrant new town centre which will improve life for those who live here and boost the local economy by drawing in newcomers, putting Canning Town on the map as a destination for businesses and homebuyers."