The London Legacy Development Corporation has granted planning permission for The Collective to transform an unused commercial site on Stratford High Street, into a new public destination for the local community.

The 22-storey scheme will feature short-stay co-living rooms, a community and events hub as well as affordable workspace for small businesses and local entrepreneurs. The plans for ‘The Collective Stratford’ were developed after extensive engagement with local businesses and community organisations to ensure the scheme meets their needs and integrates into the local area.  

James Penfold, Global Planning and Communications Director at The Collective, said: “We’re really excited to move ahead with creating a new cultural destination at The Collective Stratford, which will have a truly symbiotic relationship with the surrounding neighbourhood – a place not only to live and work but that will also deliver a community hub and much-needed creative facilities for local talent. We’ve spent a lot of time in active dialogue with the community and as a direct result we’re proud to launch our ‘Community Investment Programme’, which will identify, fund and provide free use of our spaces for local charitable and creative enterprises.” 

The Collective Stratford will deliver 287 short-stay co-living rooms with a shared cinema, restaurant, gym and outdoor terraces plus 7,700 sq ft of workspace including 3,450 sq ft of co-working space which will be let at 50% affordable rent. Community space for local residents, businesses and charities and a Community Investment Programme for local partners to use the events and employment facilities free of charge.

The new hotel and employment space should create up to 155 new jobs.

The project will be centred around 7,100 sq ft of public realm and green space. The Collective will contribute £650,000 towards the surrounding public realm, including improvements to Stratford Station and local biodiversity with the clearing and landscaping of nearby Channelsea River.

The Collective will develop, manage and operate the scheme. Construction of the project is expected to commence at the end of 2020, with completion due in 2023.