26/11/2025
For Bianca and her parents, moving into their new home at One Thames Quay has meant more than just a fresh start.
It’s given them a home they’re proud of, extra space and a renewed sense of community. Bianca, 15, and her parents are among 40 families who now live in affordable homes for rent on the Isle of Dogs. One Thames Quay is a high-rise building that is designed to bring neighbours together.
Bianca, who’s also a final candidate in the running for Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets, shared her experience of moving to a new home:
“We lived in Bethnal Green for 14 years before moving here. I love that I can now open my windows without worrying about our privacy or safety. Being able to let in natural light and fresh air feels great.
Before, I had to share a room with my mum, but now I have my own space. Having privacy is such an important part of being a teenager, and it feels great to finally have that. The next step is getting a desk so I can study in my room!”
Delivered in partnership with Chalegrove Properties and Tower Hamlets Council, One Thames Quay provides:
- 40 homes for affordable rent
- 31 homes for shared ownership
- Half of the rented homes are family-sized with three bedrooms or more
- Every home includes its own balcony
Inside, residents have access to shared spaces that encourage connection and wellbeing, including: an open-air children’s play area, a garden with seating, and bookable spaces for social activities.
Bianca said about the sense of community in the building:
“I’ve gotten to know my neighbours since moving here – just by saying hello while we’re in the lifts in the mornings, on the way to school! Those lift conversations, that’s a big part of feeling like a community.”
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, and Cllr Maium Talukdar, the Deputy Mayor, visited local families now living here.
The Mayor highlighted One Thames Quay as an example of how modern, affordable housing can combine practicality with community-focused design:
“Tower Hamlets is a small borough. We can’t build out, but we can certainly build up. We have no choice but to deliver and develop tall buildings, but within them it’s important they have amenity spaces that cater for families. This development is wonderful and clearly shows what modern living is.”
Paul Dooley, our Chief Development Officer, said:
“This is the power of collaboration – when developers, housing providers and the council work hand in hand, we create inclusive homes that respond to the needs of the people who live in them.”
You can find more on how we’re building affordable homes and creating great places for everyone in the community on our development and regeneration pages.
Homes and regeneration
