FAQs
What is the site used for today?
The Algha Works is currently standing vacant offering no benefit to the local community. PalmLane Estates Ltd’s proposal would breathe a brand-new lease of life in to the Algha Works by supporting local creative industries with tethered living and workspace, all while maintaining the historic character of the building.
Why are you seeking to bring forward your proposal?
The site is located within the Hackney Wick and Fish Island Creative Enterprise Zone. The London Legacy Development Corporation has set out a vision that the area is to become a creative quarter to work, live and visit that innovates while building on its unique industrial and creative history. PalmLane Estates Ltd proposal would provide support to local start-ups in the creative industries with affordable living accommodation and workspace enabling this vision to be realised.
Does the design preserve the character of the building?
Algha Works has a unique history in the local community. That is why the emerging proposal would both respect and build on the historic place the Algha Works holds by utilising the existing building. This means that the existing street scene would be unaltered, allowing the Algha Works to maintain its industrial character.
How will your proposal affect the height of the building?
A single storey extension is proposed within the scheme to include only living accommodation. To ensure a minimum impact to the skyline of the area the extension will be set back, resulting in only a marginal height increase. As such, the extension would not cause the Algha Works to dominate the skyline, and instead would fit in seamlessly with the local area.
How is this different to other live/work schemes?
The emerging proposal for Algha Works will create a physical separation between living accommodation and workspace. This not only ensures that workspace units do not become living accommodation, but will create a natural disconnect for residents from their work environment for better mindfulness.
How affordable will the live work units be?
With the rising cost of rents for both living accommodation and workspace, the emerging proposal offers a great opportunity to provide the much needed security of tethered workspace and living accommodation to start-ups in the creative industries.
Tethered workspace and living accommodation encompasses both into one rent, which will be significantly cheaper than taking two tenancies. PalmLane Estates Ltd will work with the local planning authority to finalise the affordability of the tethered accommodation.
Have you thought about sustainability?
Regeneration of Algha Works offers a great opportunity to improve the site’s sustainability through a fabric first approach. This means that building materials will be carefully selected to increase energy efficiency and reduced the embodied carbon of the building.
How will you support local infrastructure?
PalmLane Estates Ltd is committed to investing in local services. This will be enshrined through the S106 agreement as part of any planning permission. The final financial contribution will be negotiated with the local planning authority and consultees.
What are your timescales for this project?
PalmLane Estates Ltd is hoping to submit its application in Sumer 2022. It is expected to be determined by Autumn / Winter 2022.
If approved, construction is expected to start in 2023, with a completion date of 2025.
How can I have my say?
You can share your views using the Feedback page on this website.
You can also play your part in the design process and share your view by writing to us for free via our dedicated Freepost address FREEPOST GNL CONSULTATION or by contacting us by email at gcoxshall@gnl-strategic.co.uk.
PalmLane Estates Ltd wants to hear your view on the emerging proposal to help inform the design process to prepare the final scheme.