March 29, 2024

Rockwell and FirethornTrust secure planning permission for landmark waterfront development

Rockwell and FirethornTrust has announced that planning permission has been granted permission by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the landmark redevelopment of Quay House, Canary Wharf. The iconic 40-storey development will deliver a 400-bedroom hotel and 279 serviced apartments alongside impressive dockside leisure facilities.

Redevelopment of the existing three-storey Quay House will substantially enhance South Quay, activating currently underused public spaces beneath the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and along Admirals Way with public realm improvements which include Parkour facilities for the local community.

Once open the development will have significant economic benefits which include new 172 full time jobs, in addition to 300 during construction. It is expected to contribute an impressive £34.2m of additional visitor spend to the local economy each year alongside £18.3m per year to the wider supply chain.

To ensure that employment opportunities are harnessed by the local community, the proposal expands Rockwell’s existing partnership with the London Training Centre, delivering a skills training initiative specifically designed to provide local people with access to qualifications and jobs in the hotel and hospitality sector.

The site was acquired in a JV between Rockwell and FirethornTrust in October 2018 and the planning application was subsequently submitted in July 2019. With planning permission now secured, work is expected to start on site later this year.

Donal Mulryan, Founder of Rockwell, commented: “I’m delighted that the London Borough of Tower Hamlets has granted permission for this exceptional development. The opportunities for local people and businesses are substantial with 172 full time jobs once operational, 300 jobs during construction and a contribution of £34m per year to the local economy through visitor spending alone. Our relationships with local organisations such as Parkour Generations and the London Training Centre will further maximise the benefits.”

Chris Webb, Founding Partner at FirethornTrust, added: “We are proud to have received planning permission for the redevelopment of Quay House. The Borough’s decision is an important one, in that it will facilitate the delivery of much needed jobs and visitor accommodation whilst also providing significant improvements to the public realm. We are excited about bringing this development forward with Rockwell to deliver a landmark waterfront scheme overlooking Canary Wharf.”