I have been asked (see Comments) about the new development next to the London Hospital which looks very similar to what is proposed for the Blue Anchor Brewery site in Whitechapel.  It seems to be the new norm for urban development: some semi-high rise apartment buildings set back from the street and surrounded by carefully landscaped courtyards.  It’s an efficient formula, with nothing to object to, but contributes nothing to either the local community or the street.  The so-called Silk District was designed by BSBG, a firm of architects who made their reputation in Dubai, designing palaces, schools and golf clubs. 

The Blue Anchor Brewery site has been planned by AHMM, architects of the very successful new town hall, which has just been awarded the RIBA London Building of the Year Award 2025.  This means that it is a strong candidate for the Stirling Prize.  One just hopes that they can provide some sense of urban and civic character to the development, maybe in the way it relates to the street, including some shops, instead of just being a version of a gated community. 

Likewise, the Genesis Cinema development.  It’s a big chunk of Whitechapel which deserves careful thought and something a bit more imaginative than a bit of townscape which might just as well be in Dubai.