Sugar House Lane Conservation Area, Bromley-by-Bow
Local authority
London Borough of Newham
Brief description and history:
Sugar House Lane Conservation Area was designated in 2008 and is situated between the River Lea and the Three Mills Wall River. It contains important remnants of the 19th and early 20th - century structures that once characterised much of the industrial lower Lea valley. The historic pattern of lanes and yards are a key feature of the area.
Is it at risk?
Yes. The area has been under significant development pressure for some years as the small factories and workshops that characterise it have closed and buildings have been bought by developers. There was significant risk of mass demolition of a large part of the area.
What, if anything, is being done to save it? By the council? By the residents?
A steering group was formed by The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and London Development Agency in partnership with the Greater London Authority, Design for London, London Borough of Newham, Lea Valley Regional Park Authority and English Heritage to look at options for the area in response to the threat of substantial demolition and unsympathetic redevelopment. Urban Practitioners were commissioned to prepare a master plan document with key aims that included ensuring preservation of the area’s existing character and ensuring that new development would be sensitive in scale, form and character. The London Borough of Newham subsequently agreed that the key northern part of the master plan area should be designated as a Conservation Area.
The master planning exercise is ongoing. The area has subsequently been increased in size to include other nearby historic areas and one of the main aims is to retain and reuse key buildings within the Conservation Area.
For press information and more case studies please contact English Heritage Corporate Communications on 020 7973 3250.
