Reuse of a former hospital to establish a new community and London’s first Community Land Trust

First opening in 1848 as a workhouse infirmary, St Clement’s Hospital has a long and rich history; with its function and design having undergone many incremental alterations over the years, adding physical, historical and cultural layers.

Derelict since 2005 with 19 buildings of varying age and quality, the project sees new buildings sensitively integrated with the historic Grade II listed buildings which have been restored to pare back the layers of modern extensions to reveal striking original features such as brick archways, vaulted ceilings and grand staircases.

JTP worked with the GLA, Historic England, Tower Hamlets and the local community to develop a shared vision for this sensitive site that embraces its new chapter as a residential neighbourhood of 252 new homes, of which 73 are in refurbished buildings. A total of 23 homes are owned by the Community Land Trust (CLT), which takes them out of the  property market and links them to local income, making them affordable to local people in perpetuity.

In designing the architectural language for the new buildings, JTP undertook an extensive study and analysis of the existing buildings to understand their form, character, materials and detailing. Rather than competing with the richness of detail in the existing structures, the new buildings create a calm, considered, elegant backdrop within which the existing architecture can be celebrated.

The prominent refurbished Clock Tower building lies on the central axis along the length of the site, and views to it are protected, to provide easy navigation.

The new urban quarter establishes a strong community focus by reconnecting the neighbourhood and opening up the listed walled site to the public which includes the delivery of a new north-south pedestrian and cycle route through the scheme connecting Mile End Road to Cemetery Park.

Upon appointment, the ‘Creating a New Vision’ for St Clement’s Community Planning Weekend was held over two days at Bow Methodist Church, a well-known local community space, near the site. Over 350 local people took part to co-design the Vision the future of the site.

A ‘Community Animation’ programme prior to the Weekend included a staffed exhibition at the East London Mosque, and meetings and workshops with community groups, special interest and residents’ groups, local schools, churches, and local politicians.