Opinion and reporting by Mathew Carr
Jan. 15, 2026 — Sainsbury’s plan (see below), with investors, to develop Whitechapel, has been dramatically pared down.
One of London’s most notorious suburbs, the area is now becoming notorious for its lack of development. Is that a bad thing? Is it because poor areas should be kept down, according to some? Is the Aspire Party running Tower Hamlets council being attacked by bad systems/elites?
I’ve also been asking the question — is the lack of development in the area a result of understandable circumstances, or has progress been deliberately murdered?
Is there institutional/personal racism that’s causing delay?
I’m somewhat of a whistleblower and insider on this story, which I’m currently researching.
(Story building, coming, come back for more, shortly, and, in the meantime, send me your view: mathew@carrzee.net…see documents below for inspiration)
See pdf below for source
Unedited press release
This was the plan back in 2020 or so …it’s undated
FEC / Media / SAINSBURY’S AND FAR EAST CONSORTIUM ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO REDEVELOP WHITECHAPEL SQUARE IN EAST LONDON
SAINSBURY’S AND FAR EAST CONSORTIUM ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO REDEVELOP WHITECHAPEL SQUARE IN EAST LONDON
UK retailer Sainsbury’s and leading international developer Far East Consortium (FEC) are delighted to announce a new working partnership to redevelop the site of Sainsbury’s existing store in Whitechapel, East London. The Whitechapel Square proposal will incorporate a new flagship Sainsbury’s supermarket, a significant number of new homes, retail space for local businesses and landscaped public space that will improve the area for the local community. The 4.62-acre site is situated within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, adjacent to Whitechapel Road and within close proximity to Whitechapel Underground and Crossrail stations.
Sainsbury’s has been redeveloping sites of existing stores into mixed use schemes to create new homes, provide greater choice for customers and regenerate local communities since 2009. Projects delivered to date, include, schemes at Fulham Riverside, Nine Elms Point and Selly Oak in Birmingham.
FEC UK has extensive experience of leading ambitious and community-led projects. Whitechapel Square is FEC’s third large-scale development to be announced in 2020 following the launch of Aspen at Consort Place and the acquisition of Ensign House, both in South Quay, Canary Wharf.
Kevin O’Byrne, Chief Financial Officer at Sainsbury’s said: “Sainsbury’s is pleased to be partnering with FEC, an international developer with a proven track record of regeneration. We look forward to introducing our revised proposal for our Whitechapel site. We believe our new supermarket, more homes and open public space will enhance the local area and bring significant benefit to the community.”
Tan Sri Dato’ David Chiu, Executive Director and Chairman at FEC comments: “This partnership with Sainsbury’s is a landmark moment for FEC’s international business. The UK arm of FEC is the fastest growing part of the organisation and as such reflects our ongoing commitment to invest in a reinvigorated UK economy. It’s been our intention for some time to work with a retail partner such as Sainsbury’s, known for its strong British reputation for quality and service to its local communities. The project will deliver a much-needed new supermarket and, crucially, ease the pressure for new homes in the borough. Our recent launch of Aspen at Consort Place and the additional acquisition of Ensign House in Canary Wharf represents a strategic commitment to the regeneration of East London. We understand the vision that Tower Hamlets council is seeking and we’re committed to playing a key role in the borough’s revitalisation.
Chiu continues: “This development is at the early stages but we are confident that our shared vision and shared values with Sainsbury’s will deliver a thoughtful and dynamic development, creating a thriving supermarket and best-in-class residential accommodation.”
The Whitechapel area is steeped in history, culture and diversity. In recent years, the area has benefitted from significant infrastructure redevelopment. The forthcoming Elizabeth Line has seen Whitechapel station receive a multi-million-pound refit. The Royal London Hospital was also closed and re-opened behind the original site in 2012, welcoming in a brand-new building costing £650m. In addition, Tower Hamlets council has plans to deliver a new Town Hall, replacing the existing old building at Mulberry Place. Sainsbury’s was advised by Knight Frank’s Residential Development team.
AI Overview
The proposed development at the Sainsbury’s site in Whitechapel, a major mixed-use regeneration project called Whitechapel Square, aims to transform the area with a new store, hundreds of homes, public spaces, retail, and community facilities, led by Sainsbury’s and Far East Consortium (FEC) under the Tower Hamlets Vision; while earlier ambitious plans faced refusal due to heritage concerns, newer iterations reduced heights, but the project faced setbacks, and a major scheme was later withdrawn, leaving the future of the site uncertain, though the general vision involves a large supermarket, new housing, and improved public realm.
Key Aspects of the Development (Historical Proposals):
- Mixed-Use: Combines a large, new Sainsbury’s supermarket with residential, retail, and community spaces.
- Housing: Plans have varied but generally included hundreds of new homes (e.g., 600+, 650-680) in blocks of varying heights, some up to 20-30 storeys, with a landmark tower.
- Public Realm: Creation of new public squares, pedestrian/cycle links, and amenity spaces connecting to nearby streets and stations.
- Partners: Sainsbury’s Property Investments (SPI) and Far East Consortium (FEC).
Development History & Challenges:
- 2014/2015: Initial proposals for over 600 homes submitted as part of the Whitechapel Vision.
- 2017-2019: Refusals by Tower Hamlets and then the Secretary of State, citing significant impacts on daylight/sunlight for neighbours and heritage concerns, despite benefits like housing and Crossrail contributions.
- 2020: Partnership with FEC announced for renewed efforts.
- 2021/2022: Fresh, scaled-up plans (up to 680 flats) submitted, but then replaced with a statement that the scheme wouldn’t proceed.
Current Status (as of early 2024):
- A major scheme with over 650 homes and retail was ultimately withdrawn, with developers stating it wouldn’t go ahead, leaving the future of the site ambiguous, though it remains a key regeneration area.
In essence, while ambitious plans for Whitechapel Square have been proposed and refined over the years, including significant housing and retail, they faced planning hurdles, leading to withdrawals, though the underlying goal of regenerating the Sainsbury’s site continues to be a focus for the area.
Aspire Party’s 20 achievements
TOP 20 ACHIEVEMENTS
TACKLING THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS
- Allocated and distributed nearly £10million in cost-of-living support to residents.
- Froze Council Tax for ALL residents in year 1, and then introduced Council Tax Cost-of-Living Relief Fund for all residents earning under £50,350.
- No more having to choose between heating and eating. Provided Winter Fuel Payment of £175 to over 4,000 pensioners as well as a new £1million a year Meals on Wheels service.
HOMES FOR THE FUTURE
- 22,000 formerly -THH properties brought back in-house.
- On track to deliver 4000 affordable housing.
ACCELERATE EDUCATION
- Continuous provision of Universal Free School Meals for all primary (£2m) and secondary school children (£3.7m) saving the average family with 3 children £550 a year.
- Introduced £1,500 University Bursary for 400 students in year 1; increased it to 800 students in year 2.
- Brought back EMA at £400 per year for 1,200 students in year 1; increased it to £600 in year 2.
- Provided free schools uniforms for 7,000 starters per year – reception and year 7 starters.
- £13.7m per year invested in youth services, including one youth centre in all 20 wards.
EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO FIGHT CRIME
- Invested £4m to upgrade and install 350 CCTV cameras.
- Invested £2.9million to recruit an additional 41 enforcement officers to protect the public – a total of 73 THEOs.
- A new Tackling Drugs Taskforce – a £1.5million investment over 3 years.
A CLEAN AND GREEN FUTURE
- £15m of additional investment into the waste service – including 72 additional frontline staff.
- Planted approximately 3,000 trees.
INVEST IN PUBLIC SERVICES
- £4.5m for local voluntary and community sector through Mayor’s Community Grants.
- £4.9m a year for a new free homecare service for vulnerable adults.
BOOST CULTURE, BUSINESS, JOBS & LEISURE
- 248k free swimming and aquatic sessions for women and girls (16+) and men (55+) £40 million invested in leisure facilities, including bringing leisure services under Council management. Additionally, £67million is being invested in a new state of the art leisure facility in St George’s, including family-size council homes.
- One hour free parking to help market traders. Introduction of the Permit Transfer Scheme (PTS) to help those moving into two bed properties and above.
A COUNCIL THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE
- New Town Hall opened in Whitechapel – the beating heart of the borough. Saving £16m each year.
“We had one of the most ambitious programmes in the local government.”
Executive Mayor LUTFUR & Team
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