The construction of more than 300 new homes on the Nightingale Estate, Hackney Downs, has begun after setbacks.
Expansions to the estate were orginially planned in 2017.
The development project, which has already cost £200 million, has been delayed by issues, including the Covid pandemic, a spiralling budget, and planning permission problems.
It comes as Hackney Council plans to increase affordable housing in the borough, which has seen a 13.9 per cent rise in the average rent price over the past year, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Michael Desmond, a Hackney Downs councillor, said that out of the 300 new homes “at least 70 will be council-owned”.
Desmond is optimistic the development project can be completed in good time, despite past delays.
“It’s now full steam ahead.”
He said: “It is now full steam ahead.”
James MacDaid, a resident of the estate and spokesperson for the Nightingale Estate Community Group, is similarly enthusiastic.
He said: “It will improve the quality of the surrounding environment and the overall aesthetic of Nightingale.”
Still, residents remain concerned that not enough money is being invested into existing infrastructure.
“A lot of housing stock is in such disrepair and needs lots of maintenance work,” MacDaid added.
Stephen Patrick Sims, a resident of the estate’s Seaton Point tower block, has had issues with flooding.
He said: “I’ve waited over forty days for a plumber to come and I am still waiting.”
Sims also told Hackney Post that the high-rise has been without a lift for eight months, making it difficult for him to leave his flat due to his disability.
Currently, the development project does not have a completion date.
Vadim Goss is the correspondent for Hackney Downs. He has previously written for Palatinate — Durham University's award-winning newspaper, where he served as an editor. He has also written for Indigo Magazine, Wayzgoose Magazine, and The Dove where he was editor-in-chief. If you need anyone for a pub quiz on The Great Gatsby, he is your man.