Architects in Practice (AiP) were commissioned through a two-stage tender to shape a mixed-use landmark in Hainault, Redbridge, combining a vibrant community hub with around 100 new homes.

At the heart of the project was a six-month co-design process with local residents and stakeholders. This process generated a project brief and a set of guiding design principles, forming a framework for the scheme’s future evolution while reflecting the community’s aspirations.

AiP complemented this collaborative approach with spatial and policy analysis, capacity studies, and a high-level viability appraisal in partnership with the Council’s property consultant, CBRE, ensuring the project is both visionary and deliverable.

The Hainault Hub, delivered alongside Redbridge Council and Hainault Forest Community Association (HFCA) — a cornerstone of the local community for over 70 years — will serve residents across Hainault and Fairlop wards. Beyond renewing HFCA’s facilities, the hub will feature a state-of-the-art library, an enforcement hub, new activities for children and families, and a range of council services, creating a dynamic civic destination at the heart of the neighbourhood.