A new project aims to build 1,700 flats to replace 214 existing homes at Blackwall Reach, 700 of which will be homes for social rent and shared ownership.

The regeneration plans have been submitted to Tower Hamlets Council for the area, which includes the Robin Hood Gardens housing estate, Woolmore Street and Anderson House.

Mayor Lutfur Rahman considered the development as an important improvement to the community. “It will enable us to deliver a net gain of affordable homes, including many family homes, to meet the growing need in the borough.

“This project continues to place Tower Hamlets at the forefront of social housing: from the first social housing estate in England, the Boundary Estate, to a high level of Decent Homes investment.

The £500 million project to regenerate Poplar estate was won by Swan Housing and Countryside Properties in February 2011 last year. It includes a transformed public area including improved community facilities, open space, new shops, a relocated mosque and funding for an expanded local school.

Transport connection improvements are also part of the regeneration.

According to the Tower Hamlets Council, several meetings and consultations were held and ensured that the community influenced in the regeneration process.

Mohammed Yousuf, Chair of the Tenants and Residents Association, praised the new houses: “It’s good news for the local community that the outline application has been submitted. The proposal gives tenants a right to remain in the area once the redevelopment work has finished, but they also have the choice to live elsewhere in the borough if they prefer.”

The vast Poplar estate was built in 1972 and is regarded as an example of Brutalist architecture. Designed by the British architects Alison and Peter Smithson, the building could be demolished as early as 2014, according to the demolition notes sent to the residents.