Tower Hamlets has installed the first of 2,000 new on-street residential electric vehicle (EV) charging points, marking the launch of a major initiative to support the borough’s transition to electric vehicles and accelerate access to sustainable transportation. 

The project, which is being delivered in partnership with ubitricity, is a key component of the borough’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving air quality, following its declaration of a climate emergency in March 2019.  

The charge points will be installed in existing lampposts, helping local residents to conveniently charge their vehicles closer to their homes. The installation will also cause minimal disruption – they only take thirty minutes to install into current infrastructure.  

The charge points will be installed on a ward-by-ward basis, starting with Bow East, Island Gardens and Whitechapel. All 2,000 charging points will be installed by early 2026. 

Beyond enhancing EV accessibility, the project brings wider benefits to the community. As part of the contract, ubitricity, in collaboration with Shell UK, has committed to providing apprenticeship placements to upskill Tower Hamlets residents. Funding will support training for intermediate, advanced, and higher-level apprenticeships throughout the 10-year agreement. 

With over 9,200 public charge points already in operation, ubitricity will supply, install, own, operate, maintain, and manage the new infrastructure on behalf of Tower Hamlets Council, ensuring a seamless and effective transition to greener transport solutions. 

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: 

“As part of our commitment to becoming a net zero borough and tackling the climate emergency, expanding sustainable travel options is essential. We know that more residents and businesses are switching to electric vehicles – Tower Hamlets has over 5,400 registered plug-in vehicles, which represents an increase of over 200% from the previous 4-years.

“With 93% of homes lacking off-street parking, public charging infrastructure is vital. Our ambition is to build a comprehensive electric vehicle charging network in our borough – so that no residents are more than a 3-minute walk from an electric charging point. 

“Supporting a cleaner, greener borough for everyone means building emission-reducing infrastructure now while also investing in sustainable infrastructure that is fit for the future. We look forward to working with ubitricity as we deliver the new charging points and provide more apprenticeships for our young people to create local knowledge and support green job opportunities.” 

Stuart Wilson, UK Managing Director of ubitricity, said:

“We’re proud to work on this groundbreaking project alongside the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to expand access to EV charging across the community. By taking action to install 2,000 charge points using existing street lights, we’re making it easier for residents to charge right outside their homes – helping to build a more connected and cleaner London.”

In addition to these 2,000 new chargers being delivered, the council is working to deliver an additional thirty-five rapid charging points over the next twelve months. 

Posted on Wednesday 25th June 2025 on https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/

The post 2,000 new electric vehicle charge points coming to Tower Hamlets by the end of the year appeared first on Lutfur Rahman.

The building is 100 per cent affordable new council homes, with each home being rented at social rent or Tower Hamlets living rent rates.

Arnold Road, which comprises one, two, three and four bedroom homes, including six wheelchair adaptable units in two blocks, is a key project in the delivery of the council’s commitment to build 4,000 new social homes for rent. The ground floor will feature five commercial units for local businesses.

To mark the occasion, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman completed the traditional ceremony of laying a brick on the roof of the building, signifying the completion of the structure of the block.

The Mayor said: “I am so proud to reach this significant milestone in delivering high quality, genuinely affordable homes for our community, with this modern, state-of-the-art building providing 100 per cent new Council homes for social rent and Tower Hamlets Living Rent – including large, family-sized and accessible homes.

“We are determined to meet the urgent demand for affordable housing in Tower Hamlets, with far too many families currently living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions and topping out this development marks important progress towards our goal of delivering 4,000 new social homes for rent.

“At a time when many councils are struggling to build new council homes, and many families are being pushed out of their communities in London due to the lack of affordable, family-sized homes, Tower Hamlets is leading the way in providing safe, sustainable council housing that meets the needs of local residents—today and for generations to come.”

The project has presented many challenges which we are proud to have worked collaboratively to overcome. We are proud and delighted to be here marking this achievement and construction milestone with Tower Hamlets Council.

Tower Hamlets is the fastest growing and most densely populated place in the UK, and as such, housing is a huge issue. More than 29,000 residents are on the Housing Register with many people living in overcrowded or unsuitable homes.

Historically, Tower Hamlets has a strong track record of housing delivery, and it is continuing to do this in an increasingly challenging market.

The development is a 100% affordable housing scheme being delivered by Jerram Falkus for Tower Hamlets Council. Construction commenced in December 2022 and is expected to complete by late December 2025 with a possible extension into early 2026.

The site was formerly used by the William Brinson Centre, a day centre for adults with learning disabilities, which was relocated to make way for the housing.

The development consists of 16, one-bedroom, 14, two-bedroom, 20, three-bedroom and 12, four-bedroom flats. Half of the homes will be Tower Hamlets Living Rent and the other half social rent.

The post Milestone reached on housing exclusively for social rent in Bow appeared first on Lutfur Rahman.