Ikea unveils 10.5ha mixed-use Stratford scheme

IKEA’s property arm has unveiled plans for a mammoth 10.5ha mixed-use scheme south of the London Olympic Park in Stratford.

The 2,000,000ft² development – dubbed Strand East – is being proposed by LandProp, part of the Inter IKEA Group.

Architect Arc-ML has been enlisted to design the scheme, which includes 1,200 new homes, offices, community facilities, open public spaces, restaurant and a hotel.

LandProp is currently preparing a planning application, due to be submitted to the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation in early 2012.

Harald Müller, managing director of LandProp said: “We are hugely excited to be bringing forward these plans, we see Strand East as a place for families which contributes to the regeneration of Stratford and takes its place alongside the many neighbourhoods of London.

“The launch of Strand East today marks the first major investment for LandProp into the UK and we are continuing to look for other opportunities within London and the UK.”

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “This is yet another great example of the 2012 legacy rippling out of the Olympic Park and across east London. 

“It will help create a vibrant quarter within the brand new district we are creating in London, providing much needed family-sized housing and new jobs. 

“This huge investment shows the extraordinary confidence that exists for both this part of the capital and the future of the whole of London’s economy.”

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales said: “Inter IKEA’s investment in Newham is further confirmation of the borough’s growing reputation as an international business destination.

“I am excited by the ambitious vision for the development of Strand East that clearly shows that there is nowhere else in the UK undergoing transformation on the scale of Newham.