UNDER THREAT
The historic Omega Works warehouses in Haringey are under threat of redevelopment. These iconic buildings and the community within them could be destroyed.
Redevelopment plans for Omega Works would bulldoze the homes and businesses of over 100 people to make way for a ‘warehouse-inspired’ multi-storey block of luxury flats.
Left: 'Creativity is Contagious' Omega Works proposed heritage facade remodel by vPPR Architects in the 2023 planning application.
Below: The proposed massing to replace Omega; almost 9 storeys tall, completely dwarfing the surrounding area
Omega and its community faces an uncertain future, and it isn't alone.
Warehouses across Haringey, Fish Island, Hackney Wick and beyond are currently threatened by planning applications:
_edited.jpg)
OMEGA WORKS, N4
London Borough of Haringey
Planning Application
HGY/2023/0570
​
Redevelopment of the site for a mixed-use scheme comprising employment use (use Class E), 8 warehouse living units (sui-generis use class), and 76 residential units (use Class C3). Together with associated landscaping, cycle storage, accessible car parking spaces, children’s play space, and waste & refuse areas. (Omega Works A)
VITTORIA WHARF, E3
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Planning Application
23/00248/FUL
​
Full planning permission for the redevelopment of the site including demolition of all existing buildings (except the Gatehouse and associated boundary wall) and for a mixed-use development comprising a part eight, part six storey development comprising 72 residential units (Use Class C3) and business floorspace (Class E(g)(iii)) at the ground and part first floor, and associated highway and landscaping works.
ALGHA WORKS, E3
London Borough of Tower Hamlets
Planning Application
23/00270/FUL
​
Full Planning application for the change of use from General Industrial (Class B2) to Incubator Workspace and Tethered Living Accommodation (Sui Generis), and single storey roof extension.
THESE AREN'T THE ONLY THREATS
Hundreds of people risk losing their accommodation and workspace; an immediate risk to their secure housing and disruption of their businesses, placing many in precarious positions during a cost of living and housing crisis.
As new developments introduce unaffordable rents, there is a growing risk of social cleansing with residents being priced out of their own neighbourhood. These developments will:
-
exacerbate the housing crisis in London by providing 0% affordable housing
-
Impact the employment offer in the area through loss of creative workspace and networks
-
displace hundreds of creatives from the area, impacting Londons' cultural offer
-
destroy the social fabric of the community; impacting social cohesion, sense of belonging and well-being
​
​
Residents who stand up against these planning applications face threat of immediate eviction
COMMUNITY VOICES MATTER
The community has not been consulted or considered in these new developments.
The developers have claimed extensive consultation and that our interests are at the core, but this is not the case. The consultations offered by the developers lacked direct communication or invitation for attendance; in fact, we know that many of these residents the developers have named as 'consultees' have not been contacted at all.
​
Warehouse residents and community members should be driving change in their communities, and leading any development of the spaces on which they rely.
But, when we've voiced our concerns, we've been ignored by the developers and silenced by our landlords.
​
Use your voice to support threatened warehouse communities, and support the fight for residents rights and a secure future for warehouse living.
