Airspace development has been promoted by both the GLA and DLUHC as an innovative way to assist the supply of new affordable homes across London. Folkestone Road is the first of ten projects approved by Newham Council to deliver 200 plus homes built on top of council-owned blocks entirely for affordable rent.

The concept embraces the use of modular or offsite construction, resulting in homes being delivered more quickly to a high construction and environmental standard with minimum disruption to residents. The Folkestone Road project includes eight new rooftop homes (a mix of two and one-bedroom apartments) and improvements to the existing building and landscape, developed in consultation with existing residents. The zinc-clad rooftop homes have been carefully considered to enhance the existing building and streetscape, include framed and recessed balconies, be zero-carbon ready in advance of the Future Homes Standard and line up with existing structure and services.

Site-wide improvements include new self-managing planting to screen parked cars, benches and doorstep play in existing communal gardens, improved site security and better bin storage. Folkestone Road Newham tenants will have first choice of the new accommodation, freeing up family housing for those in temporary accommodation.