Balfron Tower has long been an iconic symbol of East London’s skyline. Now, the architectural icon of 1960’s London Brutalism has been given a new lease of life – sensitively restored in a joint venture between Telford Homes, Londonewcastle and Poplar HARCA.

146 homes in the landmark Grade II* listed building have been refurbished and reconfigured, ahead of 139 of these going on sale from Saturday 23rd July1. Ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, the apartments are complemented by new communal spaces, impressive views across London and extensive landscaping to the surrounding area – providing a space that suits the needs of modern life, whilst retaining a strong commitment to the local community, continuing Ernő Goldfinger’s acclaimed legacy.

Sensitive restoration of an iconic landmark

A landmark building designed in 1967 by the celebrated architect Ernő Goldfinger, who popularised the modern architectural movement with its distinctive brutalist design in Britain, Balfron Tower forms a bold, sculptural presence in London’s East End. One of the capital’s most prominent post-war residential buildings, the extensive use of cast and poured concrete gave the building a distinctive aesthetic that stood out in the tough urban environment.

Its heritage-led regeneration has been conducted in collaboration with renowned architects Studio Egret West and Ab Rogers Design, with materials carefully sourced to match those specified by Goldfinger, offering a modern take on Brutalism with raw, high precision manufactured materials, while still retaining contemporary standards of efficiency, function and purpose.

The Apartments

Ranging in size from one to four bedrooms, the new apartments have been reconfigured for open-plan living, while remaining sensitive to the building’s original mid-century design, making these truly unique apartments.

By bringing the kitchen into the main living area more natural light is able to flow into the flats, maximising the feeling of space and often allowing stunning views right from the front door to the city skyline beyond. In addition, six different apartment types in the original scheme have been carefully retained in six ‘heritage’ flats, all of which preserve the original layouts drawn up by Goldfinger’s office back in the 1960s.

The distinctive interiors make the most of the generous space, new layouts and incredible views across London. Inspired by a modern take on brutalism and to enhance the sense of space, the designs use raw, high precision manufactured materials and a muted palette echoing Goldfinger’s archives, paired with open shelving and cabinets, oversized tiles and coloured ceilings.

Emphasising Community within the Building

Ernő Goldfinger’s vision for Balfron Tower, to create a thriving community life of streets in the sky, set out the original pattern for modern multifamily living, with the building’s ‘third spaces’ intended to create a strong sense of community for its residents. Within the restored development, these shared rooms occupy the original service areas and have been designed in the spirit and intention of Goldfinger’s initial scheme, transforming into a series of unique residents’ communal rooms.

From a new cookery room and interconnecting dining room, providing a space for residents to hold private functions, to a fully functioning library, a gymnasium and yoga room, a cinema room, music room and co-working room, these facilities make the most of these spaces set within the fabric of the original concrete service tower. The building is crowned by a rooftop garden; a refined and secluded al fresco space for residents’ events and dining, enlivened with planting and contemporary furniture and offering breathtaking views across London.

Location and Thriving Local Community

Set in the heart of the thriving Poplar region, sales of the Balfron Tower homes will help to fund new affordable housing and transformative landscaping works on neighbouring estates in Poplar. The proposed redevelopment of the surrounding area includes the approved regeneration plans of 650 new homes, improved market, shopping and amenity areas, which will create a new destination within the shadow of Balfron Tower. This includes Chrisp Street Market, the character of which will be preserved and enhanced, together with the creation of a new multi-screen cinema and food and drink concessions, alongside provisions for independent and established retail

Residents will be able to enjoy a wealth of green spaces on their doorstep, including Mile End Park, Stave Hill Ecological Park, King Edward VII Memorial Park and the Olympic Park. From row boats and tow paths, to wide green lawns and sports facilities, residents will be able to indulge in the best the outdoors can offer.

Located at the gateway to East London and Canary Wharf, Balfron Tower also offers great connections within and outside the capital. With the opening of Crossrail, Canary Wharf to Heathrow central now takes just 40 minutes, while the same train will whisk residents to Bond Street in 13 minutes. Stratford is just as close, while the City of London and the West End both benefit from a new found proximity. As well as being integrated into the capital’s network of cycle superhighways, Poplar also has excellent connectivity to London city airport, providing quick and easy access to over 30 major European cities.

Prices start from £375,000 for a 1 bedroom apartment.

The sales suite is located at Balfron Tower, St. Leonards Road, LONDON, E14 0QT.