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The council has already spent £32,000 designing the London Square terrace, which would face the Royal London Hospital's A&E.
Key facts
- Terrace planned for London Square, opposite the Royal London Hospital
- Construction put at £75,000 to £110,000 by the council
- £32,000 already spent on design and the planning application
- The town hall moved into the former Royal London Hospital building in 2023
Tower Hamlets Council has applied for planning permission to build an outdoor terrace for the cafe in its Whitechapel town hall. By the council’s own figures, it could cost up to £110,000.
The terrace would sit in London Square, across from the Royal London Hospital. The council puts the construction cost at £75,000 to £110,000. Separately, it says £32,000 has already gone on design work and on preparing the planning application.
Why the council wants a terrace at Whitechapel town hall
The council moved its town hall into the former Royal London Hospital building on Whitechapel Road in 2023, after a refurbishment costing several million pounds. Its ground floor cafe, close to the foyer, is open to the public. There is no separate street door, though, and the only way in is through the town hall’s main entrance. The cafe faces London Square, opposite the hospital’s A&E.
A council spokesperson said the square had become a well-used route and meeting point for people going to the hospital or the town hall. They said the terrace would give the public somewhere to rest and meet, improve the square and bring more customers into the cafe.
The spokesperson added that places where people can stop outdoors are scarce on Whitechapel Road, which they described as a very busy high street, and called the terrace “a significant benefit to the area”.
How to comment on the London Square plans
The application is listed on the council’s planning website. Residents who want to see the drawings or give their view can leave comments there.
Key questions
How much will the Tower Hamlets town hall cafe terrace cost?
The council puts the construction cost at £75,000 to £110,000. It has already spent £32,000 on design and the planning application.
Where would the terrace be built?
In London Square, outside the town hall on Whitechapel Road and opposite the Royal London Hospital.
How can I comment on the plans?
The application can be viewed and commented on through the council's planning website.
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