Whitechapel Bell Foundry

Earth is pleased to hear that on 22nd January 2020, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has called in the planning decision to convert the Whitechapel Bell Foundry into a boutique hotel and hospitality venue.

Earth has provided assistance to Re-Form Heritage, previously the United Kingdom Historic Building Preservation Trust, who are promoting a continued foundry use at Whitechapel. It had been in perpetual production for almost 450 years, until operations ceased in 2017.

The campaign to save the site by reinstating foundry activity, has local, national and international support. A partnership between Factum Foundation and Re-Form Heritage has been formed to deliver a viable 21st-century foundry with new management, investment and technologies.

Earth recognises the importance of cultural and heritage assets and upholds the values of a rejuvenated working foundry at Whitechapel. Regeneration of inner city areas needs to have regard to the local history and the DNA of the community. Regeneration needs to reflect the wishes of the local community. This creates long term placemaking.

There are a number of cultural and heritage led regeneration schemes across the UK, but the notably successful ones, incorporate both physical regeneration as well as social regeneration. Civic pride lies at the heart of these schemes.

The public inquiry later this year, will draw out these themes and values.