The History of Regent Square

The square was established in the late 1960s when the Greater London Council (GLC) agreed to the development of residential dwellings on the site of two small derelict roads in the East End. Unlike any other development in the area, the flats were to be privately built and privately owned, with the GLC retaining the freehold.

The final plans consisted of 4 blocks of 1- and 2-bedroom flats, all with their own garage or parking bay. The grounds were to be communal, with a non-parking area in the centre of the square. From early on in the 1970s, owners were able to move in and a community rapidly developed. Management, maintenance, and gardening were undertaken by the resident-owners under the umbrella of a formally constituted company – Eastways Management Ltd.

There was open access through the square until the 1970s, when security became an issue. Improved lighting and locked pedestrian gates were installed at that time, and after a dramatic increase in burglaries and other anti-social activities in 2004, vehicle security gates were also installed.

In 1997, after several years of negotiating with the GLC, the London Residuary Body, and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, we were able to acquire the freehold for Regent Square. As part of our general maintenance programme, we have scheduled regular surveys, (which are currently undertaken by the property and consultation consultants at Cubit Consulting) and have also engaged a contract gardener to support the care of the square.

After so many years, with owners coming and going or renting their properties out to other tenants, Regent Square’s character has evolved naturally and will continue to do so. As a constant, our regular programme of maintenance and gardening mean it is still a very pleasant place to live