Tower Hamlets Council has approved plans to convert the Victoria and Alexandra Building in Victoria Park into a café with late-night opening hours. The building, currently used for children's parties, could operate from 6.30am to 10.30pm seven days a week, subject to further approval.
Proposed Café Operations and Design
Documents submitted by Agenda 21 Architects Studio on behalf of an unnamed client outline plans for a seating deck and storage containers outside the building. The proposal includes installing a separate gate on Gore Road and additional fencing to control access, with the gate opened and supervised by staff during evening hours.
The external area around the building would be partially decked to create an outdoor seating area. Two 20ft containers, clad in timber and foliage, would provide additional storage, and new bike stands would increase on-site cycle parking.
Timeline and Staffing
The application states refurbishment is expected to begin in November and finish by March next year. Nine staff would be hired for the finished development, according to the planning documents.
Currently, the Victoria and Alexandra Building is predominantly used for children's parties, but bookings will soon close. Private hires between April 2025 and March 2026 generated income of just £13,785, according to the planning documents.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Tower Hamlets Council said prospective operators intend to hire out space within the new café for small events. In the meantime, local residents are encouraged to use The Hub on the eastern side of the park.
A public consultation period concluded on September 23, with no final decision made.
