Carpenters Primary School: A co-designed school and housing scheme delivering inclusive education and high-quality public realm
Root And Erect is collaborating with Maccreanor Lavington on the redevelopment of Carpenters Primary School and the delivery of over 100 new homes adjacent to the Carpenters Estate in Newham. Commissioned by Populo Living, the project will deliver a fully inclusive three-form-entry school alongside a residential development that supports high-quality social infrastructure. Root And Erect’s emerging landscape strategy includes a series of differentiated outdoor learning and play spaces: a woodland nursery garden, a wetland-inspired play zone addressing on-site drainage, and an expanded farmyard area for growing and food education. These spaces are designed to support the school’s ethos while embedding nature, resilience and accessibility into the public realm. The site will also link with nearby civic infrastructure, including a future community centre at James Riley Point, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment that reinforces the neighbourhood’s identity.
The development has been shaped by early and ongoing engagement with Carpenters Primary School staff, pupils and families. A series of workshops and interactive sessions, including creative design activities facilitated by We Make Good, allowed the school community to articulate priorities and aspirations for their future environment.
The result is a scheme that maintains the school’s ‘small school’ atmosphere while accommodating growth, and enables phased construction with no disruption to daily operations. Planning is expected to be submitted in late 2025, separate from the wider Carpenters Estate masterplan. This project demonstrates how collaborative, child-centred design can support educational outcomes while contributing to wider urban regeneration in Newham.