London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Shoreditch 1933

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Shoreditch]

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111
The original planning of the estate reveals the desire to obtain the
maximum density per acre.
The property being over 100 years old, coupled with inferiority of
materials and methods of construction originally adopted, has for many years
resulted in the expenditure of large sums for general maintenance. Latterly
this assumed a serious aspect, and a schedule of dilapidations made in
January, 1933, showed an immediate expenditure of £120 per house was
necessary to effect a temporary recovery.
The scheme for replacing the obsolete property commenced with the
demolition of 12 cottages in Dunston Road and the erection on the site of a
block of 18 flats and 6 maisonettes on modern lines.
The plans were prepared by the Borough Surveyor, and received the
Council's approval on 15th May, 1933.
The following data will show how the accommodation to be provided
is some 50 per cent increase over the old property, while at the same time the
tenants will enjoy all the amenities of modern, hygienic, sanitary and fully
equipped dwellings, with either 1, 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms. Each dwelling has
a kitchen, living-room, and separate bathroom and W.C.
hh

Comparative Table.

Existing EstateNew SchemeRemarks
Total Area152,895 ft. sup.152,895 ft. sup.Unchanged.
Approximate built up area67,925 ft. sup.61,290 ft. sup..6,635 ft. sup. increased open space for ventilation.
Population housed9401,400460 increase.
Average floor area based on Dunston Road Block512 ft. sup. (area of each 2-storey cottages now de molished)560 ft. sup. one bedroom flatsSubstantial increase
610 ft. sup. two bedroom flats.
787 ft. sup maisonettes
Average cube based on Dunston Road Block4,096 ft. cube4,760 ft. cube one bedroom flatsSubstantial increase
5,185 ft. cube two bedroom flats
6,750 ft. cube maisonettes
Total habitable space183,325 ft. cube for entire block.