Totally Blown Away: My visit to Poplar HARCA
14 October 2025
Community Growth Manager at Alliance Homes blogs about a visit to Poplar HARCA
I pictured my son walking into the space, choosing to be himself, and finding someone who says “yes, you can do this” and making it easy for him to explore his interests, connect with others and grow.
I joined a PlaceShapers study visit to Poplar HARCA that transformed my experience into a story that I will carry with me for a long time to come.
Firstly, we visited Spotlight Youth Centre at Langdon Park and given an inspirational tour by Dan Rose, Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods. Dan’s passion for Spotlight comes from every inch of his being. Spotlight demonstrated that regeneration isn’t just about a place on a map, it’s about living ideas for how our communities should work. And yes, Spotlight absolutely blew me away.
Walking into Spotlight, I felt welcomed, not watched. I expected to see just another building, but inside I found state-of-the-art facilities offering unique and inspiring creative and empowering provision for young people, co-produced and implemented by the young people themselves. Young people from all over Tower Hamlets can benefit from on-site activities and well-being support dedicated to them. There is an on-site Dr and wellbeing support that makes health feel normal, not clinical. The studios, music, dance, art, theatre and space for boxing and fitness, felt like a playground that invites you to belong, learn and grow.
I stayed long enough to imagine what my own son might achieve with this kind of steady-non-judgemental support in his community. I pictured my son walking into the space, choosing to be himself, and finding someone who says “yes, you can do this” and making it easy for him to explore his interests, connect with others and grow.
What impressed me most was how the space reflects the voice of its users. The design and programmes aren’t imposed from above, they are shaped by the young people who use them. This bottom-up approach shows that services stay relevant, flexible and welcoming. It’s a powerful reminder that authentic regeneration should prioritise people and their needs, creating an environment where young people feel seen, heard and empowered. The integration of youth spaces with wellbeing services creates a holistic ecosystem where young people can express themselves while accessing the care and support they need. It’s a model that demonstrates how social infrastructure can be a first for positive change.
Regeneration that puts people first
We then moved on to Aberfeldy Street and Aberfeldy Village, and spent time with Malcom Ward, the Project Director for the regeneration. I fell in love with Aberfeldy Street - the vibrant colours and unique characters tucked away into every corner. I was pleased to hear that in the regeneration programme, elements that make Aberfeldy Street so unique will be included in the new regeneration, keeping its history and culture intact as the area moves forwards.
Regeneration isn’t just bricks and mortar, it’s the people and communities that live in our homes and neighbourhoods. The regeneration landscape often focusses on physical improvement, but Aberfeldy Village shows that meaningful change happens when the residents are at the centre of the process.
When regeneration is rooted in community it becomes a living breathing thing and an ongoing conversation about what the place should be and how it should function for those who call it home.
The visit left me with a renewed belief in power of community-led design and the importance of youth-centred spaces. Spotlight isn’t just a building, its beacon that reflects the ambitions, talents and potential of Poplar HARCA. Young people are a testament to what can be achieved when the voices of young residents are not only heard but acted upon, in tangible ways.
As Community Growth Manager at Alliance Homes, my role includes managing four community hubs which create a strong sense of belonging and connection and give residents a place to get together, share experiences and build relationships. I’ll certainly be sharing what I have learned at Poplar HARCA with my team and residents for us to consider going forward.
If you’re looking for a model that truly places people first, Poplar HARCA offers a compelling example. The combination of creative use of space, services, access to support and good quality affordable homes. All within a design process driven by community input, shows what is possible.
Photo credits: Lucy Wines, Poplar HARCA