Cathall estate was built in 1972, consisting of two 20-storey tower blocks, Hornbeam Tower and Redwood Tower, and a network of 8-storey flats. It became one of Britain's poorest areas with extreme levels of poverty and crime.[citation needed] Cathall estate and the surrounding area of Leytonstone has often been known to have a large gang culture.
Despite widespread opposition, it was announced in 2015 that the Community-Based Housing Association would be taken over by the Peabody Trust.[1][2] Peabody controversially 'sacked the board' in July 2015 for rejecting their takeover plans.[3] The board included residents of the Cathall estate.[3] Peabody later placed their own officers on the board.[4]
Following the removal of the tower blocks, Cathall's most prominent feature is now its leisure centre.