East London has been a place of change for centuries but is current development going too far? This debate considers whether the recent focus on new building is benefiting the architecture and communities of East London. Is the ever-encroaching City threatening East London’s identity or is it bringing positive change and growth to an area in need? If development is necessary, can or should it exist in harmony with its surroundings – could historic buildings be saved from demolition and adapted for modern use or is it preferable to replace these with new architecture built for purpose?

This debate was part of the Building East London series and curated collaboration with historian Dan Cruickshank. The series explored the architectural development of East London and was part of the East festival's programme looking at architecture.