100 year History

Gateway Housing has a proud history of supporting communities in East London for nearly 100 years.

Our beginnings 

Our story began in 1926 when we were founded as Bethnal Green Housing Association. 

One of our first developments, Queen Margaret Flats, opened in 1929 and is still owned and managed by Gateway today. 

Growing and evolving

In 2008, Gateway Housing was formed through the merger of: 

  • Bethnal Green and Victoria Park Housing Association  
  • Labo Housing Association  

This brought together a shared commitment to providing high-quality homes and strong community support. 

Gateway today  

Today, we manage over  3,000 homes , primarily in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.  

We are the largest provider of sheltered housing in the borough and continue to invest in new homes, including shared ownership and affordable housing.  

Looking ahead  

As we approach our centenary, we continue to build on our legacy — providing great homes and supporting communities to thrive for generations to come.  

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The Cockney Sparrow

The Cockney sparrow has long been a symbol of London's East End, representing the hardworking, resilient and close-knit communities that have lived there for generations. Despite its small size, the house sparrow is known for its lively character and ability to thrive in busy urban environments, making it a fitting emblem of the resourcefulness, determination and humour associated with Cockney people.

For Gateway Housing, the sparrow is more than a symbol - it reflects the organisation's East London roots and the values that have shaped it for the past 100 years: community, resilience and belonging. It represents people who face challenges with determination, look out for their neighbours and never lose their sense of humour. As Gateway looks to the future, the Cockney sparrow serves as a reminder of its heritage and its ongoing commitment to supporting the communities it proudly serves.

Small but mighty, the Cockney sparrow embodies Gateway's enduring commitment to its communities - always looking forward while never forgetting its home.