The Boundary Estate Community Launderette was opened in 1992 by Tower Hamlets Environment Trust and local residents as a not-for-profit service for residents. The Boundary Estate was the first social housing in the UK. Built in the 1890s, the flats do not have places to wash and dry clothes without creating damp and mould issues.

The launderette serves an area of Tower Hamlets that falls within the 10% most deprived in the country. Local staff and volunteer directors have kept the launderette going for more than 30 years, even throughout the Covid pandemic, providing an essential service at affordable prices. For those who could not afford washing machines, detergent and high energy costs, they can rely on the launderette and not suffer the health, wellbeing and mental issues associated with hygiene poverty. With the rising costs of living, the importance of our launderette must surely be recognised and protected.

For the old and isolated the Launderette is their only safe form of social interaction with neighbours and staff. The launderette provides stable meaningful employment for four local residents; two of them have been working here for over twenty years. They are like family to residents who interacted first as children and now as regular users themselves.

• [ pdf ] Save Our Launderette campaign 

• [ pdf ] Launderette Social Value report 

• [ pdf ] Launderette Historical Archive