Greenwich Peninsula Redevelopment

Greenwich Peninsula Redevelopment Cristina Webb and Nathaniel Wooten ARC 500 London Sustainable Housing Oct. 21 2009

Key Facts

Central London

Primary Developer: Meridian Delta Limited Start Date: 2004 (1997 (Millennium Village) Competition: 2030 (2015 Millennium Village)

Canary wharf

Total Acres: 190 Green Space: 48 acres Homes: 10.000 Affordable Homes: 3.800 Jobs: 29.000 Shops:150 Residential Space: 9.200.000 sq. ft. Retail Space: 363.000 sq. ft. Office Space: 3.500.000 sq. ft. Hotel Space: 645.000 sq. ft. Industrial Space: 194.000 sq. ft.

Central London

Canary wharf

Greenwich Peninsula

History The peninsula was first inhabitant as pasture land after its draining in the 16th c. Its northern tip, Blackwall Point, now home to the Slice of Reality exhibition piece, was used up till the early 18 c. as a place to display pirate corpses as a sign to seamen as they neared London. After the site was passed up for the construction of major dock works, the advent of the industrial revolution and the sites ample river frontage exposed it to rapid industrialization. Artillery makers, steel works, oil mills, shipbuilding, and cement and linoleum production have all existed on the site. Despite the lucrative development of the peninsula, the southwestern part of the peninsula will remain industrial with Delta Metals and works making asbestos and ‘Molassine Meal’ animal feed. Remains of the peninsula’s gas works and wharfs are being preserved today on the peninsula’s western shore as ruins. Beyond the River Thames the site has generally been cut off from central London. In 1897 the Blackwell Tunnel opened it up to road access, however pedestrian rail access was not achieved until 1999 with the opening of the Jubilee Line. The abandonment of the site’s industrial facilities in the late 20 c. opened it up for potential development. In 1997 on the the first phase of development began with Millennium Village.

Site Photos

Site Context Site Strategy.1 Higher Density on the east side protecting from prevailing winds. Buffer zone between residential and remaining industrial. Green corridor between medium and high density.

Site Strategy.2 Park ribbon wrapping around Thames River. Tapered building heights allow for maximum sun exposure.

London Plan

London Plan: East London Development Plan

“The peninsula has the land capacity for substantial amounts of development, which could contribute to the wider regeneration of the Thames Gateway and east London. The main focus of development should be at the north of the peninsula around the Dome and the Jubilee Line station. Here, a dramatic new urban quarter could be created through high-density development with minimal parking provision, using innovative architecture to reinforce a high quality environment.” London Plan pg. 521 5.78 “The Greenwich Peninsula can play two important strategic roles. First, the development of the Dome as a leisure attraction of international significance. Secondly, as a major contributor to meeting London’s need for additional housing. Taking this into account, the planning framework should include plans for more than 7,500 new homes provided over a 10-to 15-year period. In addition to leisure facilities focused on the Dome, some commercial development to provide a sustainable community and support London’s overall economic growth should be accommodated on the peninsula. This should be focused on the Jubilee Line station and should be phased to recognise the existing public transport constraints. Substantial commercial development should not be promoted until new public transport capacity is available.” London Plan pg. 521 5.79

The Project fits well with within the overall London plan and readily accepts many of the plans suggestions. At the heart of Greenwich Peninsula is a major transit center, the community is socially sustainable as a community, and inherent in the plan is the notion of gradual development. Additionally allowing multiple architects to design the different buildings promotes architectural innovation and visual variety.

London Plan: Thames Gateway Plan

Social Sustainability “Greenwich Peninsula has everything that community needs to grow and thrive” Meridian Delta

Greenwich Peninsula will in many ways act as a self-sufficient community. The site currently includes a major entertainment and sports venue, a primary and secondary school, a health care facility, a sports academy, a central park, a ecological park, a yacht club, and major tube, bus and ferry terminals. The development calls for a the movement of the Rathbone School of Design, creation of new offices, retail, industry and a variety of housing types, and large Eco-Sainsbury’s