We are excited to see the final phases of Neptune Wharf completing on site. We secured planning approval for the masterplan nearly a decade ago. Our hybrid planning approval, part outline and part detailed, with detailed design codes, set out the vision for transforming this, the largest site of the Olympic Legacy. Our 2.6Ha masterplan for Fish Island brought forward an exciting new urban quarter with 522 new homes, creative and cultural industries, a primary school and a hectare of new hard and soft landscaped spaces.
Developing the masterplan was an involved 5 year process with the participation of a large number of strategic and design bodies including: LTGDC, LB TOWER Hamlets, LB Hackney, GLA, LLDC (including LDDC Design Review Panel). We also engaged and collaborated with the local community and local interest groups [Hackney Wick/ Fish Island Cultural Interest Group], workspace providers [Bow Arts, Space Studios, Acme Studios] and aligned our work with wider projects underway in the surrounding area such as the Muf public realm design guide.
A Holistic Approach – From Framework to Scheme Design
The development of design proposals was driven by two key work streams: an extensive study of the wider area culminating in a design framework for Fish Island and Hackney Wick, and the integration of these findings and principles into the scheme design, all supporting the general ethos of a heritage led regeneration. The framework principles picked up on the existing informal quality of Fish Island and advocated a more flexible response to land use type and distribution, building on the existing land use character, and these were sensitively incorporated into the plan. The principles developed in the framework were applied and tested through the masterplanning process.
The attached images capture a snapshot of the process: from the initial auditing and tracing of former industrial sites; the process of developing and evolving a framework; its transformation into a masterplan – with wider buy-in – duly assessed against an agreed set of planning and design criteria; through then to the submission and approval of a hybrid application. This was also accompanied by an additional detailed planning approval for the adjacent Monier Road site.
Planning Approved Masterplan
The planning approved masterplan proposed 500+ new homes including family housing, flexible work-live units and large open-plan lofts. An additional 30,000sqft of affordable workspace was established to support and nurture CCIs and SMEs in the area, and 40,000sqft non-residential space was proposed to accommodate a range of A, B and D uses to support the wider community and animate the area.
Peabody subsequently bought the sites and delivered a scheme with Haworth Tompkins together with Lyndon Goode Architects and Pitman Tozer Architects. We congratulate the entire team on their evolution and delivery of the masterplan principles. The result is a dynamic and vibrant canalside precinct and destination.
“Stockwool have been fundamental to us bringing regeneration proposals forward for this unique area of east London. We shared a vision to create a truly mixed neighbourhood combining housing, education and leisure with flexible workspace designed to support and grow the local creative economy; delivering value for the community and stakeholders, as well as a fitting legacy for this key Olympic Fringe site.”
Patrick Heffron, CEO, Neptune Group
Client Neptune Group
Location Hackney Wick
Scope Masterplanning and Hybrid Planning Approval
Planning Authority LLDC
Planning Architect Stockwool
Delivery Architect Haworth Tompkins