Revitalizing Historical Industrial Spaces

The Silvertown Quays development is a dense mixed-use commercial, office and residential redevelopment around the former Royal Victoria Dock next to the Pontoon Pier. Historically, the Royal Docks have always been the gateway between London and global markets. When the docks closed in the 1980s due to the relocation of industrial operations, the area gradually lost its economic importance. The cityscape was abandoned and became poorly connected through traffic and industrial pollution, and the large empty lots became blighted. Existing and new neighbourhood development was isolated and fragmented.

West 8, in the role of landscape architects and urban designers, joined the team led by Principal Masterplanner Fletcher Priest Architects to revitalize this 25-hectare historic site. The focus is on making it a vibrant urban area. The area will include 3,000 new homes, cultural venues, offices, high-end research start-ups and retail.

The team intends to transform the Silvertown Quays into a world-class business centre with efficient and historically harmonious public spaces: a world leader in high-tech, green business and research and an international forum for the exchange of knowledge and ideas. The waterfront site is envisaged as a centre of activity and a thriving leisure destination for Londoners and visitors alike.

The landscape strategy includes the creation of a series of focal areas linked by key open spaces at the intersection of major roads and streets. New iconic public spaces include squares, parks, plazas, piers and promenades. In addition, a variety of smaller public spaces are strategically located to help define the new urban experience and create a sense of place, as well as provide lively intersections for users of the various programming peripheral development areas.