London firm Allies and Morrison has submitted planning applications for a 9.23 hectare, mixed-use development east of London’s Canary Wharf. Dubbed “Wood Wharf,” the new neighborhood will include upwards of 3,000 homes, 240,000-square-meters of commercial office space, 100 retail outlets, hospitality and more - all interconnected by a 3.6 hectare network of public space.
A 56-story, cylindrical skyscraper designed by Herzog & de Meuron will be one of three residential buildings planned for the scheme’s first phase, designed in collaboration with Stanton Williams. Allies and Morrison, who provided the revised masterplan for Canary Wharf Group, will design the first two office blocks targeted at technology-based companies.
Plans for Wood Wharf will also accommodate for a “two-form entry primary school, a multi-purpose sports hall and a healthcare facility.” In addition to this, the “highly successful Arts and Events Program at Canary Wharf will be expanded and will offer a range of cultural activities and events in new venues and the planned public spaces at Wood Wharf.”
When commenting on the scheme’s importance of public space, which will provide for 3.6 hectares of the overall masterplan, Project Directer Robert Maguire stated:
“With an extensive new network of public spaces and water’s edge boardwalks, the Wood Wharf masterplan places high quality public space at the heart of the design process. The principle achievement of the masterplan – the ‘glue’ which holds the neighborhood together – will always be its well-considered network of streetscapes, squares, parks and water spaces. We are building a community that will both support, and be supported by, the success of Canary Wharf and the 110,000 people that work and visit Canary Wharf each day.”
Transport considerations include the installation of London Cycle Hire bicycles, a new bus route through the site and improved pedestrian connectivity to London Underground, DLR & Crossrail. Two car clubs are planned along with parking for 1,100 spaces.
If planning permission is granted, construction is expected to start towards the end of 2014 with the first buildings to be completed in 2017.
Reference: Canary Wharf Group, Financial Times
