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Docklands to be transformed by 'eco-islands' development
Mira Bar-Hillel and Elizabeth Hopkirk9 Jul 2008
An artificial archipelago of "ecoislands" could be built in Docklands.
The 10 islands, each measuring about 10 metres by five metres, would be planted with greenery. The public would not be allowed on them but a boardwalk and bird hide would allow people to view the wildlife they attract.
Planned for the Blackwall Basin, they are part of a scheme designed by Lord Rogers to redevelop a seven-hectare swathe of semi-derelict land beside Canary Wharf.
It also involves digging a canal through the site and building a waterside park.
Plans for the project at Wood Wharf, which also includes millions of square feet of office space and thousands of new houses, have been lodged with Tower Hamlets council. It is due to vote on them later this year.
David Tomlin, executive project director of developer Wood Wharf Limited Partnership, said the scheme would open up what is now a mainly industrial area.
He said: "The buildings will incorporate some of the latest in green technology, such as the use of dock water for cooling.
"In addition, the site will include a series of eco-islands and nature walks right on the doorstep of London's newest business district."
Key features include:
• Up to 1,668 homes including a significant proportion of family housing and 35 per cent affordable housing in six residential towers.
• Almost five million square feet of office space in six commercial towers.
• Community facilities which could include a health centre, nursery, faith centre, market and leisure facilities.
• A new high street with space for independent shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
• A 120-room hotel looking over the River Thames.
•A canal, waterfront boardwalks, ecology walks and moorings.
• A bridge connecting Wood Wharf to Canary Wharf.
• Potential for the creation of 25,000 new jobs.
However, critics point out that the scheme could represent a conflict of interest for Boris Johnson.
Lord Rogers, who designed the Lloyds building and Millennium Dome, was appointed an architectural adviser to former mayor Ken Livingstone, and has been retained by his successor.
Once Tower Hamlets has made a decision on the proposals the scheme will be referred to the Mayor automatically because of its size. This means Mr Johnson will have the power to authorise a major project being spearheaded by one of his advisers.
Lord Rogers's firm Rogers, Stirk, Harbour & Partners has worked with landscape architects Martha Schwartz Partners to draw up the scheme.
Wood Wharf Limited Partnership is a joint venture between British Waterways, Ballymore Properties and Canary Wharf Group.
