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Temporary parks that could pop up on recession-hit building sites
Sri Carmichael, Consumer Affairs Reporter30.10.09
WE'VE had "pop-up" shops, restaurants and galleries.
Now the craze for temporary experiences could include parks, allotments and markets in London.
Architects have realised there are hundreds of unused building sites across the capital where work has been mothballed during the recession. Some of these could soon be full of greenery and people.
The latest example is among the foundations of the abandoned Leadenhall tower in the City, where a 48-storey sloping skyscraper, nicknamed the Cheese Grater and designed by Lord Richard Rogers, was due to be constructed.
The developer, British Land, put the building on hold last summer and now a shortlist of 12 young architects has come up with alternative uses. Proposals range from a small park with a viewing platform to an urban farm.
The winning scheme, due to be announced in a few weeks, could occupy the plot for up to five years.
The City of London planning authority encouraged the developer to run the competition. Christine Cohen, chairman of the corporation's planning committee, said: "We need something on the site rather than a hole."
Other key developments being eyed by pop-up enthusiasts are the former Middlesex hospital in north Soho, originally earmarked for a £175million mixed-use development, which could now be turned into allotments.
Land Security has asked Westminster Council for permission to use the site of a £350million shopping centre in Oxford Street as a temporary public square for corporate parties, fashion shows, a market and an ice rink.
Reader views (1)
If only one good thing came out of this credit crunch it will be that London was spared from more hideous tower blocks ruining this city. Unfortunately the damage has already been done thanks to Ken Livingstone's ego destroying this historical city with his ugly glass projects sprouting up like warped vegetables across our once beautiful and protected skyline.
- Frank, London
