Hammerson's scheme for Shoreditch – London’s hipster mecca – pushes on despite opposition
Proposals to regenerate wasteland in the heart of London’s Shoreditch through a mixed-use scheme are being carried forward by developers Hammerson and Ballymore, aided by a phalanx of top designers.
The Bishopsgate Goodsyard development would see the creation of the mixed-use complex just a stone’s throw from hipster hangout Brick Lane, comprising 1,356 new homes, offices, 200,000sq ft (18,580sq m) of commercial space, a 2.4 acre public park, plus a number of leisure and community spaces.
The developers have put together a stellar cast of designers to realise their ambitions. Farrells are masterplanning the project, while there are also contributions from PLP Architecture, FaulknerBrowns, Chris Dyson Architects, Buckley Gray Yeoman and landscape architects Spacehub. The designs seek to meld modern influences with the site’s historical aspects – such as the Braithwaite arches – to restore the wider area through additions such as London’s first fully elevated park.
The scheme has so far attracted a fair amount of opposition from groups such as campaign group ‘More Light, More Power,‘ the Spitalfields Society and the Victorian Society.
One of the main criticisms of the Goodsyard plans, first submitted in June 2014, is that the towering residential blocks will block light and appear out of step with the rest of the area, while there are also fears that an influx of big businesses could smother the independent character of the community.
A Goodsyard spokesperson told CLAD that they have engaged with more than 1,500 stakeholders to address these concerns through a wide range of steering groups and consultations. This led to revised plans which were submitted to the Greater London Authority (GLA) and borough councils last month, featuring lower residential towers and a revision to the bricks used for the facade to bring the development more in line with its surroundings.
While brimming with character, the surroundings themselves have proved a significant hurdle to developers. The site is constrained by Shoreditch High Street station and a matrix of underground train tunnels, meaning that only 30 per cent of it can be built on. In addition to the listed Braithwaite arches – which are some of the oldest railway arches in the UK – the site is home to a number of other listed structures which cannot be removed, meaning developers have opted for a major restoration project to incorporate these features into the new structure.
“Our plans for The Goodsyard will open up a fantastic space in the heart of one of London’s most interesting areas,” the Goodsyard spokesperson added.
“The amended scheme will not only breathe life back into this derelict site but will also create 7,000 new jobs, provide 2.4 acres of new park for Londoners and preserve historic architecture such as the listed Braithwaite arches.”
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