LANDSCAPE STRATEGY
prepared for Clearstorm Limited © Capita Lovejoy 2010 Landscape Strategy 2
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 3 Leamouth Peninsula North Contents
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Location and Context 3.0 Site History 4.0 Design Principles 4.1. Connectivity 4.2 Open Space Strategy 4.3 Green Infrastructure 4.4 Circulation 4.5 Cultural Strategy Route Map 4.6 Microclimate 5.0 Landscape Masterplan 6.0 Character Areas 6.1 Detail Character Area: Southern Promenade 6.2 Detail Character Area: Leaside Plaza 6.3 Detail Character Area: The Garden 6.4 Detail Character Area: Ecological Riverside Edge 6.5 Detail Character Area: Heritage Riverside Edge 6.6 Detail Character Area: Artisan Boulevard 6.7 Detail Character Area: Peninsula Place and Bridge Landing 7.0 Play and Recreation Strategy 8.0 Roofscape Strategy 9.0 Biodiversity Strategy 10.0 Landscape Palettes 10.1 Hard Landscape Finishes and Furniture 10.2 Soft Landscape Palette 11.0 A Day in the Life of Leamouth Peninsula 12.0 Area Schedules 13.0 Phase 1 13.1 Phase 1: Aerial Perspective 13.2 Phase 1: Boundary Masterplan 13.3 Southern Promenade Detail Area 13.4 Leaside Plaza Detail Area 13.5 The Garden Detail Area 13.6 Ecological Riverside Edge Detail Area 13.7 Heritage Riverside Edge Detail Area 13.8 Phase 1: Play and Recreation Strategy 14.0 Phase 2 - Key Considerations 14.1 Northern Approach - Proposed Improvements 14.2 Construction Access 15.0 Conclusion Landscape Strategy 4
Aerial view from the south west
From elevated A1020 over River Lea, looking north west
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 5 Leamouth Peninsula North 1.0 Introduction
This Landscape Strategy has been produced in support of Clearstorm’s development proposals for Leamouth Peninsula Placemaking is at the heart of the proposals through the North, and is to be read in conjunction with the Design and creation of a network of connected streets, squares and Access Statement. The proposals are being submitted as a parks, and the establishment of a strong identity for the new hybrid planning application, part in outline, part in full. The community. Landscape Masterplan has been prepared for the entire site. 1.2 Guiding Themes This document describes the existing physical and environmental context and history of the Leamouth Peninsula, The Landscape Masterplan has been developed on the basis of and how this has influenced the design principles for the the following guiding themes: development proposals. First we describe the masterplan for the entire application site, then more detailed plans are provided for • Connectivity Phase 1 of the development proposals. Opening up of the riverside and reconnection of the Peninsula by joining up fragmented routes and improving forgotten The proposed Landscape Masterplan is broken down into seven corners to provide a comprehensive network of friendly linkages Character Areas which are described and illustrated individually for the existing and proposed community. (refer to 6.0 - Character Areas) : • Multifunctional Public Realm Southern Promenade The public realm is multi functional, providing flexible spaces Leaside Plaza that are capable of responding to all users at different times The Garden of the day and providing on amenity for residents, visitors and Ecological Riverside Edge workers. Heritage Riverside Edge Artisan Boulevard • Cultural Strategy Peninsula Place and Bridge Landing A Cultural Strategy which celebrates both the history and ecology of the Peninsula has been integrated throughout the Specialist topics of Play and Recreation, Roofscape and public realm in the form of Trails and Gateways to stimulate Biodiversity are all described separately followed by the human interaction with the landscape on a variety of levels. proposed palettes of hard and soft landscape materials, which are illustrated with typical examples. Area Schedules for the • Play Strategy Open Space typologies are listed for both Phase 1 and the wider Opportunities for formal and incidental play are embedded proposals. within the landscape framework to encourage physical engagement with the external environment for all ages, For Phase 1, which is subject to a full Planning Application, including those with disabilities. enlarged plans and typical sections/details are provided for each of the Phase 1 Character Areas, together with a breakdown • Green Infrastructure of the Phase 1 Play proposals. Opportunities for greening are maximised throughout by a layering of soft landscape elements which will mitigate the For Phase 2 key considerations for pedestrian access to the effects of climate change and create a welcoming and verdant north, and construction access to the south are described in place to live. outline. • Environment The conclusion summarises the key benefits that the Landscape The local riverside ecology will be improved and species rich Strategy will deliver. habitats created to sustain native flora and fauna, establish an ecological, educational and aesthetic resource and build on 1.1 Vision the existing infrastructure in the local area - notably Bow Creek Ecology Park and East India Dock. The vision is to create a public realm environment that supports high density waterfront living by providing a safe and healthy • Maintenance and Management place to live which is socially inclusive and engenders a sense of Ease of maintenance and management of the public realm ownership. is considered throughout the design process to ensure that the quality of the built environment can be upheld, and that This development will make a significant contribution to planting develops and matures as intended. LTGDC’s vision to “transform the Lower Lea Valley into a high quality mixed use city district set in an unrivalled landscape with new high quality parkland and waterways” Landscape Strategy 6 2.0 Location and Context
The Leamouth Peninsula is located at the confluence of the Ground Conditions and Surface Water River Lea and the River Thames. This tributary wraps around the site and joins the River Thames at the south eastern portion of Review of the ground conditions has determined that all new the site. Both the Lea and the Thames are tidal, and as a result, areas of soft landscape should be separated from existing the Leamouth Peninsula is often surrounded by large mudflats ground to avoid downward percolation of ground water. which serve as a valuable wildlife habitat resource. Imported topsoil will be laid at suitable depths over a drainage layer and impermeable membrane. Excess surface water picked Canning Town Station is located across the River Lea directly up in the drainage layer will be discharged into the River Lea north east of the site. This station provides access to Central without passing through existing ground. This will provide London for many of East London’s commuters. The areas to the valuable attenuation of surface water. Where appropriate, north, east and west of the station are primarily residential with surface water will be discharged locally into ephemeral pools limited access to the River Lea. There is a footpath alongside within the landscape infrastructure. the River Lea on the north bank, but it is currently closed to public access. The existing vegetation is predominantly scrub Access riverine and non-native growth. Improving access to and from the Peninsula forms a significant The elevated A1020 creates a significant physical and visual part of the development proposals. The proposals include edge on the south, which limits connections to the East India strategies for on site and off site connections which will improve Dock Basin and River Thames beyond. linkages for both the existing and proposed community.
Views In Phase 1 access to the site will be served from the south. Pedestrians will arrive in the local area generally from the west As a consequence of the riverside location, there is very little and south via the East India DLR station or existing / proposed built form within the immediate context of the Peninsula. The bus stops. A proposed controlled crossing point at the views to the west include Bow Creek Ecology Park, the elevated roundabout will improve safety and legibility for pedestrians. DLR and A13 and in the distance office buildings at Tower The pavement between the A1020 and the River Lea will be Hamlets and Canary Wharf. improved and extended to bring pedestrians alongside the southern bank of the Lea into the site (part of the Fatwalk). To the east, there are views to open ground and Cross Rail construction workings on Limmo Peninsula, with the elevated In Phase 2 the development will also be accessed from the Lower Lea Crossing in the distance. north via a new footbridge over the River Lea, connecting to Canning Town and the Canning Town transport interchange via From the northern tip of the site, the Canning Town DLR and the Rotunda and underpass. The ecological and amenity value Jubilee Line station provide the immediate foreground, with of the northern bank of the River Lea will be improved as part Canning Town itself beyond. of the bridge link works, and works to the Reubens Bridge over the DLR. Topography All vehicles will enter and leave the site at the south, via a slip The site has been cleared of the original buildings and prepared road to the A1020 for development. It is generally flat and it is proposed to maintain a level of circa 5.9m AOD for the public realm, streets and parks so all the areas will be freely accessible and above the flood plane. As the current scheme does not involve podiums or level changes, steps, ramps and retaining walls are not required. This liberates the public realm to be fully utilised as green spaces for people.
Looking south from Canning Town DLR Platform
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 7 Leamouth Peninsula North 2.0 Location and Context
To Canning Town High Street
Canning Town DLR & Jubilee Line
Reubens Bridge
East India DLR
Legend Legend - Walkzones Jubilee Line (approx. location) 20 hr route, direct connection Docklands Light Railway from Peninsula Place to Canning Town Station - 200m, River Bus Route 2-2.5 min walk Pedestrian Routes Route from Peninsula Place Pedestrian Route (controlled access) to Canning Town Station - 700m, 8-9 minute walk when Proposed Fatwalk Rotunda is closed
Off site existing green Route from Leaside Plaza to East India DLR - Proposed controlled crossing point 650m, 7-8 minute walk
Long distance View to Canary Wharf Landscape Strategy 8 3.0 Site History
The rich history of human activity on the Peninsula has An artist will be appointed to expand on the current material informed the landscape strategy and will be manifested within available about the site, to develop a detailed body of research the Cultural and Play elements, but particularly within the into the history of the area. Typical elements within the History History Trail which will run the length of the eastern edge of Trail will include seating, rest points, wayfinding, signage and the peninsula. information points, developed and conceived to utilise the industrial processes of the past. A text trail that captures The earliest known reference to the site is a document of 1362 imagery and language about the history of the site from 1362 in which meadow and pasture were leased at Godelockhope. to the present day will be integrated throughout the History During the 1700s the Peninsula was used as grazing land by the Trail to provide a time line for the Peninsula. local manor and ships delivered whales from Greenland for the processing of whale blubber. The shape of the water course and the Peninsula has been modified over time by a succession of manmade interventions In the 1800s the Peninsula was developed as a centre for to the river wall, culminating in the current arrangement industry including the great Thames Plate Glass Factory, a secured by earth anchors and tie rods. The subterranean cement factory and an asphalt works. To the east there was the tracery will be reflected in the grain of the ground plane and Thames Iron Works and Ship Building Company. Houses, pubs will influence the disposition of trees alongside the river wall. and a school were built for the people who worked on the Peninsula. The embedded public arts will be developed through a collaborative process with play experts, engineers, fabricators and other The use of glass and iron as materials, the themes of whaling specialists to ensure that the works are robust and durable. and ship building and the life stories of previous residents all provide a rich resource for enriching the public realm and Refer to separate Cultural Strategy by Future City for more creating a new identity for the Peninsula which celebrates its details past.
Leamouth Peninsula known as Goodluck Hope, 1800’s Current tie rods and earth anchors
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 9 Leamouth Peninsula North 3.0 Site History
1792
c.1880’s
Processing of whale blubber, 1700’s Landscape Strategy 10 4.1 Connectivity
The master plan will improve linkages to the wider area by Phase 1 off-site access improving, opening up and stitching together existing riverside spaces. During development of the connectivity proposals the The existing route to East India Dock DLR will be the primary team have met with the following groups to ensure consistency route for cyclists and pedestrians during Phase 1 of the of approach and to maximise opportunities. development. This journey takes approximately 7-8 minutes from the proposed Leaside Plaza to the DLR station. The • Leaside Regeneration photographs opposite illustrate the journey at present. The To discuss proposals on the north bank of the River Lea between quality of this experience will be improved by a number of the Rotunda and the proposed footbridge to Trinity Buoy Wharf measures:
• Bow Creek Ecology Park 1. A gateway feature at the Lower Lea Crossing roundabout, To discuss proposals for extending the Park northwards to a new developed through the Cultural Strategy, will provide a landmark more visible gateway on the A13 link and identify the entrance for pedestrians and cyclists.
• London Thames Gateway Development Corporation 2. A controlled crossing-point is to be integrated at the To discuss co-ordination with the public realm proposals for the roundabout as part of the Fatwalk works. Fatwalk which threads through the south west corner of the site 3. The riverside walk will be enhanced by new railings, lighting and furniture developed through the Cultural Strategy
Principles 4. Planting of native trees and green walls will improve habitat opportunities and provide a framework of social spaces The proposals to improve connection are based on the following for people to meet and for children to play principles 5. The route will provide opportunities for viewing the Bow • Provide landmark links visible day and night and clear Creek Ecology Park and the wildlife it supports on the opposite line of sight to the next decision point to ensure that the bank of the Lea. routes are legible 6. Elements from the Fatwalk such as bespoke paving and • Integrate seating at regular intervals, with shelter where benches will be integrated where the Fatwalk passes through the possible site.
• All changes in level to be DDA compliant Detailed proposals for this link are illustrated in the sections for the Southern Promenade - Section 6.1, and Leaside Plaza - • Positively integrate all pockets of space to ensure that left Section 6.2. over corners are not created Refer to the Design and Access Statement for more details • Incorporate robust planting to provide shade, habitat and dwell space
• Consider opportunities for informal play to suit the context
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 11 Leamouth Peninsula North 4.1 Phase 1 - Current Situation
7:45am7:47am 7:46am7:46am 7:47am7:47am 7:48am LeavingLeaving PeninsulaPeninsula (west)(west). ApproachingApproaching theroundabout roundabout - ApproachingCrossing Roundabout the Approaching theDLR DLR The character is hard with a very busy interchange which roundabout no places to pause and presents a hostile environment little to engage with the ecology of the local area
P P P P P
P
7:50am 7:52am Buying newspaper at localthe Arrived at DLRthe DLR station Station shoplocal shop Landscape Strategy 12 4.1 Connectivity
Phase 2 off-site access
In Phase 2 the principal pedestrian link to Canning Town Station and High Street will be provided by the new bridge, Rotunda and underpass.
However, when the station is closed the Rotunda and underpass will not be available. Proposals for an alternative route have been developed which could provide 24hr access.
The alternative route will deliver the following key benefits:
1. Improved greening and animation of the north bank which is currently neglected and not in use
2. The Reubens Bridge will be made DDA compliant and brought back into use
3. The Bow Creek Ecology Park will be extended and a new, more visible, and welcoming gateway will be created
4. The north landing point of the Reubens Bridge will provide connections to other destinations: • Bow Creek Ecology Park • Blue Bridge link to the proposed Fatwalk
Proposals for the offsite Phase 2 Connectivity Strategy are illustrated in Section 14.0.
Refer to the Design and Access Statement for more details
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 13 Leamouth Peninsula North 4.1 Phase 2 - Current Situation
Journey from Canning Town transport interchange to the north The Reubens Bridge and the Rotunda are currently closed so bank of the River Lea. this route is not available at present. However, it is estimated that the journey would take circa 9 minutes for a pedestrian, excluding wheelchairs and pushchairs. The journey is not legible and the character of the route is unfriendly.
1:00pm 1:01pm 1:02pm 1:03pm No sightline to next part of Approaching the A13 flyover - No sense of potential Stepped access precludes journey no wayfinding connections / choices wheelchair and pushchair ahead. access. Green space to the right of view of under used and neglected
P P P P P P P
1:05pm 1:07pm 1:09pm Still nowhere to sit and no Access up to Reubens Under used riverside with sense of identity. Hostile Bridge is not DDA no recreation or amenity introduction to Bow Creek compliant. value Ecology Park Unfriendly and unsafe character Landscape Strategy 14 4.2 Open Space Strategy
The aspiration to create generously proportioned public open Social Heart space within the heart of the Peninsula has informed the positioning and orientation of the built form. There are two By contrast, the internal Social Heart spaces will have less contrasting zones of open space: an organic Riverside Edge visual connection with the riverside and the wider context. In and a more formal inner core of protected space– the Social these more contained spaces, the opportunity exists to create Heart. alternative, more formal experiences and places where people might gather and dwell in sheltered and sunny space. The character will be more structured and ordered, and the choice Riverside Edge of plant material can include non-native species for seasonal interest. The Riverside Edge will provide a continuous linear space which has a direct relationship with the River Lea, its existing A principally hard landscape space - Peninsula Place (50m x flora and fauna and waterborne activities. Proposals for this 60m) and a principally soft landscape space - The Garden (50m zone will celebrate and encourage contact with the waterside x 90m) will be linked by a pedestrian street - Artisan Boulevard. environment. The Riverside Edge will be exposed to prevailing winds and the planting palette will be hardy and ecologically The Artisan Boulevard will be a relatively narrow thoroughfare appropriate. The character of this zone will be robust and at 8m, widening to 15m at either end. In contrast to the wide organic. spaces which it connects the tight form of Artisan Boulevard will encourage dialogue and communication between the creative Part of the riverside wall will be removed and a series of businesses, which will animate the ground floor frontages. intertidal terraces constructed to provide flood compensation Pleached trees will provide greening and shelter without limiting capacity, to offset the area of river volume occupied by the physical and visual connections. proposed bridge landing and new sheet pile walls. In The Garden, arboretum style tree planting, lawns for play and The proposed Intertidal Terraces will provide an exceptional recreation and lush edge planting for separation and biodiversity opportunity to create new habitat and places for people to enjoy the will create a valuable resource for people to both use and to riverside opposite the Bow Creek Ecology park. enjoy looking at from their windows and balconies.
The riverside edge will form a continuous Promenade in the The urban plazas – Leaside Plaza and Peninsula Place will form of a shared surface for pedestrians, cyclists and the be animated by outdoor cafe terraces, water features, special limited number of vehicles which will be arriving on site. The events, film screenings, art shows and festivals, with lawns and promenade will not follow the riverside throughout - the route upstand edges providing informal seating. will bend inland around Building K and the Intertidal terraces to ensure that parts of the ecological riverside remain undisturbed i Leaside Plaza for maximum wildlife value. ii The Garden iii Artisan’s Boulevard The Southern Promenade will be the principal gateway for iv Peninsula Place pedestrians and cyclists and will incorporate part of the Fatwalk - a two mile recreational route from the Olympic Site to the Thames, being promoted by LTGDC.
The west edge will have a particularly verdant and informal character. It will form the Ecological Riverside Edge, incorporating the Intertidal Terraces, extended habitat areas and Ecology Trail.
The east edge will incorporate the History Trail and form the Heritage Riverside Edge. i Southern Promenade ii Ecological Riverside Edge iii Heritage Riverside Edge
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 15 Leamouth Peninsula North 4.2 Open Space Strategy
Riverside Edge
ii iii
i
Character • Exposed • Responsive • Organic • Habitat rich • Robust / hardy vegetation • Multi-stem trees • Groundcover Social Heart
iv iii
ii i
Character • Protected • Controlled • Ordered • Formal • Specimen trees • Lawns and paving Landscape Strategy 16 4.3 Green Infrastructure
The development of Leamouth North is a unique opportunity Health & Social Wellbeing to create substantial new Green Infrastructure within a part of London that has not supported trees or green space for more The principal that Green Infrastructure also provides health and than 200 years. social benefits for existing and future generations is at the heart of the landscape proposals. The proposed green infrastructure will make a significant contribution to the Mayor’s aspiration to increase London’s tree A series of trails has been developed as part of the Cultural cover from 20% to 25% by 2025 with an additional 2 million Strategy, fusing the aspirations for a walking environment with trees. It will also provide a rich and diverse landscape resource a public realm which is rooted in the history and ecology of the of ecological, parkland and recreational landscape typologies Peninsula and which provides plenty of opportunities for people in a part of London where there is an identified deficiency of to meet and socialise. access to nature (London Plan 4.19). Fitness – The landscape framework has been developed as The proposals will contribute to regional strategies such as a walking landscape with shared space for vehicles, cycles the Lea Valley Regional Park and the Green Grid, and it will and pedestrians. A fitness trail will follow the riverside edge enrich local initiatives such as Bow Creek Ecology Park and the with fitness stations for all age groups, and the potential for Fatwalk. connections north and south to a wider network alongside the Thames and River Lea. Tree Canopy Play and Recreation – Opportunities for play and recreation The Peninsula offers an unusual opportunity to establish will be integrated throughout the open space, and within all the a framework of trees without the constraints of existing proposed landscape typologies. Whilst distinct play areas have underground services or existing buildings with vulnerable been created to provide a range of stimulating recreation for all foundations. It is estimated that in excess of 300 trees will be ages, incidental play will be distributed throughout the public planted throughout the Peninsula with a varied age structure to realm reflecting the character of the Cultural Strategy Trails that provide a hierarchy of size and character from day one. Species permeate the site (refer to Section 7.0 for more details). will be selected to tolerate heat and drought in summer as well as wet and harsh winters, and the variety of contexts. Social Cohesion – A hierarchy of external spaces is proposed to support and encourage social interaction throughout the year, Street/Shared Circulation Space ranging from everyday activities for residents, to large scale Urban Plaza festivities / events which might attract visitors in the principal The Garden spaces. Waterside Ecology Bespoke seating, designed as part of the Cultural Strategy, (Ref Section 10.0 for more details) will be integrated to provide meeting places, resting places at regular intervals, and opportunities for engaging with local Large canopy trees will be planted where their future growth and history / ecology through embedded information. spread is not curtailed or in conflict with adjacent buildings, and to support the proposed scale and density of the buildings. Places with sunny aspects will provide external cafe / restaurant terraces. The framework of trees and hedging will assist with the definition of sub-spaces and will mitigate potential intervisibility Extensive lawns, sometimes wrapping over landform, will provide between public open space and internal living space. informal seating, picnic places and recreation opportunities.
Microclimate and Environmental Benefits Social engagement will be enhanced by community involvement in the Arts & Culture Programme led by the Artist in Residence, Trees will be positioned in relation to new homes to ensure that and play activities / clubs co-ordinated by the Park Ranger. they will confer microclimate benefits to both homes and open space, as required. The current scheme avoids the need for raised levels, ramps, steps and retaining walls. This generates a flexible landscape Lawns, green walls, groundcover planting and green / brown framework which can be fully utilised for a variety of functions, roofs will be integrated wherever possible to provide absorbent and in which green infrastructure is rooted in the ground. surfaces for the attenuation of surface water run-off, for acoustic benefit, and reduction of the urban heat island effect.
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 17 Leamouth Peninsula North 4.3 Green Infrastructure
Bridge landing
Cafe terraces to sunny facades Peninsula Place
Arts event / media wall / performance space
Ecology zone with intertidal terraces Riverside Promenade / Fitness Trail
Reed planting Principal pedestrian route
The Garden
Leaside Plaza Cafe terraces to sunny facades
Southern Promenade
Application Date Total Area of Open Space Soft Landscape Hard Landscape
2010 Current Scheme 25,570m2 41% 59% Landscape Strategy 18 4.4 Circulation
A legible and inclusive landscape with ease of movement will be provided through the clarity of the layout and careful consideration of the streetscape and landscape design. The structure of landmark links, along with co-ordination of street elements and way-finding will assist in providing accessible and recognisable routes and linkages.
The circulation proposals are based on a shared space approach to the public realm. The Promenade perimeter route will be shared by vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Careful detailing of materials and positioning of street trees and furniture will help to define vehicular circulation and parking areas. However, an upstand kerb will provide a pedestrian only pavement zone around the buildings. Apart from a short section of 2 way movement in the centre, vehicles will travel one way around the Promenade, although the route will be wide enough for two vehicles to pass if necessary. Drop-off bays and visitor parking (disabled) dedicated for each building will be discreetly integrated within the surface treatment.
The Promenade has been designed to maximise contact and enjoyment of the River Lea, with plenty of opportunities for seating, fitness, play and observation of the riverside throughout.
Seating will be provided at regular intervals, as multi-functional elements with play/cultural opportunities engrained within surfaces/detailing.
In contrast to the Promenade perimeter route, an internal north/south spine will provide a pedestrian only experience through a series of green spaces, which connect doorways and activities. In The Garden the pedestrian paths are set back from private living space with a green buffer in between. Variety is provided by a direct ‘business’ route and a more meandering path alongside a linear play zone.
RRaisedaised FFlushlush KKerbserbs KKerberb
22.2m.2m 33.0m.0m 33.7m.7m 33.6m.6m 22.2m.2m PPathwayathway SServiceervice BBayay / VVehicularehicular RRouteoute DDisabledisabled PPathwayathway DDroprop ooffff pparkingarking Shared Space - Section Shared Space - Plan extract
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 19 Leamouth Peninsula North 4.4 Circulation
Block B Drop off pedestrian foot bridge to Canning Town and transport interchange
Block C Drop off 8 spaces (B)
4 spaces (A)
8 spaces (C) Block A Drop off
3 spaces (A) Block D Drop off Block M Drop off
multistorey car park 8 spaces (M)
Block E Drop off Block G Drop off
5 spaces (K) Block K Drop off 3 spaces (G) 3 spaces (J)
Block J Drop off 3 spaces (H)
Block I Drop off 1 space (H)
Block H Drop off 3 spaces (H) 1 space (Gallery)
multistorey car park
to East India DLR to East India Dock and Thames
LegendLegend - Circulation - Circulation LegendLegend - -Frontages Frontages Disabled Surface Parking
Block A - 7 spaces Vehicular circulation Residential Block B - 8 spaces (one way) Commercial Block C - 8 spaces Vehicular circulation / Active Block D - 6 in multistorey (two way) Block E - 3 in multistorey Pedestrian Access to multi-storey Entrances Block F - 2 in multistorey Block G - 3 spaces, 4 in Drop-off / servicing multistorey Block H - 7 spaces (inc. 1 for gallery) Parking Block J - 3 spaces Main pedestrian spine Block K - 5 spaces (inc. 1 for leisure) Block M - 8 spaces Fatwalk Block N & I - 2 in multistorey Landscape Strategy 20 4.5 Cultural Strategy Route Map
Culture and public art are at the forefront of the client brief for Artisan Boulevard the development proposals. The Cultural Strategy prepared by Future City is integral to place making and ensuring a unique Artisan Boulevard is an important north/south link which living and working environment is created. connects the principal green space in the south (The Garden) to the principal hard space in the north (Peninsula Place). It will The Cultural Strategy developed by Future City has been be the home to creative businesses, with workshop units lining structured around a network of connected trails which will either side of this pedestrian only zone, such that movement permeate the entire landscape framework, celebrating both and ideas can flow freely between people and businesses. the historic and ecological characteristics of the Peninsula, Temporary installations will play a particularly significant role, and enriching all aspects of the external environment, with whilst an infrastructure of special effect lighting and signage will particular emphasis on identity, gateways and wayfinding. The ensure that the trail is always animated and lively. Cultural Strategy will play a pivotal role in the development of the trails and the detailed design by artists of the History Trail play elements, furniture, ecological habitats, signage and interpretation which will animate them. The east edge of the Peninsula will celebrate its social and industrial heritage within the History Trail. Link Walk The History Trail is generally 8 to 22m wide and largely hard The Link Walk is an off-site trail which connects Canning Town surfaced circulation space, softened by street trees. However, High Street with the Ecology Gateway. Landmark links and play areas, seating and linear interpretation features will sculptural way finding features will be key elements within this acknowledge the industrial heritage and integrate stories and trail to ensure legibility and connections within an existing themes from the past within the public realm. urban realm that is busy and fragmented. The proposals will extend the Bow Creek Ecology Park to the A13 to resolve a Fitness Trail forgotten and disjointed corner and make visual connections to the Fatwalk. It will provide a 24hr route as an alternative to the The Fitness Trail will connect the entire site perimeter, linking all underpass. the riverside spaces, and with the potential to feed into a wider network of riverside routes, including the Fatwalk. The design Peninsula Experience Trail of the riverside balustrade will form a significant part of the art strategy and make a valuable contribution to the identity of the This will define the off-site north bank, stretching from the Peninsula. Reubens Bridge to Canning Town Interchange via the Bow Creek Ecology Park and the Rotunda. The proposed river bridge, Rotunda and underpass will provide links to the station. The trail Fatwalk will provide the northern gateway to Phase 2 and an opportunity to understand the Leamouth Peninsula in its historic, current The Fatwalk, which is being created and delivered by the and future context. The proposals will improve a disused LTGDC to enhance Lea Valley Park, will enter the Peninsula riverside walk and encourage enjoyment of new green space to along the south bank of the River Lea, as part of the Southern be created on the north bank of the River Lea. Promenade. It will turn east into the Peninsula site and Leaside Plaza, Ecology Trail before continuing south to East India Dock Basin and the River Thames beyond. We have met the LTGDC Fatwalk team to The Ecology Trail relates to the west edge of the Peninsula, ensure consistency of vision. Elements of the Fatwalk landscape which faces Bow Creek Ecology Park, and will benefit from vocabulary will be integrated in both the Southern Promenade the Intertidal Terraces to be carved out of the bank as a flood and Leaside Plaza to ensure visual and physical continuity of compensation measure. It will consequently benefit from this important feature. contact with on site wildlife features, as well as observation of events off-site at the Ecology Park. For full details of the Cultural Strategy refer to the separate report prepared by Future City. The character of this riverside edge will be much greener than the east edge with a range of waterside habitats.
Public access will be encouraged but controlled so that some areas can remain relatively undisturbed. Play areas will be carefully integrated using natural materials and forms, and to encourage an understanding of the habitats, seasons and cycle of natural events which take place throughout the year.
The design of the timber baulking on the new river walls as habitat for wildlife and nesting boxes for birdlife will be included within the Cultural Strategy.
prepared for Clearstorm Limited 21 Leamouth Peninsula North 4.5 Cultural Strategy Route Map
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:LCKLI<KI8@CJ >i\\en`Z_ G\e`ejlcX G\e`ejlcX C`ebNXcb =XkNXcb Landscape Strategy 22 4.6 Microclimate Sunlight Sunlight studies of the proposed building form and public realm demonstrate that the external spaces will generally perform very well with regard to sunlight. The east/west riverside edges will benefit from uninterrupted sunlight in the morning/afternoon respectively, and the more sheltered inner spaces will also benefit from good sunlight, particularly in the middle of the day. A localized area of shade is predicted at the southern end of Peninsula Place, but this is compatible with the aspiration for a projection wall on the building elevation. Outdoor dining / café spill out terraces are proposed for the sunny margins alongside commercial space in Peninsula Place and Leaside Plaza. Proposed trees will provide a choice of shady or sunny areas throughout the public realm. Wind Wind studies have determined that the performance of the public realm will be generally acceptable for their proposed functions with the exception of key spaces between buildings on the western elevation, specifically between buildings A and B, A and M, K and M. The introduction of hedging and tree planting will help to deflect the prevailing winds and dissipate the wind energy at ground level. This should improve conditions from the anticipated ‘roadway/car-park use’ to ‘leisure walking’. Roof terraces, specifically on Buildings N and J will also require some perimeter mitigation in the form of perimeter screening to deflect winds above head level and to ensure the roofs can be used. Refer to wind study prepared by RWDI for full details Permanent overshadowing March 21st Percentage sun exposure March 21st prepared for Clearstorm Limited 23 Leamouth Peninsula North 5.0 Landscape Masterplan A 13 Canning Town DLR & Jubilee Line River Lea Bow Creek Ecology Park Limmo Site DLR A 1020 Lower Lea Crossing East India Dock Basin River Lea 1:2000 @ A3 Landscape Strategy 24 6.0 Character Areas The public realm will provide the resident community with a great place to live and play, places for people to meet and to form social and business connections. The public realm will also be welcoming to visitors with plenty of opportunities to bring people together formally and informally, for everyday activities and special events. The careful layering of green infrastructure and positioning of gathering spaces will assist with filtering views and providing a sense of privacy to residential living space from the external communal space. Within the proposals for the Peninsula there will be seven distinct character areas which will form a series of interlinked spaces, accessible to all. All of these character spaces will contribute to the circulation strategy whilst incorporating plenty of dwell spaces for Informal places to meet people to pause, play and gather for special events. Careful consideration has been given to their function and location to ensure they are valuable and usable spaces. The spaces have contrasting characters which reflect the functions and activities that surround and define them. However a palette of hard materials will provide continuity within the ground plane and help stitch them together. On the following pages, each of the spaces is described separately with regard to function and materials, supported by visuals and artist’s perspectives. SOCIAL HEART SPACES Leaside Plaza Leaside Plaza will be the threshold and gateway to Phase 1. Both pedestrians and cyclists arriving from the River Lea Picnics and childrens’ parties footpath, and vehicles arriving from the A1020 will pass through it. To provide a welcoming and verdant character the Plaza will be a largely green space animated by people enjoying the sunny terraces outside the gallery and commercial units which form the east edge of the space. The shared space treatment of the public realm will begin here. Vehicles will be allowed to drive around the west and south edges only with robust paving units to create a seamless finish across the functional zones. A detailed Servicing Management Plan will be worked up to ensure the shared space functions effectively. Plenty of spaces to sit prepared for Clearstorm Limited 25 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.0 Character Areas The Garden The defining feature of The Garden will be the open lawn at its centre, big enough at circa 20x35m for informal football games but also suitable for relaxation. The lawn will be framed by an arc of footpath and mature Oak trees on the east, and by a sinuous play path animated by integrated play elements on the west. The paths will provide north/south links through the Peninsula as well as access to homes in Blocks G, J and H (with socially rented and family accommodation) which surround and define the park. The east footpath is proposed as the more direct and efficient route, the west footpath as the more engaging, leisurely route. Rolling landform around the edge will create grassy knolls and hollows beneath the trees. This will define organic sub-spaces Informal ball games for smaller groups to meet, relax and picnic, and provide subtle separation between the footpaths and the central lawn. Differential mowing around the margins will encourage areas of long grass, spring bulbs and wildflower meadow. This will greatly enhance biodiversity value and seasonal colour, but also assist with creating a green buffer adjacent to the homes which will surround the space. Arboretum style planting of specimen trees of varied age, structure and form will provide a parkland character, with some evergreen trees for winter foliage and plenty of nesting/feeding opportunities for bird life. Artisan Boulevard Artisan Boulevard will link the two principal open spaces – The Garden and Peninsula Place. Its narrow and angled form will provide a deliberate contrast to the broad spaces which it will Integrated seating connect. The street will be for pedestrians and cyclists only, with opportunities for spill out space and activities from the creative business units that will occupy the ground floor units. Integrated seating and opportunities for temporary displays and special events will provide places for people to meet formally and informally to share information and ideas. Pleached trees will contribute shade and controlled greening to the street without compromising movement or view corridors. Water for play and animation Landscape Strategy 26 6.0 Character Areas Peninsula Place Peninsula Place will form an important node on the pedestrian north/south link between the proposed River Lea bridge landing on the northern tip and the rest of the Peninsula. It will also connect to the Riverside Promenade through pedestrian links between buildings with doorstep play areas for the surrounding homes. The building on the south edge will be the home to the Arts and Business Cultural Centre. Creative business or commercial units will form all the other edges at ground level. It will be a largely hard landscape space with broad areas of paving to encourage circulation and interaction between the active edges which will define the space, and for cultural events, festivals and markets. However, lawns, specimen trees and ephemeral water features will provide contrasting soft areas for people to enjoy and for environmental benefits. Interpretation RIVERSIDE EDGE SPACES The Riverside Promenade which wraps around the edge of the Peninsula will provide a continuous route for circulation and engagement with the River Lea. The proposed paving treatment, street trees, railing and lighting will provide an overarching character. Within it however, there will be three zones with different emphases as follows: Southern Promenade A continuous vertical wall of greening, play activities and cultural installations will provide a robust and visually impermeable edge to the busy A1020. Views to the River Lea and The Bow Creek Ecology Park, and interaction with the waterside context will be the primary focus of this route which excludes vehicles. It is intended to have a Contact with nature leisurely character with opportunities for playing, sitting and watching wildlife integrated within softer areas defined by trees and lawns. Ecological Riverside Edge The creation of the Intertidal Terraces provides an exceptional opportunity to soften the river edge, to create a diversity of waterside habitats, and to maximise the potential for contact with the River Lea and its wildlife. The character in this zone will be very informal and organic with natural materials including timber, willow ‘walls’, gravels and boulders. The layering of marginal vegetation and native multi-stem trees will integrate Building K sensitively within this context. Some areas will specifically exclude human access to provide undisturbed areas for wildlife, other areas will integrate playful elements to encourage interaction with the environment. A good environment for cyclists Heritage Riverside Edge The Heritage Riverside Edge will have a predominantly robust hard landscape character with on street visitor parking/drop off bays softened with street trees. Two doorstep play areas will provide pockets of informal greening and meeting places for families. Within the public realm, the History Trail will animate this zone with a timeline and other features in materials such as iron and glass etc which draw upon the industrial heritage of the Peninsula. prepared for Clearstorm Limited 27 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.0 Character Areas 5 7 6 4 3 5 2 Legend 1 Southern Promenade 1 2 Leaside Plaza 3 The Garden 4 Ecological Riverside Edge A1020 5 Heritage Riverside Edge 6 Artisan Boulevard 7 Peninsula Place & Bridge Landing Landscape Strategy 28 6.1 Southern Promenade Riverwalk view of site from south west Function • Direct link to East India DLR • Animated movement zone into and out of the site for commuters and visitors • Dwell zones, opportunities to pause, sit or play • Part of the Fatwalk Materials • Riverside edge with soft and hard landscape areas • Green wall and public art along boundary • Playable elements and feature lighting • Robust street furniture • Some semi-mature tree planting with an informal character • Suitable river edge planting for informal recreation and surface water attenuation • Interpretation and information elements about Bow Creek Ecology Park and the Peninsula • Integrated lighting to provide safe access with minimal impact on residents / wildlife prepared for Clearstorm Limited 29 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.1 Southern Promenade Bow Creek Ecology Park DLR Riverside structural River Lea tree planting Local play area / soft play Dwell / seating zone Informal planting New railings Existing green wall to building N Play space with seating New green wall / art wall A 1020 Lower Lea Crossing Sculptural seating Robust green walls Art walls Landscape Strategy 30 6.2 Leaside Plaza Leaside Plaza from the west Function • Threshold / arrival space for Phase 1 • Setting for Gallery and Community Centre • Destination space with cultural focus / references 50m • Spill out events / activities from gallery building • Flexible space for meeting, outdoor dining and informal relaxation 35m • Animated throughout day and evening and year round • Community events, festivals, markets, seasonal activities Materials Precedent Space Study • Predominantly soft space with contemporary urban character • Integrated feature steps, walls and upstands • Playable elements and feature lighting • Natural water pools with aquatic planting • High quality furniture including timber and glass (referencing to the historic Plate Glass Works) • Some semi-mature tree planting with a formal Cardinal Place, Victoria character 60m x 45m • Grass lawn / sculptural grass landform for informal prepared for Clearstorm Limited recreation and surface water attenuation 31 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.2 Leaside Plaza River Lea Doorstep play area Buffer planting to residential units Doorstep play area Formal Lawns Shared surface Reed beds Gallery Wayfinding element / artwork Doorstep play area Site entrance River Lea Places to meet...... and watch events A balance of green / hard space Landscape Strategy 32 6.2 Comparative Space Studies Leaside Plaza Devonshire Square, City of London 35m 50m Size: 35m x 35m % Hard / Soft: 90 / 10 Devonshire Square prepared for Clearstorm Limited 33 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.2 Comparative Space Studies Leaside Plaza Duke of York Square, Chelsea 35m 50m Size: 70m x 35m % Hard / Soft: 90 / 10 Duke of York Square Landscape Strategy 34 6.3 The Garden View of The Garden from the north Function • Green lung - predominantly green space • Located adjacent to social rented accommodation and family 50m sized units • Dwell space but some north / south pedestrian movement and access to communal or private building entrances • Open lawn area circa 35m x 20m to provide for informal football and relaxation • Flexible layout to accommodate range of functions and activities throughout the year 90m Materials • Limited footpaths / hard paving to suit pedestrian circulation • Sealed gravel footpaths / timber boardwalks to provide contrast with perimeter circulation • Green infrastructure for amenity value, acoustic attenuation, Precedent Space Studies microclimate and air quality benefits • Semi-mature trees to provide human scale adjacent to buildings • Native trees and hedge planting to define sub-spaces and protect views into / between living space • Broad lawn areas with differential mowing and wildflower meadow to provide variation in texture and seasonal interest Coin Street, London The Resident’s Garden, Barbican, • Grass landform to create playable landscape, enclosure / London viewing stations prepared for Clearstorm Limited • Integrated lighting to provide safe access with minimal impact on residents / wildlife 35 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.3 The Garden River Lea Car parking screened by hedge planting Neighbourhood play space Semi-mature tree avenue Shared surface River Lea Imaginative play...... and energetic play Management to enhance biodiversity Landscape Strategy 36 6.3 Comparative Space Studies The Garden Coin Street 50m 90m Size: 90m x 50m % Hard / Soft: 80 / 20 Coin Street prepared for Clearstorm Limited 37 Leamouth Peninsula North 6.3 Comparative Space Studies The Garden Empire Square, Borough 50m 90m Size: 80m x 50m % Hard / Soft: 60 / 40 Empire Square