Introduction

"Royal Albert will be a sustainable and robust community that integrates with the historic and present physical and social contexts of the area, whilst maximising the opportunities presented to create a valuable and vibrant space for local people and local business"

The Royal Albert Dock is currently redundant land which houses the stalled ABP development and heritage buildings. These heritage buildings will be critical to the community through the use of hosting community events and meetings. Similarly, these buildings will be the centre of community participation, partnership and governance led regeneration approach. This approach will provide the grassroots skills and experience to manage the site for community interests.

Vision

The vision statement will be achieved by bringing life and vibrancy into the development by utilising open spaces, repurposed buildings and the provision of services and facilities. Connection to the wider area and use of the waterfront will be vital by ensuring the development integrates into the wider area and the waterfront will create an active front with on the water activities.

Masterplanning Principles

Masterplanning principles will be essential for guiding plans towards a successful site. The principles will specifically address aims from the vision to ensure a high quality development. The critical principles are:

Community

A place that is inviting to all those of the community and allows for positive interaction through events and activities. Facilitating social sustainablity will be the centre of the development.

Local Opportunity

Opportunities such as employment housing, education and public space will be delievered to local people.

Accessibility

The site is currently only connected by road and the DLR which will hinder other principles. The plan will bring better permeability throughout the site as well as to the wider area.

Place Identity

The rich identity of the docklands and surrounding area will be capitalised on enabling the creation of a new, distinict area of London that people will want to use.

Heritage

The Docklands has a rich history that is currently underutilised. By conserving and repurposing exisitng heritage assets, they will contribute to the community and a high quality urban space.

Regeneration Approach; Community partnership, participation and Governance

The approach that has been taken to the regeneration of the site is an inclusive growth model. This model fairly shares the generated prosperity amongst all shareholders, rather than profits being taken out of the area and the site running into decline. By ensuring longevity and financial feasibility, many issues of the site and surrounding area, such as employment and deprivation, will begin to be addressed. Enabling a secure site for local businesses to establish themselves and grow will provide long-term feasibility following initial investment.

This is especially prominent following the Covid-19 pandemic and a new emphasis on local robustness and the provision that local services can provide.