Royal Albert Dock Jonathan Wadding
Land Use and Neigbourhood Structure
Land Use
The heritage buildings stand in the North West corner of the development, acting as gateway buildings to the main entrance of the site, clearly establishing the main entrance to the site. This will attract visitors throughout the day and into the evening while providing visitors with a variety of services and facilities.
The heritage buildings will be renovated and repurposed for holding small-scale community events such as arts and crafts sales, workshops and aerobic exercise. The larger community building will be a mixed-use theatre for shows and dances for those who want to organise such events. The open hard space will be for outdoor events.
There are no buildings directly ahead or behind the heritage buildings and there is only open space to make them distinguishable, furthering the building's prestige. The remaining buildings will be kept to three stories so as not to overshadow the heritage buildings.
Neigbourhood Structure
The heritage building buildings have been designated as community spaces to respond to local context and issues and therefore respond to it. 72% of Newhams 355,00 population are from BAME backgrounds and is the 12th most deprived authority in the UK. Providing a community focal point will allow for cultural understanding through events which all can attend and learn, strengthening the community.
Access to facilities
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown that, while local businesses are vulnerable, they are also indispensable to local communities and the services they provide, often more than physical goods. Handing the opportunities to local residents, this will encourage community cohesion and pride whilst also providing employment and retaining money within the development.
The waterfront and the backing open space are ideal for pop-up or mobile food service and cafes as well as seasonal events such as a Christmas Market or open-air performances. Street furniture will be scattered around the open space, waterfront and the remaining site.
Masterplanning Principles Achieved
