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INTRODUCTION
SILO D
Silo D location map.
Silo D structure.
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Silo D stands to the north east of the Silvertown Quays site and reaches 9 storey's tall at its highest point. It was built around the same time as Millennium Mills to house grain ready for milling and today, due to its unique structure and historical significance, it has been designated as Grade II Listed.
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Silo D will undergo a program of sympathetic restoration and will be reborn as a creative hub that will sit at the heart of the community and host events, exhibitions and performances. The building will also contain a number of facilities including a community run, not-for-profit cafe as well as changing facilities for the adjoining lido. Opening this space back up to the public will allow people to immerse themselves in the arts whilst surrounded by the docklands' own unique heritage.
West elevation.
North elevation.
Iconic south elevation.
Silo D in relation to Millennium Mills.
INITIAL VISION
The vision for Silo D directly corresponds with the initial design objectives for the overall scheme. Culture will be provided a home where a gallery and performance space will host exhibitions and events from local artists and those from further afield whist the building itself will act a beacon of culture with the sympathetic restoration acting to restore a landmark that is so integral to the site's heritage, both old and new. Silo D will also create a strong connection between the Silvertown Quays site and neighbouring communities as it provides a communal space for a diverse group of people to interact and share ideas and experiences. The adjoining Silo Park will create yet another physical connection by allowing the site to become more permeable and therefore welcoming to those living beyond the boundaries. Lastly, the venue will provide a myriad of opportunities for local people including job and apprenticeship training in the cafe and increased accessibility to leisure with the lido and changing facilities being offered free of charge to all.
Silo D cultural centre at Silo Park at the heart of the new master plan.
REGENERATION APPROACH
The approach being taken to the overall redevelopment of the Silvertown Quays site is that of an inclusive growth model as this accepts that large amounts of capital investment are needed in order to see successful completion of the project whilst trying to capture as much of this investment as possible for public gain. The redevelopment of Silo D will require a significant amount of capital upfront owing to the nature of this heritage structure so it is important that this investment is captured, not only to ensure initial benefits but to ensure it self-sustains long into the future without becoming a financial burden to the community.
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Community wealth building will also place people at the heart of this project and will require design decisions to be made on how best to redirect profits back into the local economy and community. This is especially important owing to the area's current deprivation rates as well as residents desire to see support for local businesses and employment opportunities for young people.
