MASTER PLAN

PROPOSED MASSING PLAN

Large new public realm

Reactivated waterfront

Low traffic neighbourhood

Connected to the wider area

Circular economy principals

Final masterplan orange buildings PNG.png

Silvertown Quays' new Master Plan has been designed to respond to its context. A thorough site appraisal has been performed and along with details from past community consultations, a clear understanding of residents needs and wants has been established. As illustrated below, many of the design decisions have been made in direct response to such feedback whilst the principals of sustainable and economically viable design have been implemented to ensure a resilient community far into the future.

PROPOSED MASSING PLAN

Low rise, high density quadrangle design encourages micro communities to form.

Perimeter parking ensures a low traffic neighbourhood and acts as a safety/noise buffer from the A1020.

Lower densities on the western boundary respect neighbouring building typographies.

A new shopping boulevard will be central to the community and provide a line of site from the Mills to Silo D.

Residential

A spread of residential units ensures vibrancy throughout the day and into the evening which will help to bring vitality to an area which currently lacks vitality due to a large commercial presence such as the ExCel centre and airport.
High building densities ensure the most efficient use of land whilst heights are staggered to maximise water views.
Properties to the west of the site will stand at a maximum of 4 stories tall to respond to the neighbouring low rise housing at Britannia Village and to prevent any overshadowing or invasion of privacy for existing residents.
Perimeter blocks help to create micro-communities where residents can mix and partake in communal activities within shared gardens whilst individual balconies (and gardens for family townhouses) provide much needed outdoor space for post-pandemic city living.
Mixed communities are a vital element of the design and will bring cohesion between the myriad of cultures within the area. A high percentage of affordable units and lifetime home standards will allow residents to feel secure and settled within the area which in turn will give them a greater sense of belonging and pride, essential for the long term success of the development.

Commercial

The commercial quarter is located to the north west of the site and encompasses the iconic Millennium Mills building along with 3 further mid-rise blocks that are massed to create a commercial hub, mirroring the principal that was successfully implemented during the regeneration of Dublin's docklands. The hub's prominent location on the waterfront will create an impressive skyline when viewed from the opposite side of the dock and the Royal Victoria Footbridge will provide easy access for business visitors coming from the ExCel Centre.
The 'Millennium Plaza' surrounds the commercial buildings and welcomes the public into an inclusive space, ensuring that it does not become homogeneous among solely professional workers, such as the neighbouring Canary Wharf.
A new waterway is being created to ensure a healthy flow of water around the dock and this will create an island effect, leading the area to be nicknamed 'Innovation Island' and giving it a distinct identity that will become known throughout the wider public.
Another commercial building borders the busy roundabout and road to the south east of the site which will create a natural buffer for the residential units behind.

Retail / Hospitality

Retail units have been massed to create a shopping boulevard that will house small units with flexible leases to encourage local business and enterprise.
The boulevard has been placed in a way that captures views of the water whilst providing a line of site between Millennium Mills plaza and Silo D. This signifies the unique nature and heritage of the site.
A large superstore has been included as a direct response to community consultation. This will be built on the south western boundary to minimise the amount of cars entering the site and its location also considers the existing high density residential areas within the vicinity that will need to access this vital service.

PROPOSED GREEN/BLUE NETWORK

Floating productive beds support a circular economy whilst educating and feeding local people. These beds will also provide an opportunity to explore the water.

A retained and extended green perimeter will create a buffer for the busy road.

Silo Park creates a line of site across the water to Silo D from the pavement/road. This is a space to congregate for events and in the summer months whilst the lido is open.

A green corridor allows residents safe access through the development to the waterfront.

Proposed blue/green network.

Green Network

The green network has been greatly extended due to the lack of open green space in the area. This will allow the new community, as well as neighbouring areas, to become more resilient in a post-pandemic world as well as provide an improved quality of life for residents.
Most residential properties are massed as perimeter blocks to provide a closer connection with neighbours and central communal gardens are designed to be used to meet, play and even grow food.
A green corridor runs throughout the eastern section of the development, allowing residents a safe and pleasant walk to the waterfront.
Silo Park is a large, green open space that is designed to be used for community events and performances during the summer months. Its location next to Silo D will support the cultural centre as well as allowing unobstructed views to this historically important structure.
Improvements to pedestrian crossings over the A1020 will be made to connect Silo Park to the Thames Barrier Park, the other significant green space in the area.

Blue Network

A perimeter walkway, cycle path and many green open spaces are situated around the waters edge to encourage people to interact and enjoy the site's unique context.
A permanent lido will be built outside Silo D which can be used by the public for a nominal donation. This will promote health in a community with high levels of deprivation and provide a fun and inclusive activity for all ages. To support the community, free swimming lessons will be offered.
Floating productive beds will be an integral part of the design. These will provide fresh produce that can be used to sustain the community run restaurant (circular economy) and the process of growing will act as an educational resource for all ages. The plants will be sustained by the water and act as a filtration system, aiding water quality for the lido.

Public Realm

There are many open public spaces within the development which have been designed to be large enough to host such events as markets and festivals however small enough to remain at a human scale.
The main plaza is centered around the Millennium Mills building to signify its dominance in the area and ensure that it is fully accessible to the public once again.
Despite improved public transport links, inevitably some residents will require a car due to varied personal circumstances. Therefore, perimeter car parks have been located on the edge of the development to ensure a low traffic neighbourhood that encourages walking and prioritises people over cars.

CONNECTIVITY

PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN CONNECTIVITY

A new cycle network will support micro-mobility.

PROPOSED VEHICLE CONNECTIVITY

Low traffic neighbourhoods will be implemented.

Pedestrian Connectivity

The master plan has been created to be as permeable as possible to allow for full integration with the neighbouring communities of Britannia Village and Royal Wharf.
Footpaths have been created that follow existing routes along with a number of new routes that seek to allow the area to become more legible.
The whole development is a low traffic neighbourhood which will encourage walking and micro-mobility methods. This is not only safer but will improve the health of residents and the overall environment with Silvertown Quays being committed to the most sustainable methods of living.
Favoring people over cars will create a more equitable community as many local residents do not have the resources available to own a car. Therefore, if facilities are built to be accessed on foot (where possible), less people will find themselves at a disadvantage.

Vehicle Connectivity

A hierarchy of roads has been planned to manage traffic levels and allow the development to be as safe and pollution free as possible. 2 main roads interconnect the site with a majority of cars being required to park in the perimeter spaces available. The remaining internal streets abide by a one-way system which allows them to be narrower, inviting more social interactions and a safer space for children to play outside their houses.
Restricted roads to the west of the development provide vehicle access to service the retail premises as well as the Millennium Mills and Silo D buildings during events and festivals.

Connections to the Wider Area

The current pedestrian crossing that gives access to the DLR station will be upgraded to a zebra crossing to enhance safety as well as act to slow down passing traffic. This Zebra crossing will be colourfully painted to signify its route towards the Silo D cultural centre.
A further crossing will be implemented to connect the communities and facilities to the north and south of the A1020 an this specific location has been chosen as it will form a direct connection to the Thames Barrier Park, an all important addition to the area's green network.