The second phase of the South Waterfront Park project has been completed. Designed by SWA/Balsley and Weiss/Manfredi, the development occupies a 4.45 hectare former industrial site. In addition to housing a variety of recreational facilities, it will also help protect the city against heatwaves or storms, a resilient approach that can also be seen in the recently completed Domino Park in Brooklyn.
The main aim is to make the site attractive both for economic activities and culture. Altogether, some 35,000 skilled jobs could be created for residents of London and Newham, while there are also plans for 4,000 new homes. It is hoped the project will bring in £5 billion of foreign inward investment by 2037/2038.
The complex will also include a Research Centre for Control and Exploration the Black Sea. The six-storey building will be based in the eastern part of the port, and will also host exhibitions, concerts, and a variety of educational activities. The project forms part of moves to open urban areas up to the sea once more and redevelop industrial or port zones as part of the city’s master plan. Opening planned for 2020.
The Hub will be one of the cornerstones of Wirral Waters, the regeneration scheme for the south bank of the Mersey. The aim is to make the hub a leading global centre for research, innovation, education and training in the maritime industries. Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen has been selected for the project. The Hub will include two buildings, including the 19th century Hydraulic Tower, which will be restored and refurbished, while there will also be a major focus on green spaces, including roof terraces.