Regal has submitted a planning application for the mixed-use Orchard Wharf development in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
The proposals for the 2.35 hectare site, which sits adjacent to the mouth of the River Lea, comprise a 7,524 sq m (circa 81,000 sq ft) wharf and logistics centre, 208 affordable homes and 1,365 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds.
Regal also intends to deliver a ground floor cafe and community hub, 7,400 sq m of new open space including play areas, landscaped gardens for residents and open space.
Regal and Thames Clippers Logistics have already agreed outline lease terms for the wharf and logistics centre, which will offer a high speed, light river freight logistics service transporting cargo on behalf of businesses. This would be a high frequency, all tide service, using a RO-RO vessel concept.
Steve Harrington, planning director at Regal, said: “Orchard Wharf has been a real labour of love and we are delighted to present our wider vision to deliver a new riverside neighbourhood with significant student and affordable housing, relieving the pressures on the housing stock in Tower Hamlets – all alongside a reactivated working wharf. Regal, with Thames Clipper Logistics, will play a key part in further bringing the River Thames into use to support a more sustainable London for the future.”
Geoff Symonds, COO of Thames Clipper Logistics, added: “Thames Clippers are delighted to be partnering with Regal on the regeneration of Orchard Wharf a protected riverside site as a sustainable freight facility. This project will do much in revitalising the Thames as a clean and efficient transport route into the capital to meet the demands of a growing city and remove more vehicles from its congested roads.”
William Poole, partner at Howells, said: “Situated between London City Island and Trinity Buoy Wharf, our proposal continues the vibrant character of industrial brick buildings that has come to define the Leamouth neighbourhood over the last decade.
“Taking full advantage of this extraordinary Thames-side location, elevated gardens above the wharf will offer residents a spectacular outlook, while at ground level, new connections and community space provide an improved environment for the public and visitors. We look forward to delivering this transformational project with Regal.”
