Network Rail has launched a masterplanning process at Bow Goods Yard in East London – the last remaining industrial site in the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).
The 30-acre brownfield site has the potential to deliver a park-side neighbourhood of homes, leisure and industrial space, workspace and workshop accommodation for creative businesses and the largest rail freight campus with integrated last-mile logistics hub to serve Greater London.
The 30-acre brownfield site, which is located next to the A12, was initially used as the main construction hub for the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games and during the events it was used as a warm up track for athletes.
Network Rail has selected Maccreanor Lavington Architects to deliver a vision for the site, with Montagu Evans appointed as lead planning and development consultant. A period of intensive consultation and design will take place this year with a view to submitting a planning application in 2024.
Robin Dobson, group property director at Network Rail, said: “As the last part of the regeneration story for the Olympic Park, Bow Goods Yard is strategically connected by both road and rail. The development has the potential to create London’s largest state-of-the-art freight and last-mile logistics hub to serve Greater London, alongside delivering homes, a workspace campus and open space connecting to the surrounding neighbourhoods.
“The regeneration of this strategic site demonstrates the huge importance rail infrastructure plays in unlocking the development of brownfield sites and to deliver on London’s sustainability agenda. We look forward to working closely with both communities and key stakeholders on this opportunity.”
Lyn Garner, chief executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, added: “This is a very welcome step forward to make significant environmental improvements to the area. The masterplan will help to balance the needs of local communities, create space for much needed housing and retain the benefits of a rail freight hub to help deliver London’s Net Zero commitments.”
Blazej Czuba, associate urban designer with Maccreanor Lavington, said: “We have been developing unique approaches to London’s employment locations for many years and we are thrilled to have been selected to apply them on this unique site. Bow Goods Yard has the potential to be London’s most industrious sites – it is also about its newest park and the evolving residential neighbourhoods around it.
“This project needs care and sensitivity in its design, with a fair amount of innovation. The team understands the complexity of London: its communities, its spatial character, its uses, and the mix that will create a new neighbourhood here for the people of Newham and Tower Hamlets.”
