Patel taylor UnlockS a
hIStorIc area oF waPPIng
An area of London that has been closed off for more than two
centuries is getting a new lease of life. Patel Taylor, on behalf of St
George, is transforming London Dock in Wapping into a mixed-use
development that combines its rich site history with contemporary
dockside living, creating new links and views through the site.
The architect developed the masterplan for the 6.5 hectare site and
is designing each phase of the project, the first of which is now
taking shape. Most recently home to publishing behemoth News
International, the 450 metre long site dates back to 1805 when
the London Docks were opened. The first route of access was via
maritime transportations from the Thames in Shadwell.
Since goods are no longer transported into the city via waterways,
St Katharine’s Dock and Tobacco Dock have evolved into residential
neighbourhoods, commercial offices and an entertainment venue
over the past two hundred years. London Dock’s transformation will
unite the key docks, waterways and basins within Wapping.
Prior to this, the area was used as market gardens. This historical
aspect, combined with the form of the docks, has informed Patel
Taylor’s design. The major part of the site consists of C-shaped
courtyard buildings with water gardens set within, facing toward the
water. The landscaped strips between the buildings are modelled
on the market gardens era.
Both above and below these buildings are two new pedestrian
walkways connecting to key streets within Wapping. In addition,
the practice negotiated with Historic England to create three
new public access routes through the retained buildings on the
northern edge of the site. ‘In this way we have greatly increased
the permeability of the site, allowing public and residents to see
through it, and providing important connectivity,’ said Andrew
Taylor, founding director of Patel Taylor.
In addition, the development has a major new public square,
Gauging Square, to the west, designed to draw the public into the