Redeveloping the East River into a waterfront esplanade and recreational oasis for New York residents and tourists was an essential component of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's Vision for Lower Manhattan announced in 2002.

SHoP Architects, working with Richard Rogers Partnership, has produced a masterplan for the 1.5 mile stretch of waterfront from Battery Park to East River Park, transforming it into a continuous greenway half the size of Central Park. Buro Happold's New York team has supported SHoP with its design. Key objectives for the masterplan include improving access to and along the water's edge, and providing new uses and amenities for the waterfront.

The masterplan strategy also incorporates residential, cultural and commercial buildings within the area. It is estimated that 10 million to 20 million square feet of new building space will be created over the next 50 years in Lower Manhattan.

Revitalising the waterfront will also play an important part in supporting New York's financial district and the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. By opening up waterfront access it will be easier for residents to visit the area's sites of interest and stores.

Date: 1997 - current