Revitalising the Riverside

Convoys Wharf

Lewisham, London, UK

The 16ha Convoys Wharf site, which had previously been used as a dockyard since the days of King Henry VIII, occupies a significant part of the London Borough of Lewisham’s river frontage. Buro Happold has been involved in a succession of redevelopment proposals for the site over the past fourteen years and most recently prepared the Environmental Statement for the regeneration scheme designed by Terry Farrell and Partners.

Site will eventually include 3,500 homes as well as shops, restaurants and leisure developments

Project includes restoration of the Grade II-listed Olympia Building and the historic Saves Court garden

400m Thames-side footpath created

Challenge

The team was tasked with undertaking works that would contribute towards the scheme to revitalize the area. The project includes creating a high quality mixed-use residential, commercial and leisure development that includes three landmark towers, two standing at 38 the other at 48 storeys.

A working wharf and associated new jetty will be part of the scheme, together with a new 400 metre Thames-side footpath that will open areas along the river to the public for the first time in 150 years.

Solution

Buro Happold’s most recent role on the site involved assessing its impact on air quality, soils and ground conditions, noise and vibration, socio-economic issues, sunlight and daylight/overshadowing, waste, water, flood risk, wind and the microclimate, as well as a description of the scheme proposals, a non-technical summary and consideration of alternatives to the proposed scheme.

Our team was responsible for the efficient coordination and flow of information between the design team, technical specialists and sub-consultants to ensure that the three volume Environmental Statement was consistent, accurate and addressed all potential impact issues.

Value

The £1 billion scheme will create 2,000 permanent jobs and 3,500 homes and has been granted outline planning consent. Buro Happold has been central to discussions between key stakeholders, including the London Borough of Lewisham, the GLA and the developer, Hutchison Whampoa, providing a full range of technical support and input where required.