New future planned for Bishopsgate Goods Yard
A new lease of life is being planned for the historic Bishopsgate Goods Yard which has been dormant for 40 years.
The Mayor of London and Hackney and Tower Hamlets Councils have approved new planning guidance that will shape the future of the 4.7 hectare site in Shoreditch which straddles the borough boundaries.
The planning guidance lays out the vision for the site’s future regeneration, which could provide up to 2,000 new homes, including family and affordable housing, along with a health centre, community facilities and employment space.
An exciting feature of proposed development will be the creation of a high-level public park above the Braithwaite Viaduct, with links to existing green spaces such as Allen Gardens – to create a Shoreditch version of the famous New York High Line park. These plans will see up to 1.7 hectares of open space created for the local community.
Tower Hamlets Council Lead Member for Housing and Development, Cllr Marc Francis, said:“We particularly want to make sure any development integrates the Grade II listed Braithwaite viaduct and former entrance gates in a creative way.
“After sitting there unused for 40 years, it really is time to see this site brought back to life. The new Shoreditch high Street station will open on the East London Line extension next summer and it’s the perfect catalyst for the site’s regeneration.”
The planning guidance was amended after a ten week period of extensive community and stakeholder consultation which took place during March to May 2009. The draft was approved as interim planning guidance by Tower Hamlets’ cabinet on 2 December and Hackney’s cabinet on 23 November 2009. Deputy Mayor of London Sir Simon Milton endorsed the guidance on 9 December.
The local authorities and the GLA
< have worked closely with the future developers Ballymore Group and Hammerson Plc and with urban designers Terry Farrell and Partners to produce the planning guidance.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Councils will now work with Transport for London to implement public realm improvements to provide an attractive setting for the new station. We will also consider temporary uses for the Braithwaite arches, such as shops, leisure facilities and cultural uses, to generate activity at the site before comprehensive redevelopment takes place.
A version of this article appears on www.newstartmag.co.uk
January 14 2010
