London’s Urban Regeneration & Renewal Projects

Feb 1st 2011

As a city, London is incredibly dynamic, with constant improvements and changes taking place in both the physical and business landscapes. The previous decades saw sculptures, new buildings and landmarks transform London, and this decade looks to be no exception.

One year in, and London is already host to some intriguing new developments, including The Shard building, Bishopsgate Tower and others, as well as the ongoing developments in East London for the fast approaching Olympics in 2012.

Read on for a shortlist of some of our favourite old and new urban redevelopment and renewal projects in London.

Part of an art installation for The Wapping Project – Photograph by Loz Pycock

The Wapping Project

This urban renewal scheme located midway between the City of London and Canary Wharf has transformed what was once The Wapping Hydraulic Power Station into something new, yet still retaining the influence of the old. The building has been stripped back to its original form, with the boiler and filter houses keeping their original industrial charm.

It is this unique ambience that defines Wapping Food, described by Square Meal as “part gallery space, part contemporary restaurant, part achingly trendy hotspot”, which stands out amongst its contemporaries by offering something truly different in terms of food and setting.

The Wapping Project can be visited at Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, Wapping Wall, E1W 3ST – a short walk or tube ride from London meeting rooms at Fenchurch Street, Leadenhall Street and Fenchurch Avenue.

The Shard

Shard London Bridge is one of the most talked about developments in London at the moment, and certainly one of the more controversial. Designed by Renzo Piano, it was apparently conceived on the back of a menu at a Berlin restaurant in 2000. Shard London Bridge was designed as a replacement for the dated Southwark Towers, which was originally constructed in 1976. The striking architecture involved in this project is sure to provide a visual lift to the London Bridge area.

The Shard is truly a multi-purpose development with a variety of intended uses. It contains office space, residential apartments, a five-star hotel, spa, viewing galleries, restaurants and an open air observation deck.

The Shard under construction – Photograph by George Rex

The Shard is one in a long list of skyscrapers that will be joining London’s skies this decade. Other new projects currently underway or in planning include The Walkie-Talkie, the Cheese Grater, and the more sensibly named Heron and Bishopsgate Towers being built in the City of London, close to London meeting rooms at 288 Bishopsgate and Lombard Street.

Hoxton Project and The Loft Project

The Hoxton Project and the Loft Project have both brought exciting community-driven art and business ventures to East London, making use of different urban spaces to inject new life into the area. The Loft Project continues to be one of the most exciting foodie experiments in London, if not the whole of the UK, whilst the Hoxton Project hosts constantly evolving temporary creative exhibitions.

Currently in residence at the Hoxton Project is The City Arts And Music Project (The CAMP).

Future Urban Regeneration Projects & Developments in London

The Thames Gateway redevelopment aims to maximise the potential of the Thames Gateway to provide London with the space to grow. It is the UK’s largest urban regeneration programme.

London’s East End will be comprehensively redeveloped through the creation of the London 2012 Olympics site. The Stratford area will see massive regeneration from the construction of new housing as it gradually becomes the home of the new Olympic stadium, as discussed in a previous blog post.

Are there any areas of urban renewal in London that you think we’ve missed? What are some of your favourite areas of redevelopment in London? Leave us a comment below and let us know.

Tweet