A place in the making
A stretch of undeveloped land on a distinctive curve of the Thames has provided a blank canvas and an unrivalled opportunity to develop Greenwich Peninsula, a new place for London
From the masterplan by Sir Terry Farrell, a picture is beginning to emerge at Greenwich Peninsula, with the transformation underway of 190 acres of former industrial land into a new riverside destination with 10,000 new homes, offices, shops, restaurants, parks, healthcare facilities and schools. Excellent transport links by tube, bus and by river bus are already in place. At the centre of Greenwich Peninsula is The O2, which opened last year and has already established itself as one of the world’s most popular entertainment venues.
After many years of planning, Greenwich Peninsula is now being brought to life by a joint venture between developers Lend Lease and Quintain Estates and Development plc, working with English Partnerships. The major aim is to create a community where people will choose to live and work, a balance of landmark architecture and sustainable design to enhance the quality of life for residents and workers alike, with innovation at the heart of the development.
Peninsula Square was unveiled last year at the heart of Greenwich Peninsula. London’s newest, and highly popular, public square is already a lively gateway to The O2. It will become an important hub for the entire community at Greenwich Peninsula – for residents, workers in the new business district (currently being developed at Peninsula Central) and for visitors to The O2.
At night, exceptional lighting design brings a new dimension to the square: creating drama and excitement, enhancing the square’s architecture and establishing a visual landmark on London’s skyline.
On the wider peninsula, there has been a strong focus on creating public realm. Forty-eight acres of open space, the equivalent of Green Park, are being developed. Central Park is being developed at the heart of The Peninsula. In the great tradition of London’s public parks, this will be a place for a stroll, a lunchtime sandwich or a run before work. ‘Eco corridors’ will connect the park to the riverside, encouraging wildlife and biodiversity.
Within just a few months, Peninsula Square has become a place to celebrate New Year, watch the Rugby World Cup on the performance wall or to meet friends before a concert at The 02. Its scale is magnificent, the size of Leicester Square yet with 21st century style and panache. It has dramatic water features, longitude lines marking the Greenwich Meridian and a stage and a performance wall for special events, festivals and performances. A stylish canopy links North Greenwich station and guides the crowds into the square and towards The O2
Distinctive neighbourhoods with strong identities are being developed. Peninsula Quays, for example, will be a stylish, riverside neighbourhood, featuring quality apartments with balconies and landscaped gardens, tree-lined boulevards and a riverfront with shops, al fresco bars and restaurants. The waterfront promenade will extend along the river, with seating and performance areas, new river terraces and steps leading to the water’s edge. Other neighbourhoods currently being developed include Peninsula Riverside, next to the Thames, and Peninsula Central, close to the business district, again each with its own character. There will be an abundance of landscaped roofs, to provide roof terraces for residents and encourage wildlife habitats.
Public art will form an important part of an attractive and innovative public realm at Greenwich Peninsula, helping to create a sense of place and to contribute to the development of the social and physical identity of Greenwich Peninsula. Behind the art strategy is a group comprising English Partnerships, the joint venture partners Lend Lease and Quintain Estates and Development plc, Greenwich Millennium Village, Arts Council and the London Borough of Greenwich. An art competition has been launched to mark 10 years of regeneration at Greenwich Peninsula and a series of activities including artists’ commissions, school and community arts projects and outdoor events are planned.
Designed as the hub of Greenwich Peninsula, Peninsula Central is the new commercial district where 24,000 people will work in a variety of businesses. With 3.5 million sq ft of office space being built next to North Greenwich tube station, overlooking Peninsula Square and close to The O2, Peninsula Central will be an easily accessible London location, just 20 minutes from the West End and one tube stop from Canary Wharf. Transport for London will be the first tenant, positioning Peninsula Central for similar high profile occupants.
The business district has been designed with a strong emphasis on work/life balance. Workers will be able to stroll along landscaped riverside paths, enjoy spectacular views across the Thames, or spend their lunch hours exploring shops and cafes around Peninsula Square and in The O2. For those who choose to live at Greenwich Peninsula, a short walk home will mean a stress-free commute.
With Ravensbourne College of Design and Communications moving to the Peninsula in 2010, businesses will have a pool of talent to tap into for recruitment. The College specialises in the creative exploitation of digital technologies in design and communication. Its programmes include fashion, broadcasting, animation, product, interior and graphic design.Other educational facilities will include a nursery, a primary school and a secondary school for the children of 24,000 people who will live at Greenwich Peninsula.
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The anchor in the square is The Peninsula Spire, a 45-metre twisting stainless steel sculpture. Geysers set in the paving bubble and mist, creating soaring columns of water, and the history of Greenwich Meridian is engraved in the granite paving
Within just a few months, Peninsula Square has become a place to celebrate New Year, watch the Rugby World Cup on the performance wall or to meet friends before a concert at The 02.
The deep blue glass performance wall is lit with 6,000 LEDS, changing colour and definition. A growing green wall, rich with foliage and flowers, set with gently flowing waterfalls, defines the southern edge of the square, with seating to encourage people to meet and spend time in the square
Peninsula Quays will be a new riverside neighbourhood with tree-lined boulevards and a riverfront with shops, al fresco bars and restaurants
Ravensbourne College, with 14,000 sq metres of floorspace and shops, will stand next to The O2. Its design, by Foreign Office Architects, will reflect the cutting edge of Ravensbourne, bringing life and energy to this part of the square
