AECOM has enabled its client, Westferry Developments Limited, to optimise  its original planning consent in order to increase the number of homes and deliver a major new housing scheme on the Isle of Dogs by addressing key infrastructure challenges. The updated waterfront plan will include 1,500 new homes available to rent or buy, 35% of which will be affordable housing. The scheme, which has now been submitted to London Borough of Tower Hamlets for consideration, will also include shops, restaurants, workspaces, several public open spaces and two new parks.

AECOM was able to increase the number of homes from the original consent by facilitating major services diversions, including a large scale Dock Water heating and cooling energy solution that would be below ground to avoid using up space. AECOM also ensured that the homes would be designed for a de-carbonising electrical grid. The expansion of the plan will also be achieved by raising the height of the buildings, whilst maintaining the principles of the original masterplan.

The new planning application is in line with the Mayor’s London Plan, which identifies the Isle of Dogs as an area that requires substantial investment in the delivery of new and affordable homes. In addition, it meets the London Plan’s call for higher density developments.

The AECOM team is providing MEP, sustainability, energy, acoustics, fire, ICT, security services. Martin McLaughlin, Director, Building Engineering, said: “AECOM’s aim is to deliver a faster and smarter service and we are proud to deliver innovative infrastructure solutions to tackle our client’s key infrastructure challenges. Not only will the scheme be energy efficient, it will also provide much-needed affordable homes and significantly enhance an area noted in the London Plan.”

Mike Myles, Development Director at Mace Developments commented: “The submission of a new planning application for Westferry Printworks to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets is a real statement of intent that aligns itself with both the needs of the local community and the delivery of new and affordable homes for Londoners. We are extremely proud to be part of this flagship scheme that will contribute significantly to the enhancement of this area, whilst fully aligning with the London Plan.”

The submission to London Borough of Tower Hamlets follows consultation with statutory bodies, key stakeholders, councillors, neighbours and the local community together with a public exhibition which took place in May 2018. The former Westferry Printworks masterplan first received planning consent for a residential led mixed use scheme with 722 homes in August 2016 and since then the existing buildings have been demolished and the site cleared ready for construction.