Suggestions could shape wood wharf park proposal

By John Hill on November 22, 2007 12:00 AM

IT'S going to be one of the biggest building projects in Europe - and you can have an influence.
A vision of the massive Wood Wharf waterfront "community" to the east of Canary Wharf has been revealed to the public, whose views on a park area are being sought.
The scheme will provide international businesses with around five million square feet of extra office space, but developers are also keen to highlight the community space on offer in the seven-hectare scheme.

Among the planned features is a 3.9-hectare community space similar to Battery Park in New York. The design of the park will be influenced by the suggestions of the public. Initial ideas include a natural open park, a grid-pathed space and an "island" area peppered with water pools. The park could play host to a cycle network, a jogging track or areas for tai chi and yoga.
The plans are being displayed at the West Wintergarden in Canary Wharf this week. Wood Wharf planning manager James Larkin said: "It's important for us to get a clear view of what the public think is the most important use of the space."
Designs for the site are based on a masterplan approved by Tower Hamlets Council in 2003. The current 13-building scheme was unveiled on Monday (November 19) by the Wood Wharf Partnership, composed of Canary Wharf Group (CWG), British Waterways and Ballymore.
To the south of the site overlooking South Dock, seven residential buildings will provide 1.75million sq ft of space - enough for 1,400 units. Negotiations are ongoing, but 36 per cent of these units has been earmarked for affordable housing in line with council guidelines.
A 57-storey residential tower to the south west will be the scheme's tallest building at 206 metres, about 40 metres less than One Canada Square (the main Canary Wharf tower and the tallest in the UK).
Interest has already been shown in the proposed five-star hotel, while 16,000sq ft of retail will also be provided. Developers envisage a range of bars, cafes and restaurants on the Southern Esplanade, as well as a dedicated high street running through the area.
A total of 40,000sq ft of community facilities will be available, with suggestions ranging from an NHS centre to an Idea Store. Wood Wharf will feature 870 car parking spaces.
An outline application is expected early next year.
CWG's chief operating officer Damian Wisniewski said: "The first phase could go ahead by late 2009, but it could take as much as 10 or 15 years to complete.
"A lot will depend on the strength of the global finances economy. If it's buoyant, these buildings will go up more quickly." john.hill@wharf.co.uk
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