"exemplary" heron quays west gets the go-ahead

By John Hill on March 14, 2008 11:00 AM |

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THE "EXEMPLARY" design for Heron Quays West has been green-lit by Tower Hamlets planners.

Officers praised the "world class" design of the three-tower building, which will replace the low-rise buildings currently on the west of the estate near the junction with Westferry Road.

The three-tower structure was unanimously approved by the council's Strategic Development committee last Thursday night (March 13).

The plan was drawn up by architects Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners last year.

The development consists of three towers of 12, 21, and 33 storeys, as well as a four-storey pavilion featuring restaurants and cafes. The tallest building on site will rise to a maximum height of 204.9 metres. It is expected to house a total of 7,960 staff.

The building would provide approximately 193.2 square metres of office space, and 2,454 metres of retail within the lower basement level and the subterranean pedestrian link to Jubilee Place mall.

As part of the agreement, developer Canary Wharf Group will be required to pay a total contribution of £18.3million towards lighting, transport and training improvements.

A training and recruitment centre currently on the site will be re-located to the second floor of the pavilion in the new development. The facility will be run by Skillsmatch, and CWG will provide £3million towards employment training.

Other contributions include a £1.5million donation towards public realm improvements, a £3million provision for Docklands Light Railway enhancement works, and £2.5million to social and community facilities on the Island.

Construction will require alterations to the Grade I listed quay wall and partial demolition of the Grade II listed former lock entrance to South Dock. The move will provide more access to the dock via a boardwalk to the south, but board member Cllr Josh moved that access to the dock should always be maintained.