Archetech Issue 65 2023 | Page 56

ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS

POPLAR RIVERSIDE

ST WILLIAM UNVEILS MAJOR RIVERSIDE NEIGHBOURHOOD IN EAST LONDON
St William , part of the Berkeley Group , has launched Poplar Riverside , a major new riverside neighbourhood on the banks of the River Lea in Poplar , London .
A significant new chapter for this part of the capital , Poplar Riverside occupies 20 acres and will provide 2,800 new homes , a new school , a new park , as well as a gym , a crèche , shops , restaurants and cafes all set to become a new and vibrant Zone 2 / 3 neighbourhood .
With over half the development dedicated to green space , the transformation will provide a 2.5-acre public park with an adventure and nature playground for children to explore alongside a 500m riverside walkway . Poplar Riverside will also bring over 90,000 sq ft of commercial space , a new Sainsbury ’ s food store , a riverside pub and world-class public and residents ’ facilities , firmly establishing a new hub for the local community .
LIFE ON THE WATERFRONT
A sustainable , green community sits at the heart of St William ’ s vision for Poplar Riverside , with landscaped gardens and open space covering more than half of the scheme .
The new riverside walkway and park will create a vibrant outdoor public space to be enjoyed throughout the seasons . Designed by LDA Design , the landscape will include 227 semi-mature trees ( including the rare Black Poplar ), thousands of shrubs and tens of thousands of plants to create a variety of new natural habitats . The new green open spaces will create a 55 % gain in Net Biodiversity .
A new play area will be incorporated within the park , alongside a large terrace and a 10,000 sq ft outdoor performance space at Shelduck Square that will be used for public events . In addition , a public square featuring a café and Wi-Fi-enabled spaces will serve as a venue for community events .
ARCHETECH - PAGE 56