An ambitious plan to transform a corner of East London into the capital’s ‘toolbox’ has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Be First’s Chadwell Heath Masterplan is one of several projects in line for the NLA’s New London Awards in the Masterplans and area strategies category, one of 14 categories at these awards.
The masterplan’s shortlisting follows news of a Be First development, 200 Becontree Avenue, being shortlisted in the NLA’s housing category. The development in Dagenham was selected for its villa style design which sits alongside older homes built for heroes on the iconic Becontree Estate.
Caroline Harper, Chief Planning Director at Be First, said: “It’s fantastic to get shortlisted for the NLA’s as they’re the architectural equivalent to the Oscars.
“We’re proud of the work we’ve done on Chadwell Heath. It’s bold, innovative and will completely transform the area into a powerhouse for 21st Century industrial and residential living.”
The masterplan unveils proposals for a new neighbourhood on a 32-hectare post-industrial site.
Currently the area is blighted with poor infrastructure and multiple ownerships.
The masterplan envisages a future-facing, mixed-use place that rethinks industrial value in London.
Its overriding idea is that Chadwell Heath could become the ‘Toolbox for London’, a highly innovative place for making and industry.
Haptic Architects were approached to develop a creative strategy for intensifying the site with new uses, delivering around 4,000 new homes, open spaces and schools alongside an ambitious mix of industry and workplaces, with a particular focus on gaming, media and tech industries.
The aim is to target young people and families, bringing work opportunities and affordable homes together in an integrated, sustainable neighbourhood.
Scott Grady, Director, Haptic Architects, said: “This vibrant new neighbourhood will rethink the value of industry in our cities and the role it can play in bringing communities to life.
“Working across a range of scales, small and medium enterprises will have shopfronts to activate the new streets and squares, with large making- and production space, such as the Saw Mill building, creating new landmarks within the area. We’re delighted to see our vision shortlisted for an NLA Award.”
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