Castle Green Masterplan
Urban Design, Masterplan
A reinvention of the industrial layout and building typology for improved integration with the urban context. Proposals redevelop the Ripple Lane Industrial Trade Hub which currently hosts the DB Cargo Rail Terminal and warehousing.
Client: Westbourne Capital
Scope: Industrial and mixed-use development
RIBA Stages: 1-2
Addressing the challenges of how to keep inner London strategic industrial land relevant in age of global competition of open border free market, the project learns from previous models and reinvents the typology to reflect future needs.
Key design themes focus on the strategic connectivity of the site and opportunities such as reinventing the industrial typology and activating public realm. Transport connections have the potential to unlock future potential for sustainable redevelopment. Proposed typology appears as a seamless production line, utilising a core with animation and activation of the spaces in between. A vibrant and legible public realm contributes to a renewed vision for a better organised and commercially competitive industry.
Capitalising strategic connectivity
Located east of Barking town centre and in proximity to Barking Riverside, the site sits along the major connectors of Alfreds Way and Ripple Road (A13), and just north of a proposed extension of the overground line to Barking Riverside. These connections can unlock the area’s future potential for regeneration in line with the London Plan 2016. The proposal therefore seeks to deliver comprehensive sustainable redevelopment of the site.
Reinventing the industrial typology
The proposed typology differs in size and extends vertically over four floors, whereupon the unit as a whole can be seen as a seamless production line. Utilising the core as a tool to provide delineation between units while simultaneously allowing animation / activation of the space in between further contributes to a lively public realm and provides a glimpse into the workings of a well-ordered 21st century industry.
Activating public realm
The unit offers a legible understanding of front (public face) and rear (servicing), hence creating a vibrant public realm and a stimulating working environment for a community of various industrial trades. At the block scale it offers clearly delineated flexible and autonomous working spaces with shared delivery and services - all contributing to a renewed vision for a better organised and commercially competitive industry.
