foster + partners plans 73-storey residential tower in london

foster + partners plans 73-storey residential tower in london
all images courtesy of foster + partners / berkeley group

foster + partners has submitted plans to local authorities for the redevelopment of south quay plaza in east london. working alongside berkeley property developers , the proposed masterplan reinvigorates the waterfront, making the area publicly accessible, and providing approximately 950 homes and retail outlets across two distinct towers of 73 and 36 storeys respectively. the regeneration involves demolishing an existing retail complex, two office buildings and a leisure facility, which restrict access and leave very little room for accessible civic space.

(left) the 73-storey tower rises above its surroundings
(right) retail outlets and dining locations activate the waterfront

the structures comprise a range of apartment types and sizes to meet the varied housing needs of the area, with a significant proportion of properties deemed affordable. an important part of the scheme is the integration of 1.5 acres of high quality external space and the provision of shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities.

the development includes the provision of shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities

the development will provide the city with around 750 full-time jobs, with the vast majority of existing on-site employment relocated within the area. additionally, 465 workers will be employed as part of the construction process. foster’s skyscraper maximizes distance the between the tower and surrounding structures, offering expansive views across the british capital. the building’s fluted form highlights its slender proportions, while corner windows soften the hard edges of the edifice.

the scheme integrates 1.5 acres of high quality external public space

from an environmental perspective, an on-site energy center – featuring a combined heat and power plant – recycles power, providing hot water and electricity, while photovoltaic panels offer renewable energy throughout the design. solar access and sunlight levels have been maximized by the position, shape and orientation of the buildings, with landscaping designed to minimize wind disturbance.

the residential towers occupy a prominent waterside location in east london

‘we are delighted to submit our plans for south quay plaza to the london borough of tower hamlets,’ explained harry lewis, managing director at berkeley homes (south east london), ‘our plans for south quay plaza will deliver a world class development. we will provide much needed new homes, including new affordable homes, over an acre of new and enhanced public open space, a re-activated waterfront onto south dock and the millwall cutting, as well as space for retail, bars and restaurants. this is a rare opportunity to deliver such significant, high quality public realm in canary wharf.’

aerial view showing the existing site location