OMA plans 'morden wharf' neighborhood for greenwich peninsula in london

plans have been unveiled for ‘morden wharf’, a major mixed-use development on london’s greenwich peninsula. the project, designed by OMA, comprises 12 residential buildings, as well as commercial, retail and community spaces. it is estimated that the neighborhood will deliver around 1,500 new homes, hundreds of new jobs, and more than six acres of public realm — including a landscaped park along the river thames.

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plans for morden wharf were presented by U+I, a specialist regeneration developer and investor. OMA’s proposed design includes over three acres of riverfront park, known as ‘morden park’, which will offer views of the maritime greenwich world heritage site and canary wharf across the river. the park will lead directly off the thames path and will be open to workers, visitors, and residents alike.

‘morden wharf is designed to foster community and has the right mix of uses to create a successful and vibrant neighborhood, all stitched together with beautiful public realm,’ explains OMA’s reinier de graaf, partner in charge of the project. ‘we have drawn design inspiration from greenwich peninsula’s industrial heritage – from the warehouses and silos that once sat on the site, to the iron lattice structure of the gasholders. we have also looked back further, to the original marshland landscape of the peninsula, and in creating the park and public realms we are seeking to return the post-industrial landscape to a more natural and ecologically diverse condition.’

35% of the site’s 1,500 homes will be deemed ‘affordable’, with a particular emphasis placed on ‘family homes’. meanwhile, a number of the residential buildings will feature vertical green façades that will help to provide natural screening and improve air quality. the scheme will also deliver a mix of commercial and employment uses that the developers say will create around 1,100 new permanent jobs. in addition, over 2,400 construction jobs will be generated over the course of the development program.

as part of the plan, a new public square will host seasonal events and markets as well as large amounts of recreation space for all age groups. underground car parking facilities means the public space will cater almost exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists. elsewhere, the development will include a series of maker spaces and light industrial units, while a new pub inside an existing structure will join a mix of refurbished workspace for creative businesses. the plans also include a new permanent boat house on an existing jetty, designed by carmody groarke.

the site is located in the south western corner of the greenwich peninsula around 15 minutes walking distance from north greenwich station on the jubilee line. following consultation with the local community and key stakeholders, the plans have now been submitted to local authorities for approval.

project info:

name: morden wharf
location: greenwich peninsula london, UK
design: OMA
developer: U+I
status: plans submitted for approval