The Urbanist
Developing London
Feb 13, 2025
Simon Lewis, Planning and Development Director at St James and St William, discusses the fascinating restoration of London's historic gas holders, emphasizing their engineering beauty and community significance. Glenn Howells, founder of Howells, shares insights on transforming Canary Wharf with the vibrant Eden Dock, aiming for ecological balance and community involvement. Tamsin Ace, leading East Bank, highlights its role as a cultural hub near the Olympic Park, promoting socio-economic growth through partnerships with institutions like the V&A and BBC.
30:32
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Quick takeaways
- The restoration of London's historical gas holders exemplifies the merging of industrial heritage with modern urban living, creating vibrant communities.
- Eden Dock's transformation from a business-centric area to a community space enhances ecological diversity and promotes public engagement with nature.
Deep dives
Revitalizing London's Gas Holders
London's historical gas holders, remnants of the industrial revolution, are undergoing significant restoration and redevelopment to repurpose these iconic structures. Developers like St James and St William view these frames as heritage assets, often listing them as protected structures due to their historical significance. These redevelopment projects aim not only to retain the character of the structures but to re-integrate them into modern urban life, creating vibrant communities around them. For instance, the Bromley by Bow project showcases seven listed gas holders, emphasizing the importance of preserving industrial heritage while fostering new sustainable living spaces.
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