A future-facing, mixed-use masterplan for a 32-hectare site in Barking and Dagenham that rethinks industrial value.Extra-LargeLiveUKUrbanWork
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Chadwell Heath Transformation Area is a new neighbourhood in east London, planned on a post-industrial site disconnected from its surroundings, with poor infrastructure and multiple ownerships.
We were approached to develop a creative strategy for intensifying the site with new uses, delivering around 3,500 new homes, open space 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.
“The existing site developed in a piecemeal fashion. The new scheme needs to address the significant under-utilisation of land across the site, bringing density, movement and connectivity.”
Scott Grady, Haptic
“We want to set the agenda for the delivery of future-facing industry.” Scott Grady, Haptic
Green arteries, with pocket parks and squares, will converge at a market square, extending out to local transport hubs – including a new Crossrail station.
Each neighbourhood will have a variety of residential, technology, workplace and cultural buildings, reinforcing the value of industry and the role it can play in bringing communities to life.
Homes and industry will sit side by side, giving small and medium-sized businesses shop windows and space for collaboration.
Wellbeing is at the heart of the vision, so we designed the streets to prioritise pedestrians and bicycles, connecting to a cycle superhighway running along the north of the site.
"Haptic’s approach draws on their masterplanning experience elsewhere, but they also fully understand the changing policy climate within the new London Plan. They manage to balance workable, commercially-sensible proposals with ideas that push good place-making that bit further along, helping to create resilient, pleasant neighbourhoods." Caroline Harper, Chief Planning Director, Be First
"They have produced a lot of work for us in a short amount of time, working with other team consultants to ensure that the project progresses each week. I wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again." Caroline Harper, Chief Planning Director, Be First
The Saw Mill, in the north-east corner of the site, is an industry-led workplace, integrating co-working with sustainable fabrication and education.
“As a factory for the future, the Saw Mill could use modern methods of construction to deliver the homes at Chadwell Heath, alongside new jobs and education opportunities.” Scott Grady, Haptic
The sequencing of the development will be particularly challenging, freeing up plots for new industry and homes, and decanting existing businesses to alternative locations on the site.
