Draft Isle of Dogs Waterspace Strategy Reduced Feb 08

prepared for: British Waterways London
Isle of Dogs
A new water park in Thames Estuary Parklands
prepared by: Farrells
Date Febuary 2008
DRAFT
Sir Terry Farrell
Principal, Farrells
FOREWORD
The Waterways of the Isle of Dogs are positioned as a
gateway to the Thames Estuary Parklands and were
historically central to the economic development both
of London and Britain. They are a unique landscape of
engineered docks and canals alongside the River Thames
and are exceptional in their size and rich heritage.
Today their national signifcance and role in the revival of
East London is unclear. They provide visual amenity for
the regenerative force of Canary Wharf. However they are
currently under-utilised and disconnected; and the vastness
of the open water creates physical barriers between
communities on the Isle of Dogs.
A new vision is needed for these waterways that develops a
21st Century purpose and role for the docks. We proposed
their transformation into a national attraction and infuence
in their own right within Thames Estuary Parklands.
The reinvigoration and re-imagining of the docks is possible
by signifcantly increasing activity on the water, and improving
the connections and landscape around and across the docks.
The dock must be seen as an asset which will both integrate
the communities of the Island and reach out as a positive
infuence, and amenity for all across the city. The vitality
of the renewed docks will restore the life and activity that
symbolises the proud places they once were.
Client: FARRELLS
7, Hatton Street
London
NW8 8PL
T. 020 7258 3433
F. 020 7723 7059
info@terryfarrell.co.uk
British Waterways
1 Sheldon Square
Paddington Central
London
W2 6TT
1 I ntroducti on
1 Threshold of Thames Estuary Parklands
2 Site Context
3 Surprising Degree of Bio-diversity and
Variety
4 Facts and Figures
5 The Isle of Dogs Scale Comparisonon
2 C ontext
1 A History of Urban Features
2 The Systemseems to Straightening the
Thames
3 The Development of the Docks
4 A Hub of Bustling Economic Activity
5 A Vibrant and Proud Community
6 Disconnected Today fromthe National
Waterway Network
7 The Economic Centre of Canary Wharf
8 Well Connected to London, but the Docks
are Bypassed
3 Devel opment of the P ubl i c
R eal m
1 Development of the Public Realm
2 Canary Wharf Does Not Engage the
Docksoc
k4 Di s connected I s l e of Dogs
1 The Isle of Dogs has Become
Disconnected
2 The Us and Them Mentality
3 The Isle of Dogs is Territorial
5 T he P otenti al f or C hange
1 The Docklands New Role
2 Building on Regional Initatives
3 Building on Local Initatives
4 Connecting Three Landscapes
6 S trategi c P ri nci pl es
1 Connect the Neighbourhoods and
Communities
2 Animate the Docks
3 Create a Sense of Place
5 P ropos al s and I deas
1 Connect the Public Realm
2 Make Connections Accross with New
Bridges
3 Inhabit the Waters Edge Pro-actively
4 Humanize the Vertical Scale of Buildings at
the Dock Edge
5 Increase Accessibility to the Waterways
and Improve Connections
6 Defne New Urban Rooms Based on the
Size and Shape of the Docks
7 Create Character Areas by Inhabiting the
Urban Rooms
6 New Waterway Acti vi ti es
1 Provide New Public Realmand
Infrastructure Works
2 Bring in New Boats and Boat Facilities
3 Create a Managed Ecological Environment
4 Encourage Floating Structures
5 Promote Areas for Aquatic Sports and
Waterside leisure
7 A New Water P ark i n the
T hames E s tuary P arkl and
1 I ntroducti on
2 Site Context
3 Surprising Degree of Bio-diversity and Variety
4 Facts and Figures
5 The Isle of Dogs Scale Comparison
The Isle of Dogs is a unique place in East London. Its location,
landscape, and scale offer great opportunities for enhancing its role
within the context of the Thames Estuary Parklands. This introduction
outlines some basic information about the area and region.
The Isle of Dogs is at a strategic location in East London and marks
the threshold into Thames Estuary Parklands.
Thames Estuary Parklands is a holistic and coherent approach that
sees the area as part of one eco-region, incorporating three landscapes;
urban areas (brownfeld and developed areas) landscape and ecology
(green infrastructure) and the rivers and riparian habitats (blue
infrastructure).
The water infrastructure and landscape plays an important role, since
much of the region is shaped by water. The reinvention of the Isle of
Dogs as a national attraction fts within this parkland strategy as an asset
which will both integrate the communities of the Isle of Dogs and reach
out positively across the city and region, creating an amenity for all.
1 I ntroducti on - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Thames Estuary Parklands
The Waterways of the Isle of Dogs are a unique and
important landscape, consisting of engineered docks
and canals alongside the River Thames. The Isle of
Dogs is part of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
and also part of London Docklands, a network of
docks and canals that occupies the land beyond the
boundaries of the city to the east. The Isle of Dogs
includes the main body of the peninsula east of
Limehouse Basin, the gateway to the Regent Canal,
and Limehouse cut and west of the River Lea.
These connected waterways are exceptional in
their size and rich heritage. Between the eighteenth
and twentieth centuries, the development of the
docks epitomised the age of imperial trade with
Londons predominance as the worlds frst global
city. With decline in the twentieth century the docks
became redundant, until the late twentieth century
with the regeneration of Canary Wharf and other
signifcant areas. However the new developments
have not integrated the waterspaces, leaving them
underused.
Isle of Dogs in 1987
Building of Canary Wharf
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - I ntroducti on 1
2 Site Context
Aerial Photo of the Isle of Dogs
2 Site Context
Images of the Docks
3 Surprising Degree of Bio-diversity and Variety
There is a surprising degree of bio-diversity and
variety within and around the Isle of Dogs. As a series
of connected waterways, there are many areas of
marine natural environments and aquatic and animal
habitats.
The areas rich industrial heritage can be seen in the
many warehouses and historic buildings. With the more
recent regeneration scheme there is also a number
of new housing complexes and offce developments.
The new development at Wood Wharf will bring in an
additional 2500 new dwellings.
Biodiversity and Variety in the Isle of Dogs
4 Facts and Figures
Conservation Areas
5.8 Kmof river frontage
10.5 Kmof dock frontage
110 acres of Docklands
Waterway and Open Space Water Frontage
Waterways represent 10.6% of total area
Open space represents 7% of total area
Total area of peninsula is approx. 1,037 acres
Grade 1 Listed
Grade 2* Listed
Grade 2 Listed
5 The Isle of Dogs Scale Comparison
The City Marylebone and Oxford Street Regents Park
The Isle of Dogs is large in scale. It comparies in
size with the City, Marlyebone and Oxford Street and
Regents Park.
approx. 1.6Km approx. 1.6Km approx. 1.6Km
2 C ontext
2 The SystemSeems to Straighten the Thames
6 Disconnected Today fromthe National Waterway
Network
8 Well Connected to London, but the Docks are
Bypassed

The Isle of Dogs has a a rich heritage and vibrant communities.
Today however the docks have lost their traditional role. as they
are disconnected fromthe national waterway network and transport
infrastructure, and they are overshaddowed by Canary Wharf.
The Isle of Dogs consists of a number of strong urban
features that greatly infuence the character or the
peninsula. These artifcial or manmade interventions
are large scale big infrastructure projects. These
include:
The historical Greenwich axis, acts as a progression
linking Blackheath Gate, the Queens House and
the Royal Navel College and Grand Square to the
Thames.
The docks and waterways.
The economic centre, visually powerful and
regeneration effect of Canary Wharf, and to some
degree the O2 Centre.
The roads at the north and the Dockland Light Rail
line running down the centre of the greatly affect
movement and connections
The J ubilee Tube line.
The northern crossrail route.
2 C ontext - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Urban Features
O2 Centre
Canary Wharf
Greenwich Axis
Docklands Light Rail Line
Canary Wharf
Cross Rail
Docks
Northern Roads
Greenwich Axis
J ubilee Line
Dockland Light Rail
O2 Centre
2 The System Seems to Straighten the Thames
An initiative that partly lead to the formation of the
docks advocated for the creation of a canal system
to reduce the three-to-four-mile trip around the
peninsula in and out of London. The Straightening
of the Thames was proposed. One of the frst docks
built, the City Canal (later known ast the South Dock),
was built for this purpose.
The Docklands that were built over the 1800s, the
Royal Docks, West India Docks, and London Docks,
were mostly developed for commerce purposes, not
only navigational. However, the systemof connected
waterways that developed did accomplished the
initial scheme of straightening the Thames to some
degree.
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - C ontext 2
The London Docklands
Straightening of the Thames: Londons Docklands Straightening of the Thames
Before the 1800s the landscape of the Isle of Dogs peninsula
consisted of tidal marshes, which where sparsely-settled,
and drained for agricultural uses.
During 1800 -1865 the northern docks were developed
by West India trade at the neck of the Isle of Dogs. These
included the Blackwall Entrance Basin, the North Import
Dock in 1802, and the Export Dock in 1806. The City
Canal was built in 1805, which later became South Dock.
In 1812-15 roads were laid to the Greenwich Ferry. Poplar
was linked to the City by the London and Blackwall Railway
in 1840 -1841 and development of Cubitt Townbegan in
1842. In 1850-51 a new, railway-serviced dock was built
north of the Blackwall Basin. Riverside wharfs were also
developed after 1853.Minimal use was made of the marshy
interior of the peninsula during this time.
Between 1865 -1980 the Isle of Dogs saw full dock
development. In the mid 1860s the Millwall Docks were
developed along with a new eastern entrance basin. A new
rail line was developed to link to the Greenwich Ferry in the
early 1870s, which added rail servicing to all the docks.
In 1902 the Greenwich Foot Tunnel opened, and in the
1920s there were major works to link Millwall and South
Docks. During the war, Millwall and West India Docks, like
the whole of the Docklands, were hit hard, as they were
major strategic targets. Reconstruction began immediately,
and for the next 25 years the whole of the peninsula saw
rebuilding and modernisation. With the removal of the rail
lines and clearance of many warehouses and wharves the
whole complex closed in 1980.
Since 1980 the peninsula has seen much post-industrial
development and redevelopment. Infrastructure works
consisted of the the Docklands Light Railway and Canary
Wharf, South Quay Plaza, and the London Arena and
Harbour Exchange at Millwall. Some of the latest phase of
development has replaced some initial redevelopment, and
there has also been the covering-over/reclamation of docks
waters for new development sites.
1934
1862
1766
2005
Images of the Docks as a Bustling Industrial Centre
The docks became a bustling centre for industrial
Britain as the economic gateway for activity to Britian
and the empire.
Its docks handled a wide variety of cargoes, and
many associated industries such as four and sugar
processing and ship building began to fourish. The
East India Company brought in Indian spices and silks
through its East India Docks. The warehouses on West
India Quay became known as Blood Alley, because
the sugar in the sacks unloaded by Dockers scratched
their backs so badly that they bled. Canary Wharf took
its name fromCanary Islands produce unloaded on
that site. To the south, Millwall Docks were used for
grain and other food materials.
Images of the thriving Communities of the Ise of Dogs
The docks were developed because of years of
lobbying by colonial merchants and with this strong
economic base, the Isle of Dogs became the hub
of a vibrant community, with the early farming and
fshing village of Blackwall and Poplar to the industrial
dockworkers communities of Cubitt Town and Millwall.
These communities had strong social networks and
identities that can still be felt today.
The success of the area caused severe housing
shortages because of the growing population. In
1920, local residents demonstrated their anger over
the horrible living conditions by closing the only two
roads that give access into the Island and declaring
independence. During the war years the residents
demonstrated their resilience in another way when the
Isle of Dogs became a target of heavy bombing.
Since the war, the communities in the Isle of Dogs
are still strong, howevever, they have felt social and
deprivation issues after the decline of the docks.
British Waterways Map
Images of the Waterways
In the past the Isle of Dogs acted as a gateway
connecting international trade systems to the national
waterway system.
The national waterway systemis a connected network
of waterways, rich in history and ecological importance.
Today the network is used primarily for leisure
activities, however the docks are disconnected and
isolated fromthe network and its leisure pursuits.
6 Disconnected Today from the National Waterway Network
Images of the Docks as an Bustling Centre
Canary Wharf
Today, the signifcance of the Isle of Dogs and its
waterways is eclipsed by Canary Wharf. These docks
are lost in the visually and economic overshadowing
of the high rise towers of Canary Wharf.
Canary Wharf stands out as a clear place in a Mental
Map of London, however the Isle of Dogs is forgotten.
The Address of Canary Wharf is one of importance.
The rest of the island, consisting of residential
communities, and the historic docks themselves have
been marginalized.
8 Well Connected to London, but the Docks are Bypassed
The Isle of Dogs is well connected to the transportation
network of London, with the Dockland Light Rail
Line running down the centre of the peninsula, the
cross rail connections, and the J ubliee line at Canary
Wharf. However, the transport systemand waterway
connections have overlooked the docks.
10 minutes
to Central London
13 minutes
to London City Airport
2 minutes
to North Greenwich
7 minutes
to London Bridge
Transport Connections
J ubilee Tube Line
DLR and Cross rail
3 Devel opment of the P ubl i c R eal m
2 Canary Wharf Does Not Engage the Dock
The dock edge has evolved on the Isle of Dogs fromthe historical dock
uses to the new redevelopments in Canary Wharf. These changes have
had a direct effect on the public realm at the waters edge, signifcantly
reducing the quality of the environment.
3 Devel opment of the P ubl i c R eal m - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Private Utility
In the past the public did not
access the quayside
Todays regeneration initatives create
waterside environments for all
Public Amenity
Canary Wharf discourages
waterways access
Private Amenity
Historic London Docklands Brindley Place Albert Dock, Liverpool Canary Wharf
Historical Water Edge Todays Regeneration Initatives Canary Wharfs Poor Public Realm
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - Devel opment of the P ubl i c R eal m 3
In the past, the public did not have access to the
quayside. This space acted as a private utility, and
was used as private unloading space for goods.
When buildings were directly on the quayside, the
building had a collonnaded platformfor the unloading
of goods. Goods were taken from this space and
transferred into the warehouse building for processing
and then shipped out. When buildings were set back
from the quayside, this space was not publically
accessible; it was reserved for the unloading of
goods.
The dockside edge has been used in recent
regeneration initiatives as a fantastic opportunity for
waterside amenity. In these cases the edge becomes
a public amenity, and gives the public access to the
quayside.
Regeneration schemes like, Liverpools Albert
Dock, Manchester Quayside, St. Catherines and
Brindley Place, opens up quayside spaces creating
accessible waterside environments. The public are
given and encouraged access to the waterside edge
by the creation of pleasant public realms, either in a
colonnaded walkways flled with retail and restaurants,
or a landscaped quayside environment
Recent development in the Isle of Dogs treats the
quayside as an private amenity.
Most buildings face away from the water and give
limited access to the waterside edge. Buildings that
are set back fromthe quayside have controlled and
restricted waterfront access, and building that abut
the waterside edge have blank colonnades which do
not promote public activity.
3 Devel opment of the P ubl i c R eal m - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
The only formof connection in the new development
of Canary Wharf is though the window of the
offce towers. This leaves large surrounding docks
underused.
The public realmis also disconnected fromthe water.
Pedestrian connections do not allow for the public
to engage with the water spaces. The example
shown here of an air conditioned bridge illustrates
how detached these two environments are fromone
another.
There is also a disparate relationship with the water,
as views are focused inward towards the buildings and
away fromthe water. The picture shown here is of the
outdoor seating of a Starbucks in Canary Wharf. Its
benches face inward, away fromthe water and towards
the building faade.
At the water level the facades of the offce towers are
blank and underused. They do engage with the docks
or create a pleasant waterfront environment. This is
clear with in the vast blank colonnades that abut the
waters edge.
Underused, empty water spaces Disconnected public realm
Disparate relationship with the water Blank and underused facades at water level
2 Canary Wharf Does Not Engage the Dock
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - Devel opment of the P ubl i c R eal m 3
4 Di s connected I s l e of Dogs
1 The Isle of Dogs has Become Disconnected
The Isle of Dogs has now become a disconnected place. It is detached
fromsurrounding communities and internally separated. This is due to
its unique development history, the location of attractors, large phyisical
barriers and the territorial tendancies of the communities.
4 Di s connected I s l e of Dogs - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
The Isle of Dogs is disconnected fromits surrounding
communities. The large network of transportation
infrastructure to the north creates a physical barrier
between the docklands and the community of Poplar.
The Thames also forms a physical barrer separating
the Isle of dogs fromGreenwich and other communities
to the east, west and south.
Internally the peninsula is split in two, with Canary
Wharf as an economic district in the north and the
polarised residential communities in the south. This
disconnection occurs because of:
Strong differences in terms of function; one is an
economic centre with high rise buildings and the
other a series of residential communities.
The residential communities in the south have
little identity in comparison to the strong identity
of Canary Wharf. Mental mapping of the south
area is cloudy.
The docks create physical barriers that are diffcult
to cross.
1 The Isle of Dogs has Become Disconnected
A Disconnected Isle of Dogs
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - Di s connected I s l e of Dogs 4
Another issue is the location of the attractions of
Canary Wharf and the tube station. Their location at the
front door of the peninsula means that any associated
activity is restricted to the most connected part of the
peninsula, the area around Canary Wharf. This further
helps to disconnect the south, as the ripple effect is
restricted to the north, and the communities in the
south to not see any of the benefts. By contrast, the
Greenwich peninsulas attractors, the O2 Centre and
tube stop, are located at the tip or most distant part
of the peninsula, causing the ripple effect of activity
to radiated down the peninsula.
The disconnection on the Isle of Dogs causes an us
and themmentality on the island between the south
and north.
Us and Them
Canary Wharf in the North
Polarized Residential Communities in the South
4 Di s connected I s l e of Dogs - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
The disconnection is fruther augmented by the
territorial nature of the communities in the south. Their
urban structure has not progessed fromthe walled
secure componds in the 1850s, as they have now
shifted to a number of gated communities. This creates
a number of territories within the community along with
a number of social issues. The large water barriers
further seperate these marginalized communities.
Gated Communities in the Isle of Dogs
Images of Gated Communites in the Isle of Dogs
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - Di s connected I s l e of Dogs 4
5 T he P otenti al f or C hange
1 The Docklands New Role
2 Building on Regional Initatives
3 Building on Local Initatives
4 Connecting Three landscapes
There is a potential for the docks to change by following other local and
regional initatives. They can recieve a new role within London and the
Thames Estuary Parklands.
Londons dock spaces need to be re-activated with a
new positve role.
The aspiration for the reinvented docks will be to
create a world class landscape of water-borne activity
and uses. There are many examples fromaround the
world of waterways being used positively to promote
an optimistic urban identity for the local and wider
community.
The involvement of world class artists and designers
will help make the dockside experience of crossing
bridges or using the quayside stimulating and
enjoyable and an asset in its own right. Sporting
activities, concerts, boating activities, water gardens,
educational opportunities, cultural events, employment
and leisure pursuits are all attractions which could
connect groups and organisations through positive
engagement with the water.
5 T he P otenti al f or C hange - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
1 A New Role for Docklands
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - T he P otenti al f or C hange 5
The Isle of dogs can build on the success of other
regional initiatives such as the regeneration of
the Lower Lea Valley, the Olympics and Stratford
City, Paddington Basin, Canary Wharf, Greenwich
Peninsula, Biota!, the Kings Cross regeneration and
the Thames Estuary Parklands.
2 Building on Regional Initiatives
Regional Intiatives
Paddington Basin Greenwich Peninsula BIOTA! Olympic Legacy Thames Estuary Parklands
British Waterways has begun this process, with the
regeneration at Wood Wharf. The new vision for
this high density, mixed use development engages
and activates the surrounding water environment,
and strengthens access and connectivity to the
surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as providing
new amenities. The combined partnership at Wood
Wharf, including Richard Rogers, Martha Schwartz,
and British Waterways, has developed a strong public
realmenvironment at the waters edge.
3 Building on Local Initiatives
5 T he P otenti al f or C hange - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Wood Wharf Landscape Plan
Illustrative View from the Southwest View of South Esplanade Looking Northwest
4 Connecting Three Landscapes
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - T he P otenti al f or C hange 5
As the threshold to the Thames Estuary Parklands, the
docklands can become invigorated with new uses and
waterborne activities to create Londons new Water
Parks, making the blue landscape the driving force for
complete regeneration.
BLUE =WATER
GREEN =PARKS
BROWN =TOWNS
Parks
Town
Water
Three Landscape in the Isle of Dogs
4 S trategi c P ri nci pl es
1 Connect the Neighbourhoods and Communities
2 Animate the Docks
3 Create a Sense of Place
The creation of Londons new Water Parks can be accomplished
through three strategic principles of change, which are detailed in this
section.
1 Connect the Neighbourhoods and Communities
The Isle of Dogs is home to many different neighbourhoods
and communities. Each has its own rich history and
particular relationship to the waterways: from the early
farming and fshing villages of Blackwall and Poplar; the
industrial dockworkers communities of Cubitt Town and
Millwall, to the contemporary high-rise business and
residential developments around Canary Wharf.
This diagram illustrates the centres of activity: hubs of
commercial activity such as the Billingsgate market;
visitor attractions such as the Museumin Docklands; or
neighbourhood centres with shops, surgeries and schools,
such as Island Gardens.
The opportunity now exists to use the restoration of the
public realmand docks to enhance and unite these places
and people and to create a memorable, exciting and
connected place in the city for the newest generation of
islanders to be proud of.
6 S trategi c P ri nci pl es - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Centres of Activity Connecting the Neighbourhoods
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - S trategi c P ri nci pl es 6
2 Animate the Empty Docks
The lack of uses on the docks and lack waterside
engagement has left the dock spaces empty and
sterile.
There is a need to animate these empty and underused
dock spaces by activating the waterside edges and
water spaces themselves. These new activities
would create active docks that bring people to the
waterfronts, and give new uses and bring life back to
these historically important water spaces.
Empty dock - STERILE! Active dock - LIFE!
Connecting the Neighbourhoods
3 Create a New Sense of Place
The docks need a new identity. There is a need to
create a new sense of place. This will be done through
the enhancement of the environment, access, activity
and placemaking.
Fl oat i ng Envi r onment s Of f er i ng Ecol ogi cal
Solutions
The environment of the docks needs to be enhanced.
The nature of the moving ecological environment
must be brought forward, ones that are temporary
and foating.
Access to the waterways must be improved, to allow
for a landscape that is open to all users.
An abundance of different activities need to be
available on the waterways.
The placemaking attributes of water and the docks
should be used to their full advantage. Watersides are
memorable and romantic places. The big structures
of the Docklands are also mentally signifcant. These
spaces should be used to fll peoples minds with
thoughts and memories, encouraging themto come
back and experience themover and over again
Access for All to the Water
Activity and Spectacle on the Water
Memorable Placemaking
6 S trategi c P ri nci pl es - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Floating Environments Offering Ecological Solutions Access for All to the Water
Activity and Spectacle on the Water Memorable Placemaking
Aspiration Sketch of the New Water Parks in the Thames Estuary Parklands
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - S trategi c P ri nci pl es 6
Londons Waterparklands will become a proud place; full of life and activity once more
6 P ropos al s and I deas
1 Connect the Public Realm
2 Make Connections Accross with New Bridges
4 Humanize the Vertical Scale of Buildings at the Dock
Edge
5 Increase Accessibility to the Waterways and Improve
Connections
6 Defne New Urban Rooms Based on the Size and
Shape of the Docks
7 Create Character Areas by Inhabiting the Urban
Rooms

For the Isle of Dogs waterspaces to become active space a number of
interventions are needed. Here we have outlined a number of proposals
and ideas to make this transition a reality.
The improvement of the public realmand pedestrian
connectivity around the docks and the island are vital
for creating a new sense of place, activating the docks,
and connecting the neighbourhoods. An improved
public realmwill re-connect people to the water spaces
of the docks.
Identifed on the Water Edge Ownership diagram are
areas on the island of public and private space. Also
identifed are water edges that are publicly accessible,
publicly accessible but privately owned, and areas
where there is no public access to the waterfront. It is
clear that much of the water edge is accessible to the
public; however certain key areas of the waters edge
are not. In addition, the pedestrian routes along the
Thames have gaps, making themdisconnected.
The public realmand pedestrian linkages on the island
should be improved and connected around and across
the docks, as well as around the outside, along the
Thames. A continuous pedestrian route should be
installed around the docks and the gaps connected
along the Thames. New linkages at key points should
be made in the formof new low bridges, designed
for the pedestrian to cross the docks, helping to link
communities, reducing the disconnection on the island
and bringing people closer to the docks.
Public access
Private space
No public access to dock edge
Public access but privately owned
Public space Existing linkages
Proposed route along dock edge
Proposed linkages
1 Connecting the Public Realm
7 P ropos al s and I deas - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Water Edge Ownership Improve Pedestrian Linkages
2 Make Connections Across with New Bridges
To make connections across the docks, new bridges
should be built. These would be humanly scaled,
community-based links, as opposed to transport
infrastructure such as tunnels or high, inaccessible
bridges. They would make it possible for people to
walk or cycle fromside to side.
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - P ropos al s and I deas 7
Rialto Bridge, Venice
Newcastle Millennium Bridge
Millennium Bridge, London Bailey Bridge, France
The existing edges of the docks do not promote a
good public realm. The frst diagram of the existing
waterfront edge illustrates how the edge is removed
fromthe public realmand surrounding environment.
Focus is misplaced, with the view from the public
realm facing inward instead outward to the water.
The landscape environment is disconnected fromthe
public realmat waters edge, as it is positioned on the
interior. The height of the edge is high about the water
level with added high railings. In situations where tall
buildings are situated directly on the quayside, vast,
blank and underused colonnades, with air vents from
the offce tower and the underground parking further
create a poor public realmat the waters edge.
A new waterfront edge is proposed that is the reverse.
This edge engages with the waterfront with a high focus
on creating a good public realmthat is connected and
interacts with water. This is done through the bringing
of landscaping back to the waterside, and by creating
boardwalks and foating platforms that allow people to
connect with the water. In the colonnaded areas, the
air ventilation systemshould be re-directed allowing
these colonnades to inflled with retail uses.
Existing water edge condition
Proposed new waterfront
4 Humanize the Vertical Scale of Buildings at the Dock Edge
There is a need to humanize the scale of the existing
docks spaces. In the new development, with its large
offce buildings in combination with the vast empty
water spaces dwarfs the human scale, making a poor
public realmenvironment around the waters edge.
By putting smaller buildings and landscaping at the
periphery or foating on the waters edge, it is possible
to create a better pedestrian scale, thus humanizing
the vertical scale of the buildings at the dock edge.
Providing new bridges will help to reduce the industrail
scale of the docks as well, improving their usefulness
and sense of place.
Existing Condition Proposed New Waterfront
5 Increase Accessibility to the Waterways and Improve Connections
Democratise the waterways by providing access for
new uses while also improving water connections for
new activities and uses to become possible.
Improve the Thames Riverbus route by adding
more stops and jetties along the Thames.
New ferry links and bridges should be added
along the Thames, helping to improve connections
across.
Options for creating new potential canal links
into the Isle of Dogs docks from both the east
and west would help, as inexperienced boaters
and small watercraft fnd trip along the Thames
from Limehouse or the Lea River diffcult, due to
the currents and the presents of larger boats on
Thames.
Another potential option would be the creation of a
fakecanal along the Thames for smaller watercraft
to travel along the river in a more controlled route,
however this is only a preliminary idea.
Lock connections into the waterways should also
be improved by adding new ship docks on the east
of the island. These should also have locks for
smaller craft to enter and exit more easily.
Internal dock linkages should also be improved
and/or relocated to better connect the internal
waterway system.
Increasing Accessibility and Connections Norfolk Water Taxi
To Encourage Sailing
To Encourage Mooring
Existing riverbus jetty
Newriverbus jetty
Newship dock with quarter
lock / small craft lock
Existing lock
Relocated lock
Newferry link or pedestrian
bridge connection
Possible newconnection to
inland waterways navigations
Millwall Outer Dock West
Millwall Outer Dock South
Millwall Outer Dock North
Millwall Inner Dock
South Dock East
South Dock West
West India Dock South
Middle Dock
Cuttings
Blackwall Basin
West India Dock Import
West India Dock North
Poplar Dock
6 Defne New Urban Rooms Based on the Size and Shape of the Docks
Many of these docks spaces are massive in scale.
Studies were conducted to come to grips with
sheer size of some of these docks.
Millwall outer dock for example, is 600m in length
and 107m wide. This is the equivalent of approx.
4.4 football pitches long. At the basin section of
the dock the dock is approximately 1.5 football
pitches wide. South dock at its widest portion
is 132 m wide, which is equivalent to 2 Boeing
747s.
The scale and shape of the docks lends itself
to the defntion of a series of urban rooms, as
illustrated in the diagram.
Urban Rooms Scale of Millway Outer Dock
Scale of South Dock
4.4 football pitches across
1.5 football pitches wide
3.5 Tate Moderns accross
2 Boeing 747s
Residential
Retail Areas
Large Offce / Employment
Inhabit the urban rooms with different activities
and uses based on the their shape, size, and the
surrounding land uses.
The character areas defne the types of activities
and uses that can occur in the reinvented dock
spaces.
For example, the large basin area of Millwall outer
dock is named an area for attractions, to draw
people closer to the tip of the Isle of Dogs.
By comparison the West India Dock North should
take on the character of civic space, based on the
presence of the museum.
The west portion of South Dock should play off of
the economic centre of Canary Wharf, and function
as the business area.
Key transition zones are identified as places
where careful attention must be given between
the characters of each urban room, such as the
transition zone between the Nature Reserve to
the Business Area in South Dock, or the transition
between the Attractions area to the Tranquil area
in Millwall Dock. These transitions also occur
between the docks and the outside connections
to the Thames.
General Land Uses Patterns Character Areas
7 Create Character Areas by Inhabiting the Urban Rooms
Community
Employment / Industrial
Green Areas
Spiritual / Tranquil
Attractions
Outdoor Activites
Business
Nature Reserve
Residential
Civic
Cultural
Boating Docks
Key Transitions
Passage
Ecology
Key Transitions
Passage
Ecology
7 New Waterway Acti vi ti es
1 Provide New Public Realmand Infrastructure Works
5 Promote Areas for Aquatic Sports and Waterside
Leisure
Based on the proposals and ideas, and secifcally the character areas
and the different activities they represent, this section outlines new
waterway activitives. They are devided into fve different categories
based on type of use and activity.
New public realmand infrastructure work should be
provided to improve access and mobility within the
docks.
New public realm environments on the water
spaces, consist of new public bridges, walkways
and foating platforms.
To help create a new attraction closer to the end of
the peninsula, a new viewing tower could be built
to allow the public to have access to a view similar
to the high rise towers of Canary Wharf.
In terms of transport, a new water bus route should
be added as well as new water taxi and water velo
hire locations. These initiatives will help to connect
the water spaces and encourage public movement
by the water in the island.
These infrastructure initiatives could also help
introduce the use of sustainable and energy
resources in the docks, by encouraging locations
for windmills and windsculptures, as well as
biomass/heat exchange pumping areas.
1 Provide New Public Realm and Infrastructure Works
8 New Waterway Acti vi ti es - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
Public Realm and Infrastructure Proposals
Public Realm and Infrastructure Aspirational Images
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - New Waterway Acti vi ti es 8
New boat activities and boating facilities should
be encouraged. The key is to promote a variety by
providing the necessary facilities and moorings for
these boating activities to take place.
This is to be accomplished by sitting specifc
locations for the harbour masters and British
waterways offces, as well as strategic locations
for boat centres, boatyards and chandlery, and
boat builders.
Specifc areas for different types of moorings could
also identifed, to correspond with the character
of the dock and surrounding uses. Therefore
specific areas for mixed use and residential
moorings, as well as visitor moorings, business /
commercial moorings such as water taxi points,
tall ships exhibition and museumboat moorings,
and visiting vessels and static hotel ships locations
are identifed.
New Boats and Boat Facilities Proposals
Boat and Boat Facilities Aspirational Images
The water spaces should become a managed
ecological environment.
This can be done through the addition of water
gardens, and zones for managed ecological
habitats.
To bring forward a sustainable landscape, areas for
the creation of reed beds and grey water recycling
are also identifed.
The water spaces should be seen as a continuous
and connected network, thus allowing for movement
of water and connections with the habitats of the
river.
Like other park spaces, areas for public recreation
should be encouraged, with the addition of new
childrens play spaces at the waters edge and a
new drained dock beach area added.
New visitor and education centres will also help to
educate and bring forward the many new activities
and events taking place in the new docks.
Environment Proposals
Environment Aspirational Images
New foating structures should be encouraged to
help humanize the scale and help create a better
public realm at the waters edge. These new foating
structures act as places for new activities, drawing
people to the docklands while also reaching out to
the local communities.
Encouraging different uses on the water, such
as a floating theatre, an arts pavilion, a new
mediatachque, a foating religious building, and
multipurpose spaces will encourage more civic
and cultural activities to take place.
New retail uses, strong connections into the
new shopping at Wood Wharf, foating shopping
markets, a foating hotel, a foating business expo
centre at Canary Wharf, a submarine city island
at the viewing tower and other foating retail and
leisure opportunities will create new and exciting
spaces and attractors that will help to draw people
to the docklands and give the island a unique
identity.
Floating Structure Proposals
Floating Structure Aspirational Images
Building on existing boating sports in the docks, the
new vision promotes new aquatic sports and waterside
sporting activities.
Through the creation of a managed recreational
boat and sports area in the in Millwall outer dock,
more attractions and unique uses will draw people
down to the southern portions of the peninsula
helping to bring about a more balanced community
in the Isle of Dogs.
Within this sports zone there is the potential for
300m rowing practice lanes, an artifcial kayak
run, boating centres for sailing, rowing and other
recreational boating, waterski jumps, a scuba
diving school, and a swimming lido. Special
moorings for sport boats are also identifed within
this zone as well as spectator viewing areas.
In terms of non-aquatic sports, a new climbing
structure is proposed as well as continuous
running circuits around some of the docks.

5 Promote Areas for Aquatic Sports and Waterside
Aquatic Sports and Waterside Proposals
Aquatic Sports and Waterside Aspirational Images
7 A New Water P ark i n
T hames E s tuary P arkl ands
9 A New Water P ark i n T hames E s tuary P arkl ands - F AR R E L L S - A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands
New Vision as Londons Water Parks
The new vision for the Waterways of the Isle of Dogs
creates a new major water park in at the verge of the
Thames Estuary Parklands and London.
By re-inventing this unique landscape that is full of
rich heritage into a place with a new national and local
signifcance, the docks are transformed by increasing
activity and uses of the water, and improving the
connections and landscape around and across the
docks. These re-imagined water spaces integrate and
unite the Isle of Dogs and create a positive amenity
for the whole region to share.
A NewWater Park inThames Estuary Parklands - F AR R E L L S - A New Water P ark i n T hames E s tuary P arkl ands 9

Draft Isle of Dogs Waterspace Strategy Reduced Feb 08

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