Spanish starchitect Santiago Calatrava has revealed a £1-billion development scheme for London’s Greenwich Peninsula by the River Thames. The “Peninsula Place” will be Calatrava‘s first major project in London and the UK.
Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava
The project, which is part of a £8.4-billion regeneration plan for London’s South-east peninsula, will be covering an area of 130,064sqm. It will be adjacent to Richard Rogers’ Millennium Dome, and it will be connected to the waterfront via latticed tubular bridge fastened by cables to a tall spike at its end. The project itself is composed of 3 towers tapering gradually to the top and standing above a tube and bus station, a theater, cinema, bars, shops, and a performance venue. The towers will include apartments, hotels, and offices viewing the River Thames and the winter garden inside the 24-m high glazed gallery below.
Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava
In regard to this project, Calatrava says: “It is an honor to be designing such a piece of the fabric of London, a city I love. In designing this scheme, I have been inspired by London’s rich architectural heritage and the very special geography of the Peninsula.”
The Greenwich Peninsula regeneration plan, which is backed by Chinese developer Knight Dragon, includes 15,720 homes, a film studio, a new design zone, schools, offices, commercial buildings, and healthcare services. Sammy Lee, from Knight Dragon’s senior management, says about this project “My ambition is for Greenwich Peninsula to be a unique cultural destination for Londoners and visitors to this global city.” He adds “Calatrava’s contribution will help ensure that the UK’s biggest regeneration project fulfills its potential to become just that.”
Courtesy of Santiago Calatrava
The masterplan for the growing district was developed by British architecture and urban planning practice Allies and Morrison which will be taking further part in this project by designing two residential blocks. Along with Calatrava’s towers, they will provide 800 homes, 200 of which will fall in the “affordable” category.