HLM Architects - Mixed-Use Development - London E14, Westferry Road

Date: 26 Jan 2006

The new Millwall Fire Station, the centrepiece of Cathedral Group's £21 million, mixed-use Canary South development on Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs, London E14, has been officially opened by fire minister, Jim Fitzpatrick. HLM Architects designed the scheme.

This new development represents a successful partnership between the Cathedral Group and the London Fire Brigade and is a model for the way PPP projects can act as a vehicle to deliver crucial, state-of-the-art community facilities.

The mixed development was designed by HLM Architects in consultation with the fire fighters, which led to features such as individual showers and the creation of improved personal space to provide fire fighters with greater privacy. New modern offices equipped with furniture made from recycled materials will also be available for community groups to use.

The entire station is designed to be more energy efficient with technical specifications such as light sensors to conserve energy. The project has been commended by CABE, the Greater London Authority and London Borough of Tower Hamlets as an exemplar of good quality design.

In addition to the new fire station, the scheme comprises 178 private residential and affordable housing units in six buildings, between 4 and 9 storeys plus basements, each designed to respond to its urban setting. The housing is formed around a central courtyard, offering a safe and secure space for residential tenants. It houses a drill tower at one end where service staff practice life-saving techniques, bringing an element of theatre to the central space.

The scheme relates to and provides views both to and from the River Thames and Canary Wharf. The largest building of the scheme is designed to be strongly conceptual and elegant, and takes a 'prow' form gesturing towards the river while maximising views.

Mixed-Use development on Westferry Road, Isle of Dogs

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