Silo D
We believe the heritage of the site is a detrimental part to our development and should remain a core idea regardless of what is implemented. Applying specifically to Silo D which is Located to the South West of the site just to the north of the listed wet berth.
​
By retaining the Silo, we can enhance the heritage of the site by redeveloping it into a museum to give context to the site. This paired with the heigh of the building would provide a viewing platform across the site, creating character, unification and a landmark.
The materials used in the redevelopment of the silo will be as close to those originally used, preserving the technique as well as the character of the building, and ensuring its integration into the wider site so as to not look out of place but blend seamlessly.
​
The large open courtyard with benches and amphitheatre style seating provides an open and adaptable space outside of the silo itself, serving as a hub for the community with a large raised stage for local performances to support the arts and provide recreation for residents of the site and wider area.
​
The Grade two listed silo provides a unique insight to the history of the sites use, and we believe that in preserving the building by encasing it in a glass cage, we are in effect putting the sites rich heritage on display as a reminder of the historic uses of the site, creating connections with not only the history of the site but also solidifying connections with residents whose families have worked the docks for generations, providing context to the site.
While it is important to solidify connections with current residents, ensuring that they do not feel the area is losing its character and rich history, it is also important to inform new residents, as well as visitors, to the history of the site. Around the Victoria Dock there are decorative cranes as a reminder of the past, but we felt this is not interactive enough and so our decision to utilise the silo d building as a local museum and local-orientated art gallery was focused on that interaction. Using the Naze Tower in Walton, Essex as a source of inspiration due to its narrow and tall shape, use as a local museum and art gallery, and historic importance to the area we have created a clear goal for the Silo in what it can achieve for the area.
​
Funding the development will be largely dependant on grants from preservation organisations who aim to support the areas heritage, private investors such as the development of the mills which will be contractually obliged to support this project as a clause in the planning permission for the Millennium Mills and the National Lottery Fund. The museum and gallery will largely be run and operated as a part of a charity, with volunteer workers and will run on a donation basis.
Open Space and Access
The network of paths across the vast open green space provide connectivity and permeability joining in the middle to provide a central triangular hub to the park. The path network extends and goes all the way around the blue network of the site, providing crucial connection to the water which lends so much character to the site, forming its historic identity as a dock.
