Physical Regeneration
"Physical regeneration is work on the physical fabric of an area where such work forms part of a strategy to promote social, physical and economic improvements in a given locality, rather than just redevelopment driven solely by market forces." Commission for Racial Equality, 2007.
Residential and Mixed Use
The physical developments to enhance the site are crucial as they lead directly to social regeneration on the site, and the infrastructure generated by the physical regeneration process is what the social regeneration of the area will build itself around.
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Starting with the high density blocks to the North and West of the site, the integrated mixture of affordable, market and high end homes provides a sense of community to the development which is lacking in other areas of Newham, with many residents feeling that the area is becoming segregated and that there is a clear divide between socio economic classes.
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The mixed use nature of the Mills building also provides a social hub for the community. The upper levels providing a gym, adaptive spaces for community led classes, food court and bar creates a vital sense of unity amongst the residents of the high density blocks, as well as the lower density developments to the south of the site and residents from the wider area.
Along the south of the site, lower density housing as well as open green space provides a safe well lit suburban area to what is currently a dark, overgrown and baron plot with only large storage warehouses.
The creation of safe places is something which is key to our vision, and the natural surveillance which this development brings is crucial to the delivery of this.
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Commercial and Business
The multiplex shopping and social centre to the South East of the site is an ambitious and landmark development. It will become a destination to which people will travel to the site for, bringing in vitality and a boost to the local economy which is so desperately needed.
The car park to the North East of the site above the multiplex centre is necessary to handle the increased traffic which is expected to be brought in by the shopping centre.
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The community hub which Silo D will become will serve as an art gallery, local museum, adaptive space and a crucial landmark amongst a developed open space network. This development is crucial as it retains the silo as a heritage asset whilst also providing an educational and cultural hub for the community.
Physical character of the site
The Physical character of the site currently is very limited, due to its current emptiness. The docks closed in 1981 and this led to mass unemployment and social difficulties throughout the east end of London. In some ways, the area around the docks is still recovering from this depression and so the site is crucial in revitalising the area.
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The historic surviving buildings on the site are Silo D and the Millennium Mills, and they are both being conserved and modernised, so they serve a use to the area and can be used, ensuring their survival.
Post COVID-19 Regeneration
Long term post virus strategies are very much created in the physical regeneration of sites. In a world where cities are being redefined in order to be 'covid safe' a new development can be a trailblazer and pave the way for future changes in all cities in order to prevent spread of future and current pandemics.
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These changes can come in the form of wider streets, safer workplaces, integrated open outdoor space and networks of cycle and foot paths, as well as the ready availability of local amenities to help to reduce the need to travel.
