Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks

Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks in London

St. William Homes LLP will be developing the Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks as a large-scale mixed-use development that will include both residential and commercial spaces. Architect Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners designed this development, which has the largest and most historically important group of protected Victorian gas holders in the world. As well as delivering approximately 2,000 new homes, many of which will be affordable or suitable for families, there will also be community facilities provided, flexible Class E space and new public open spaces. This is an area of land that was previously disconnected from the community; however, through this regeneration scheme it will become reconnected with those living in the surrounding area.

The Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks development is composed of 13 separate multi-family housing units. The first set of multi-family housing units consists of 7 individual, multi-story buildings that are physically connected to the existing, historical gas holders. These seven multi-family housing units range in height from four to ten stories. The second group of multi-family housing units is six additional multi-story buildings, referred to as "Pencils", which range in height from fifteen to thirty-three stories. Therefore, any prospective purchaser of a unit at Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks will be buying into a large-scale development as opposed to a single, stand-alone residential structure. At this time, none of the multi-family housing units are being offered individually for sale on the architectural source. Additionally, there is no unit-level pricing data available, nor are there any detailed residential floor plans available.

Heritage, Landscape and Public Realm

The main focus of the project is the renovation of seven Grade II listed gasholder frames. In addition to the frames, Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks will preserve the Grade II listed radial truss bell structure that was removed from Gasholder No. 4, which was designed by the Victorian engineer Vitruvius Wyatt. This structure will undergo restoration and then be placed in the newly created parkland as a public focal point for both residents and the general public, where it could serve as a venue for events such as farmers' markets, open-air movie screenings, or an ice skating rink.

In addition to the new landscaping of the old industrial site, there will be a new riverfront park created. The public paths that run through the remaining structures will help integrate the history of the industry with the daily movements of people who live or work within this area. A map of the site is available to help explain how the new buildings relate to the old gas holders and other open areas. A photograph of the steel frames can illustrate the size and appearance of these structures. Anyone who wants to purchase a property at Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks needs to understand the difference between the approved masterplan for the entire development and any subsequent specifications developed for individual apartments.

Sustainability and Building Performance

The environmental aspect of Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks has a significant role in the project. It is estimated that the proposed development will have at least 70% better environmental performance than the current Building Regulations requirements regarding regulated carbon emissions and 31% better regarding fabric energy efficiency. In order to achieve these goals, there are many aspects of the project which will be designed to be environmentally friendly, such as energy-efficient building fabric, triple-glazed windows, low-energy lighting, and air source heat pumps for both residential and commercial units. In addition, the project is aiming to obtain BREEAM UK Excellent Certification.

Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks has used circular economy principles to inform how it approaches construction. The strategy involves preserving and using the gasholders; developing a flexible structural grid that allows for future adaptation of the space; diverting 95 percent of all construction waste from landfills; and incorporating at least 20 percent recycled/reused material into any new materials purchased. The internal finishes are designed to allow for easy replacement and maintenance. Additionally, the Bromley-by-Bow Gasworks project will provide employment and training opportunities to approximately 200 people living in Newham.