Herringham Quarter

Residential Vision for Charlton Riverside

Herringham Quarter portrays a revolutionary residential-centered venture within the Charlton Riverside masterplan in East London. The phased advancement covers over 4 hectares and will ultimately provide around 1,212 new homes.

The masterplan complies with the steering of the Charlton Riverside SPD, which establishes a broader vision of 5,000–7,500 homes and 4,400 new occupations across the district. Intended to integrate with the prevailing urban fabric, the scheme applies a consistent technique across all phases and incorporates links with established cycle, pedestrian, and vehicular routes.

A substantial factor of the scheme is its commitment to availability and affordability. Half of all homes in the Herringham Quarter are designated as budget-friendly, including both shared ownership and London Reasonable Rent tenures. This pledge is front-loaded, with most conveyed in Period 1. The new public realm, parks, and green corridors enhance the quality of life for future inhabitants and reinforce ties with the Thames riverfront.

Sustainable Planning and Urban Integration

Site A, situated directly on the Thames, introduces Duresco Place, a dedicated pedestrian route to the river and the upgraded Thames Path. Site C centers on community green space through Lydenberg Gardens, which connects Charlton’s urban core with the riverside. Influenced by local history, the landscape design references the area's rope-making heritage, incorporating resilient materials and play spaces that reflect the industrial past while establishing a softer, greener environment.

The scheme respects the operational safeguarded wharf by positioning buildings to avoid disruption, ensuring existing commercial activities continue. As a result, Herringham Quarter balances residential, light industrial, retail, and community uses. This integration supports local employment, with 3,237 m2 of commercial space in Period 1 and job creation rising from 148 to 197 across sectors such as health, hospitality, and offices.

Urban Design and Environmental Resilience

The architecture features mid-rise buildings between four and ten storeys, aligning with local planning requirements and ensuring appropriate density. Flood risk mitigation has been embedded through a new flood defence wall, and the enhancement of intertidal ecological habitats along the Thames supports long-term environmental sustainability. Landscaping further increases biodiversity and activates the riverfront via the revitalised jetty.

Natural surveillance and restricted parking promote safety, walkability, and reduced car dependency. The new neighbourhood encourages sustainable transport use and public connectivity, while future infrastructure upgrades will enhance accessibility across the wider city. The inclusion of a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes accommodates different household sizes and supports a balanced community.