Landscaping and biodiversity
Landscaping
Key considerations for us were connections for people + wildlife placemaking and activation and heritage and local character.
We reflected on comments made about the boundary with the dock edge, making it lower and more permeable, and we have also added some more detail to how we might reference the area’s local heritage.
Our updated landscape design maximising greening and creates opportunities for people to connect with nature and wildlife. A centrally located communal courtyard will provide a space for recreation for all age groups with a focus on health and well-being.
The green corridor of Deal Porter’s Way is one of the key pedestrian routes linking the development to Canada Water station. It was a key consideration to create an inviting entrance to the site and provide an accessible route into the development.
The play area for all ages will introduce a rich sensory environment to engage and interact with nature and each other. The play space will incorporate lush, planted edges and a varied play offer including natural play elements. A sculptural climbing structure will draw inspiration from the gas holder and other industrial heritage assets found on site. At the centre of the play space, a seating area with a large feature tree will provide a meeting area for the residents and the wider community.
Trees
A comprehensive tree survey in accordance with BS5837:2012 has been undertaken to record and understand the character, condition and position of the trees on site. The trees lining the site along Salter Road are subject to a Tree Preservation Order (no.634-2021). This group of trees is predominantly made up of Poplar trees, a species noted for increasing fragility with age, but the group also features a mixed understorey of small trees and shrubbery including Eleagnus, Cherry, Elderberry and Sycamore, and one Corsican Pine.
The trees along Surrey Water include London Plane, Horse Chestnut, Cherry and Sycamore. These trees are not subject to the TPO but they have also been surveyed to inform the design of the proposed development. The existing tree groups on site are a fantastic asset and they provide a significant benefit to the community. Our aim is to successfully integrate the proposed development with the existing tree groups and enhance the local landscape with new trees and planting.
Heritage
The heritage strategy celebrates the site’s rich industrial heritage as part of the Rotherhithe gasworks that once occupied the site and the surrounding area. The landscape design will seek to reflect on the site’s heritage by introducing the following:
Incorporating the footprint of the gas holder in numerous ways (floor markings, seating walls, play elements, planting strips). Seating walls could be constructed of bricks sourced from the existing eastern boundary wall.
Heritage inspired murals by local artists around the gas governor compound - the murals will also provide visual screening to the SGN compound.
Re-using parts of the existing gas holder structure within the landscape in the form of art installations dotted around the site.
Let us know what you think about how we celebrate the area’s history. Complete one of our forms or go to our project website to leave your comments.
Ecology
There is a great deal of local interest in the current ecology of the site, and how a redevelopment might impact both the site and surrounding area. A preliminary ecological survey of the site was undertaken on 11 January 2023 and a summary letter detailing the findings is available to download below.
The summary letter also suggests a series of mitigation and enhancement measures to reduce the potential for any impact by the redevelopment. The Project Team is working to review these suggestions and is committed to ensuring the design and construction results in no significant impact to the ecology of the surrounding area, including Surrey Water.
You can view the letter here.
