OMA announced today that they have been appointed as the masterplanners and lead architects of a mixed-use development in London. Morden Wharf, a 19 acre regeneration site on Greenwich Peninsula, will become a 2 million square foot “premier entertainment zone.”
Reinier de Graaf, the partner who will be leading the project with Ellen van Loon, said, "Our Vision for Morden Wharf adds value to an already impressive site through regeneration of existing buildings and infrastructure which will attract visitors and residents to the sites cultural, residential, leisure, and commercial offerings. We look forward to the development of an innovative proposal which will enhance Morden Wharf's exceptional character."
Check out OMA's press release after the break...
From the Architect. OMA has been appointed by specialist mixed-use developer Cathedral Group PLC and joint venture partner Development Securities PLC as masterplanner and lead architect on the mixed-use development of Morden Wharf, a 19 acre regeneration site on London's Greenwich Peninsula. OMA will now start work on plans for the site, which was acquired as a corporate transaction by the joint venture in March 2012 and has the potential to produce a £950 million, 2 million sq ft mixed-used scheme.
In selecting OMA, the development partners will benefit from the practice's vast experience and expertise in masterplanning across the world including major schemes in Bordeaux, Doha, Hong Kong, Miami Beach and Sydney.
Richard Upton, Chief Executive of Cathedral Group said: "This is a world-class site. One of very few significant London riverfronts left for major regeneration. We needed a world-class architect and we found one in OMA. We were impressed by their significant experience of masterplanning major regeneration sites, and their specific experience of waterfront development. We share a passion for creating great, inspiring places with real heart and soul, investing in the very best design to foster inspiring local communities."
A major riverside site and formerly a Tate & Lyle sweeteners refinery, Morden Wharf is located adjacent to the O2 Arena with 500 metres of Thames frontage. It will play a crucial part in the delivery of the Royal Borough of Greenwich's masterplan proposals for the western side of the Greenwich Peninsula, published in April 2012.
The Peninsula West Masterplan outlines the Council's intention to transform the Peninsula into London's premier entertainment zone by focusing development and regeneration around multi-purpose sports, entertainment and educational facilities that enhance the offer at the O2 Arena and seamlessly and sustainably link historic Greenwich with the newly masterplanned zone. The Peninsula is attracting billions of pounds of investment and is positioning itself on the forefront of London's digital and leisure economy. It will be home to over 10,000 Londoners. Morden Wharf will be a key site in the development of this vision.
OMA Partner Reinier de Graaf states, "As the masterplanner and lead architect for Morden Wharf, we are excited to have the opportunity to work with an ambitious development team on one of the last significant riverfront sites on the Thames. Our Vision for Morden Wharf adds value to an already impressive site through regeneration of existing buildings and infrastructure which will attract visitors and residents to the sites cultural, residential, leisure, and commercial offerings. We look forward to the development of an innovative proposal which will enhance Morden Wharf's exceptional character."
Morden Wharf will be led by Partners in Charge Reinier de Graaf and Ellen van Loon, Associate in Charge Laura Baird, and Project Director Carol Patterson.
