Buckley Gray Yeoman and Gensler's designs for Bishopsgate Goodsyard plots 1 and 2 Source:&nbsp BGY The long-awaited Bishopsgate Goodsyard megaproject in Shoreditch, east London, is pressing ahead after securing two detailed planning approvals for reserved matters applications The Greater London Authority (GLA) has given detailed design approval for one of the main commercial buildings planned for the site, an office building above Shoreditch station, and for the restoration of historic buildings on Sclater Street.The office building, designed by Gensler and Buckley Gray Yeoman, will provide 36,000m of workspace, including affordable space for small and medium businesses, and 600m of new retail space fronting Bethnal Green Road and Shoreditch High Street. It will also provide a new Middle Road connecting the two roads.The design comprises two parts: a lower base to be occupied by small businesses and an upper crown tailored to larger companies, according to Gensler.AdvertisementThe firm said bridging over the railway line and station also provided an opportunity to integrate double-height structural trusses on levels 5 and 6 of the building, creating a unique amenity level and top-tier office space with panoramic views.The Sclater Street element, designed by Chris Dyson Architects, includes the restoration of five derelict historic buildings on the street to bring them back into use as shops, cafs and co-working spaces, with three new homes on the upper floors.The buildings to be refurbished include a partial row of fire-damaged former weavers cottages, which will be turned into co-working spaces with a Cor-ten and glass extension; a Victorian accommodation block, which will be turned into retail and residential space; and a mission hall, originally part of a Victorian goods station, which will become a restaurant. Source:BGY Bishopsgate Goodsyards Sclater Street - Mission ChapelThe overall Bishopsgate Goodsyard scheme has been masterplanned by FaulknerBrowns for a 4.4ha site, straddling the boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets. The scheme, a 50-50 joint venture between Ballymore and Hammerson, will provide 500 homes (with 50 per cent affordable), a hotel, 130,000m of workspace, restaurants and shops. It will also restore the existing Grade II-listed Oriel Gate and Grade II-listed Braithwaite Viaduct on the site.The schemes 10 buildings have been designed by Eric Parry, FaulknerBrowns, Chris Dyson Architects, Gensler and Buckley Gray Yeoman.AdvertisementThe two reserved matters approvals mark the beginning of the delivery of the Goodsyard site, with further detailed applications to be brought forward for consultation and consideration by the GLA in the coming months, according to the developers.In 2022, the GLA finally granted legal planning permission, listed building consent and a section 106 agreement for the major redevelopment, which London mayor Sadiq Khan approved in principle in 2020.Before that, the project had been the subject of a planning saga that had seen the original application controversially called in by then-mayor Boris Johnson in 2015. Then, in 2020, Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils failed to agree on a recommendation to grant or refuse the scheme.Tower Hamlets had objected on the basis that the scheme would fail to optimise the housing potential of the site, maximise the provision of family homes or contribute to the creation of mixed and balanced communities. However, Khan sided with his GLA officers who had recommended approving the development.The first proposals for the City fringe plot emerged in 2010, with early plans drawn up by Terry Farrell.A number of high-profile architects, including David Chipperfield, have previously hit out at the development, calling it unacceptable and insisting it didnt reflect the needs of the local community.The development has also attracted local opposition, with a 2020 consultation racking up more than 200 objections and more than 50 businesses in Brick Lane and Bethnal Green backing two petitions against it.Chris Dyson, founder and principal of Chris Dyson Architects, said: Looking at the car park and semi-derelict buildings on the street today, its hard to imagine that Sclater Street was once the heart of the Spitalfields silk weaving district.Were delighted to be part of the Goodsyard team bringing this part of our neighbourhood back to life, through careful restoration and high-quality contemporary design.Ballymore group managing director John Mulryan said: The RMA approvals mark the beginning of delivery of the Goodsyard. The result will be the reopening of one of Londons most important historical assets located between the City and Shoreditch.Hammerson chief development and asset repositioning officer Harry Badham said: The Goodsyard is one of the last undeveloped sites of scale in central London which has the potential to lead the way in terms of placemaking and holistic regeneration.[Gensler and Buckley Gray Yeomans] proposed workspace building is part of creating a new international destination rooted in a unique and ever-evolving local culture.2024-11-28Richard Waitecomment and share