Millwall Docks Waterspace - Final Issue (Sept 2011)

8/11/2019 Millwall Docks Waterspace - Final Issue (Sept 2011)

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PREPARED BY LATHAMS ON BEHALF OF BRITISH WATERWAYS (LONDON DOCKLANDS)FINAL REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2011

REF: 6491

Waterspace and Moorings Plan

Millwall Docks, London Docklands


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2 MILLWALL DOCKS - WATERSPACE AND MOORINGS PLAN

Chris Twomey BA (hons) Dip Arch RIBA

Managing Director

Lathams

St Michaels

Queen Street

Derby

DE1 3SU

United Kingdom

Tel: 01332 546 247

Fax: 01332 290 314

[email protected]

Ordnance Survey data Crown Copyright 2011. All rights reserved.Lathams licence number 100006736.

Photographic images used throughout this document have been provided by the author or acquiredfrom open sources. Where copyright material has been used all reasonable effort has been employed to

acknowledge ownership.

September 2011


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3CONTENTS

Contents

Executive Summary 5

1 Introduction 7

1.1 Background 7

1.2 Purpose of the Study 7

1.3 The Brief 7

1.4 Structure of the Study 8

2 Site Overview 10

2.1 Historical Context 10

2.2 Site Context 13

2.3 West India and South Dock 14

2.4 Creating a Distinctive Character 15

2.5 Limiting Depths, Widths and Air Drafts 16

2.6 Existing Conditions 18

2.7 New & Proposed Developments 22

2.8 Access and Movement 24

2.9 Open Spaces 24

3 Vision and Concepts 26

3.1 Vision 26

3.2 Ecology 29

4 Design Elements 30

4.1 Development Proposals 30

4.2 Zone 1: Commercial zone (NW half of Millwall Inner Dock) 32

4.3 Zone 2: Leisure zone (SW half of Millwall Inner Dock) 34

4.4 Zone 3: Secondary Commercial zone (eastern half of Millwall Inner Dock) 36

4.5 Zone 4 : Leisure zone (Eastern part of Millwall Outer Dock) 38

5 Conclusion 415.1 Summary & Key Recommendations 41


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MILLWALL DOCKS - WATERSPACE AND MOORINGS PLAN44

Fig 1 - Precedent images showing life and activity on the water


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INTRODUCTION 5

Executive Summary

A significant asset

for London

Located right next to Londons iconic Canary

Wharf, Millwall Docks represent a significant

and dramatic waterspace and a key, but

under-used asset for the capital.

Comprising both Inner and Outer Docks, the

waterspaces have huge potential for

increased water based leisure use and

associated waterside activity.

A number of user groups are already

established in the Docks, including the

Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre

(DSWC) as well as long term moorings.

This document seeks to harness theenergy and commitment of the DSWC

and other interest groups, and promote

increased use and activity in and around

the docks.

A vibrant centre forwatersports

Established in 1989 and funded by the

London Docklands Development Corporation

and the Sports Council, the DSWC is a

purpose built facility, located at the western

end of Millwall Outer Dock.

The presence of the well established club,

with its year round programme of events,

helps to define the character of the Outer

Dock - as a magnet for a wide range of

watersports, including sailing, windsurfing,

kayaking, power boating and dragon boat

racing.

Commercial activity on thewater

This document promotes the concept of a

range of water based commercial attractions,

including floating cafe/restaurants and niche

retail, as well as pontoon parks/staging and

urban greening.

With new commercial attractions located

close to South Quay station (DLR), there is

significant potential to extend the waterside

offer (A3 uses) onto the water, to add a

unique dimension to the docks.

Enhanced leisureopportunities and mooringprovision

New moorings are proposed. A flexible and

adaptable approach is envisaged, including

modular pontoons that can be configured to

suit differing needs.

This means that, as well as providing

mooring opportunities for private craft,

pontoons can be moved around the docks

and reconfigured for special events and

activities, eg floating performance stage.

The ideas contained within this document

will set the scene for future development

in and around the docks, ensuring that

important established uses and activities

can be safeguarded, enhanced and

complemented with new activities.


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Fig 2 - St. Katharine Docks


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INTRODUCTION 7

1Introduction

1.1 Background

Millwall Docks comprise the Outer and

Inner Dock. Currently under used, they

have considerable potential to play host to

new leisure and commercial opportunities,

creating an animated and vibrant waterspace

which integrates with land-side development.

Lathams has been commissioned by British

Waterways London to prepare outline

proposals and supporting information

(including a description of the existing

context, issues and opportunities), for a

waterspace strategy to include moorings

provision for a mix of craft within Millwall

Docks, London Docklands.

1.2 Purpose of the

Study

The purpose of this document is to

demonstrate the potential for a range of

waterspace uses in Millwall Docks. The

document supports LBTHs Marsh Wall

East Masterplan and will assist in future

pre-application discussions with the local

planning authority and stakeholders.

1.3 The Brief

The focus of the study is Millwall Inner

Dock, immediately south of South Quay

Station (DLR), as well as the eastern end of

Millwall Outer Dock. A number of zones are

envisaged, as follows:

1.1 Commercial zone (NW half of

Millwall Inner Dock)

Provision to be made for wide beam craft,

eg dutch barges/Thames sailing barges with

flexibility for smaller craft.

NB) The proposals should be designed to

take account of views, vistas and key routes

to and from the Millennium Quarter, ensuring

opportunities to enliven and reinvigorate the

waterspace can be maximised.

1.2 Leisure zone (SW half of Millwall

Inner Dock)

As above, proposals should cater for a range

of craft, including wide beam boats up to

30-40m length.

A floating facilities building should be

provided to accommodate toilets, showers,

refuse, etc.

NB) The recent moorings scheme in

Blackwall Basin to the north of the study area

provides a useful precedent in terms of the

anticipated type/mix of craft and facilities

provision.

1.3 Secondary Commercial zone

(eastern half of Millwall Inner Dock)

Consider relocation of existing Chinese

restaurant, with particular emphasis on

improving refuse/servicing provision to

enhance the dockside

1.4 Leisure zone (Eastern part of

Millwall Outer Dock)

Retain/enhance existing moorings in

eastern zone, ensuring that opportunities

for established sailing activities are not

compromised.


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1.4 Structure of the

Study

The proposals set out in this document are

informed by the site and its context. The

evaluation of existing social, economic and

environmental conditions has informed the

design process in establishing imaginativeand practical solutions that will help to

reinvigorate the waterspace and the

surrounding areas.

The contextual anaylsis forms the basis for

the proposals and is key to understanding

the constraints and opportunities of the

Docks. Based on this analysis, initial design

concepts and opportunities are proposed.

Precedent schemes are showcased to

promote the viability of floating structures,

ecology and the innovative nature of the

proposals to be explored.

This information then leads onto a series

of integrated solutions for the different

commercial and residential zones identified

in the brief.

Figs 3, 4, 5 - Examples of use and activity on the water


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INTRODUCTION 9

MillwallOuterDock

M

illw

allIn

ner

Doc

k

Fig 6 - Local Context - Aerial Photograph

Millwall Docks study area edged in red


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2Site Overview

2.1 Historical Context

http://www.portcities.org.uk

With its seven windmills, the Isle of Dogs had

once been an important site for the milling

of grain. The construction of Millwall Dock

(located in the Isle of Dogs) began in June

1865 and was open to shipping by 1868.

These docks had been built specially to

handle grain imports, and offered better

facilities for unloading grain than the other

docks in London.

Millwall Docks failed to capture the large

imports of grain from North America and

instead came to specialise in imports of grain

from the Baltic. Steam vessels slowly began

to establish themselves on trade routes.

However, the width of the entrance severely

limited the type of vessels that could use thedock.

Further works were undertaken in 1927 and

completed in 1928. These works joined

Millwall Dock to the West India Dock by

creating a new cutting allowing access to the

east side of the dock from the Isle of Dogs.

The first large mill to be built alongside any

of the London docks was the Wheatsheaf

Mill, which stood on the southern quay of

the Millwall Outer Dock. Its construction wasstarted in 1869 by the Manchester-based

McDougall Brothers, who had pioneered

self-raising flour five years earlier. The firm

of McDougall Brothers evolved into the first

of Britains giant flour milling concerns. They

owned several large mills elsewhere in the

country. The Wheatsheaf Mill, rebuilt several

times over the following century, became one

of the major landmarks of the Isle of Dogs.

Realising the increasing success of the grain

trade at Millwall prompted civil engineer,

Magnus Mowat, to invent new handling

and storage methods. In 1903 the Central

Granary was opened at the Millwall Dock and

used Britains first pneumatic suction elevator,

patented by Frederick Duckham, the Millwall

Dock Companys resident engineer. Three

pneumatic grain elevators were erected on

platforms 15 metres away from the jetty thatcould discharge grain directly into barges

or to the granary.This revolutionized the

handling of grain, which was sucked out

instead of being scooped up by buckets as

before and greatly speeded up the unloading

of grain ships.

The Central Granary was 76 metres long,

30.5 metres wide and was designed to hold

24,000 tons of bulk grain. It had 11 floors for

storage and inspection, a delivery floor and

a basement. The granary was divided intofive compartments with vertical firewalls and

had a 20,000 gallon (91,000 litre) water tank

on the roof for fire fighting and windows for

ventilation.

In 1957, McDougall merged with Hovis to

form Hovis-McDougall. In 1961 the new

company merged with Rank to form Rank-

Hovis-McDougall (now RHM Ltd).

With the decline of the inner London docks

and the construction of the Bulk Grain

Terminal at Tilbury, both the Wheatsheaf

Mill and the Central Granary closed. Both

buildings were later demolished. RHM Ltd

now maintains large flour mills at Tilbury.

Today, whilst many of the historic buildings

have disappeared, significant heritage

assets remain, including dock walls,

mooring bollards / cleats, dockside cranes

and furniture. These can be successfully

integrated with a new and revitalised

waterspace


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INTRODUCTION 11

Fig 7 -1862 The Isle of Dogs prior to the construction of Millwall Docks

Fig 8 -1885 t- Millwall Docks (note: the original entry to the Dockswas from the West

original lock

entrance

connection toSouth Dock not yet

established

Fig 10 - Tall ships loading/unloading their cargo

Fig 9 -Rum Quay 1919, now Canary Wharf


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Fig 12 - The suburban context of Millwall Outer Dock (vast expanse of open water)

Fig 11 - The urban context of Millwall Inner Dock (note: lack of boats / activity on the water)


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SITE OVERVIEW 13

2.2 Site Context

MIllwall Inner and Outer Docks have a rather

ambiguous context. To the North, the vibrant

and hectic character of the UKs largest and

most significant business district is apparent,

thus giving the dock a very urban and

energetic setting. By contrast, the Outer Dockis expansive and quiet, with the capacity to

take larger vessels. Its physical connection

to Mudchute Park and the low-rise residential

developments gives it an altogether different

feel, almost tranquil.

The two main perpendicular axes of the

docks become two very distinct entities; the

North/South high density urban, and the East/

West low density, almost suburban. There is

little integration between the two docks.

As a result of the differences in urban scale,

the docks seem caught between both

environments, not able to fully belong to

either. The very nature of the water body

creates a sense of void within the city that

provides a social / visual relief space for

local residents and workers but without many

designated areas to enjoy this exciting space.

Activity is restricted to the fringes of the

docks. Pedestrian use is limited with fewdestinations around the docks to aim for.

Surrounding Development

There are a number of new developments

around Millwall Docks which are helping to

redefine and promote the waterspace as an

extension of the business district but also as

a place to live. The Millharbour Quarter and

Ballymore developments that abut the InnerDock emphasise the ambitious regeneration

that is taking place in the Tower Hamlets

district.

The aim of this study is to highlight the

potential for enhancing the activity and

vibrancy of the docks and help to realise

the potential opportunities that the new

developments (and their associated footfall)

will bring.

Water-based Activity

At present, water-based activities are

minimal. There are several static/floating

commercial uses, eg. the Chinese Restaurant

(see fig x) and the Ballymore Marketing Suite

within the Inner Dock, as well as several long

term moorings situated at the North-East side

of the Outer Dock.

Consideration should be given to improving

Clippers Quay (currently under used) and

bridge, South of Millwall Outer Dock. Outside

the ownership of British Waterways, this is

a place that could add to the overall Docks

offer.

NB) Clippers Quay already has pontoons,

although existing access restrictions appear

to preclude its use for moorings. 11

12


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2.3 West India and South

Dock

Although connected, West India/South Dock

is distinctly different to Millwall Docks due to

the size and types of vessel that dominate

the waterspace. The limiting widths andair draught of Millwall Cutting restrict boat

access to Millwall Docks and results in a

drastic contrast in scale and use between the

neighbouring bodies of water.

NB) Refer to limiting widths, depths and air

draughts on pages 14-15.

The large scale commercial vessels and

naval ships that use West India and South

Dock are impressive in size and stature.

Canary Wharf appropriately provides the

backdrop to the Dock and the large craft that

occupy it.

South Dock Millwall Dock

Fig 13 - simple sketch comparison to illustrate scale

difference of craft using the docksFig 14, 15, 16 - examples of larger scale

vessels in South Dock


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SITE OVERVIEW 15

2.4 Creating a

Distinctive Charater

Millwall Docks has the potential to create a

vibrant and distinctive character of its own,

one that complements its surroundings and

provides additional commercial and leisure

opportunities on the waterspace.

Useful precedent includes St Katharine

Docks, near Tower Bridge - a good example

of the unique and exciting small scale

atmosphere that can be created within a

very prominent setting. Nestled in the heart

of the city of London, St Katharine Docks

accommodates a large number of yachts,

cruisers and historic barges. With an array

of commercial and leisure facilities in and

around the Dock, it is an attractive venue for

private and corporate events.

Blackwall Basin is also home to the type and

size of craft that are envisaged at Millwall

Inner and Outer Docks.

Nearby Poplar Dock also offers a mix of

residential mooring opportunities, easily

accessible from the Thames via Blackwall

Basin.

Fig 17 - St Katharine Docks

Fig 18 - Blackwall Basin

Fig 19 - Poplar Dock


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2.5 Limiting Depths,

Widths and Air

Draughts

Within West India & Millwall Docks, there are

depth, width and height restrictions in various

locations.

As at September 2011, the following

restrictions were in place:

Location Limiting Width (m) Limiting Depth (m)

1. Millwall Cutting 23 3.5

2. Millwall Bridge 11 3.5

3. Glengall Bridge 11 3.5

4. Heron Quay Canal 9.7 2.4

5. Bellmouth Passage 14.8 4.4

Location Air Draft (m)

Millwall Cutting 1.17

Millwall Inner 8.2

Glengall Bridge (sides) 1

Glengall Bridge (middle) 2.1

Maximum Craft Dimensions Length (m) Beam (m) Draft

West India Dock 178 24.4 9

Fig 20 - Limiting depths, widths and air drafts


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SITE OVERVIEW 17

Fig 21 - Plan of Limiting Depths, Widths and Air Drafts

MillwallOuterDock

Millw

allIn

ner

Doc

k

5

4

1

2

3

WestIndiaDock

SouthDock

MiddleBranchDock


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2.6 Existing Conditions

Fig. xxii - South Quay Station from Harbour

Exchange Square

Fig. xxiii - Detail of the new Baltimore Wharf

development

Fig. xxiv - Quayside detail of new Pan

Penisula development

Fig. xxv - View from the DLR South Quay

Station platform

Fig. xxvi - Existing moorings in the outer dock

(note unsightly flotsam and jetsam)

Fig. xxvii - Public realm amenity

Fig. xxviii - Refuse provision for boaters

creates visual barrier between water space

and quayside/public realm

22

23

Fig 22

24

Fig 23

Fig 24


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SITE OVERVIEW 19

26

25

27

28

Fig 25

Fig 26

Fig 27 Fig 28


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Existing Conditions

FIg. xxix - Iconic Cranes of Millwall Docks

Fig. xxx - Historic Chimney forms distinctive

marker at the edge of the Outer Dock

Fig. xxxi - Docklands Sailing & WatersportsCentre activities

Fig. xxxii - Raft racing at Docklands Sailing &

Watersports Centre

Fig. xxxiii - The Urban versus domestic scale

of the Outer Dock

Fig. xxxiv - Dutch barge moored in Millwall

Outer Dock

Fig. xxxv - Dockside Cranes

3029 31

Fig 29

Fig 30

Fig 31


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SITE OVERVIEW 21

32 & 35

34

33

Fig 32

Fig 33

Fig 34 Fig 35


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2.7 New & Proposed

Developments

There are a large number of prominent

buildings and developments planned and

under construction around Millwall Docks.

The Millennium Quarter and Marsh Wall

East Masterplans are both directly linked

to the waterspace from the West and East

respectively.

With an influx of capital being invested in

the area, the time is right for a revitalisation

of Millwall Inner and Outer Docks, enabling

them to benefit from, and contribute to, the

economic growth of the area.

Any development of the Docks themselves

will need to be integrated well into the

context of the surrounding developments,

thus producing a coherent and meaningfulresponse to the immediate environment.

Fig 36 - Ballymore marketing suite with hospitalitylaunch

Fig 37 - proposed skyscraper in the Marsh Wall EastMasterplan (image from ballymore.co.uk)

Fig 38 - View from the north west corner of Baltimore Wharf (image from .ballymore.co.uk)


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SITE OVERVIEW 23

MillenniumQuarter

Wood Wharf

SkylinesVillage

Cubitt TownRedevelopment

BaltimoreWharf

Fig 39 - Development Context

Marsh Wall East


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2.8 Access andMovement

Millwall Docks is very well connected to the

wider context of Canary Wharf and the city of

London. The DLR line runs past the Northern

and Eastern edges of the docks. The South

Quay station platform above Marsh Wall

provides an expansive view of the docks, allthe way down to Glengall Bridge in the south

and beyond.

With key developments under construction,

the connectivity of the docks will inevitably

increase. Footfall to the waterside will

intensify to and from the main public

transport terminals and much care should

be taken in improving conditions along these

routes.

2.9 Open SpacesWith the exception of Mudchute Park to the

South East of the Outer Dock, the number of

green open spaces around Millwall Docks is

very limited. British Waterways is committed

to providing natural habitats and ecological

benefits to the water systems of the UK

and see Millwall Docks as an opportunity

to encourage wildlife and introduce a more

dynamic and greener environment, as part of

future development in the surrounding area.

Planned open spaces, as featured in the

Millennium Quarter, for example, will helpalleviate the hard sterility of the urban

environment and provide attractive amenity

space for residents and visitors alike.

This will help promote the area as an

attraction and increase pedestrian footfall,

supported by the potential for commercial

uses in and around the waterspace.

Legend

Existing Green Open Spaces

Proposed Planting

Main Roads

DLR

Pedestrian

Cycle


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SITE OVERVIEW 25

Fig 40 - Plan of Circulation Routes & Green Open Spaces

Crossharbour

South Quays

Mudchute

Heron Quays


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Opportunities

Commercial zone (NW half of Millwall Inner Dock)

anchor tenant (eg. floating bar/restaurant) with generous

external seating area and controlled access to moorings for circa 10-12

commercial/retail craft, eg. florist, news/con kiosk, floating bakery?, etc.

The relocation of the existing marketing suite should be considered

Leisure zone (SW half of Millwall Inner Dock)

Mooring provision for a mix of leisure craft

Mooring pontoons incorporating reed boxes to encourage wildlife and

promote urban greening, associated with the commercial moorings

Fully serviced moorings with facilities, eg drainage, electricity & water

Consider enlivening dead waterspace - north western part of outer dock

up to Pointe North)

Secondary Commercial zone (eastern half of Millwall Inner Dock)

Consider relocation of existing Chinese restaurant, with particular reference

to improving refuse/servicing provision and access to enhance the

dockside

Scope to enhance existing water based development and other

complementary water based activities Consider other commercial uses, eg bar / restaurant etc.

Leisure zone (Eastern part of Millwall Outer Dock)

Safeguard open water characteristics - ie. active waterspace

Promote and encourage Watersports Centre activities

Retain existing moorings (north eastern zone)

Consider provision/rationalisation of moorings in eastern zone, ensuring

that opportunities for established sailing activities are not compromised

Scope to extend some activities, eg canoeing, into Millwall Inner Dock

Consider water taxi services throughout the Docklands area

Promote events, performances and festivals on and around the waterspace

(eg. Greenwich and Docklands Festival)

3.1 Vision

Millwall Docks demands a more creative approach to the utilisation of its

assets than exists at present. It is a prime location and point of connection

with West India Docks.

The main aim is to enliven Millwall Docks. To make use of the expansive

body of water within the urban context by providing a dynamic variety offacilities and places for people to live, work and enjoy. The key opportunities

are summarised below:

3Vision & Concepts

1

2

3

4


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1

2

3

4

Legend

Commercial zone1 Leisure zone2 Secondary Commercial zone3 Leisure zone4

SITE OVERVIEW 27

Fig 41 - Zoning diagram (note: these are not prescriptive and could be expanded & contracted to adapt to market conditions)


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Fig 42 - View of Inner Dock with Harbour Island in the foreground


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3.2 Ecology

The waterspace currently provides limited

opportunities for ecology. Floating habitats

are currently found within the Docks, however

these wooden pallet-like rafts appear out of

context with their surroundings. They do not

provide the visual relief and environmentalimpact that is desired.

There may be scope to incorporate a more

integrated reedbed system within the Docks.

Larger and more diverse floating reed beds,

introduced as part of a commercial moorings

scheme, will not only help clean the water,

but will also introduce much needed habitats

to the waterspace.

The examples below (Figs xliii & xliv) show

how these floating reedbeds could lookhow they can improve water quality whilst

providing habitats for birds and other wildlife.

SITE OVERVIEW 29

Fig 43 - Existing poor condition of reed beds in Millwall Inner Dock

Fig45 - Detail of reed bed. Source: floatingislandinternational.comFig 44 - Innovative use of

floating reed systems. Source:ukwetlands.co.uk


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4Design Elements

4.1 Development

Proposals

The proposals detailed in this section tackle

the somewhat sterile environment of Millwall

Docks as a means of creating exciting

commercial opportunities in and around the

waterspace.

Having considered the various issues

concerning the site and its context, a

comprehensive strategy for the regeneration

of Millwall Docks is proposed. This approach

aims to:

- attract commercial opportunities to the

docks

- provide leisure / recreational activities

on the water

- maintain important vistas and visual

connections

- provide new moorings with amenities

and facilities

- enhance ecology and promote Millwall

Docks as a green space.

- increase connectivity

By maintaining a 25m clear navigationchannel, opportunities will be created for

shared use of the water, eg canoeing/rowing

in the Inner Dock, as well as mooring

provision.

The suggested mix of commercial and leisure

moorings will create varied and vibrant

waterside activity and will fully integrate the

Docks into their wider context.


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DESIGN ELEMENTS 31

Fig 46 - Indicative Waterspace Masterplan

Pedestrian Connections

Visual Connections

Active Water Frontage

DocklandsWatersportsCentre


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4.2 Zone 1 - Commercial

The approach in Zone 1 aims to create an

exciting and dynamic blend of retail and

commercial opportunities on the water.

Prospective operators / tenants will benefit

from large pontoons which link to the

quayside and green open space of theproposed Millennium Quarter development.

The provision of seating and green spaces

will help merge land and water based

activities.

The transition between land and water that

pedestrians will experience will be dramatic,

with the landing stages providing a calm and

reflective environment which is enlivened by

the vibrant mix of craft and the substantial

reed bed systems adjacent.

Secondary commercial barges are shown

moored along a floating street which

encourages pedestrians to walk along thepontoons as part of the experience.

Additional wildlife habitats are proposed

along the existing fixed structure on the East

side (Harbour Exchange Square) to soften

this and promote connections to the water.

Fig 47 - Zone 1


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DESIGN ELEMENTS 33

Floating habitats enlivenedges and encouragewildlife

Dynamic pontoon arrangementcreating amenity space forcommercial tenants

Commercial Craftdimensions approx:25-35m Length4-7m Beam

Floating Park? - connection toMillennium Quarter plannedgreen space

4

0m

25mclearwidth


Visual Connections

Fig 48 - Zone 1 Indicative Plan 1:1000

Habitat enhancement forpontoons


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4.3 Zone 2 - Leisure

Moorings

Building on the proposals for the commercial

zone, this area is designated for private

moorings for a variety of leisure craft, offering

more generous amenity space for boaters.

The landscaping between the dock edgeand the pontoons will increase privacy for

the moorings whilst also increasing wildlife

habitats.

Reed beds can be accommodated in unused

moorings on a temporary basis. Their

modular construction will enable them to be

relocated in and around the dock as demand

for moorings grows.

Floating facilities / pavilions will cater for

boaters needs, including wcs, showers,

water, drainage and electricity.

Fig 49 - Zone 2


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DESIGN ELEMENTS 35


Pontoon arrangementcreates amenity space fortenants

Leisure Craft

dimensions approx:15-25m Length4-5.5m Beam

Waterfront activity increased

25mclearwidth

Leisure Craftdimensions approx:15-40m Length4-7m Beam


Visual Connections


Floating facilities pavilion


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4.4 Zone 3 - Secondary

Commercial

(eastern half of Millwall Inner Dock)

This area features the relocated Chinese

restaurant, with particular emphasis on

improving refuse/servicing provision toenhance the dockside.

Proposals also include enhancement of

existing water based development, including

the relocation of the Baltimore marketing

suite and other complementary water based

activities.

The secondary commercial zone is similar

to Zone 1 with tenants / craft based around

a pontoon layout that includes generous

amenity space and incorporates reed

beds. The floating street will encourage

pedestrians to walk onto the pontoons

and engage with the water, as an attractive

contrast to the dockside walk.


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DESIGN ELEMENTS 37


Dynamic pontoon arrangementcreating amenity space for

commercial tenants

Floating restaurant relocated

and redesigned to focus moreon waterspace (includingscreening of refuse / storageareas)

Hospitality Launch

Floating Baltimore MarketingSuite relocated


Visual Connections


Floating kiosk


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4.5 Zone 4 - Leisure

Moorings

(Eastern part of Millwall Outer

Dock)

This zone includes the retention/

enhancement of private long term moorings,including residential, ensuring that

opportunities for established sailing activities

are not compromised.

There is scope to extend some activities, eg

canoeing or rowing, into Millwall Inner Dock,

as well as promoting high profile festivals and

events.

Opportunities also exist to create water taxi

stops (eg. linking commercial zones east and

west) and potentially improving wider links to

Canary Wharf, Wood Wharf, etc.

Fig 52 - Images of Greenwich and Docklands International Festival


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DESIGN ELEMENTS 39

Views to open expanseof water with goodpedestrian access to dockedge

Existing moorings20 - 30m in length


Visual Connections


Unrestricted views acrossopen waterspace from

existing cantileveredviewing deck

Opportunities fortemporary pontoons andstaging to support eventsand activities


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Fig 54 - Millwall Inner Dock - a significant opportunity exiists to embrace the reflective, but largely vacant waterspace


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5Conclusion

5.1 Key

Recommendations

As the photograph adjacent illustrates, the

reinvigoration of Millwall Docks will enable a

largely under utilised, but highly significant

asset, to be transformed into an active and

attractive public space.

As outlined in this document, a number of

opportunities exist to bring life, colour and

vibrancy to the waterspace, creating scope

for commercial activity, enhancing leisure and

tourism opportunities.

In unlocking the full potential of Millwall

Docks, consideration should be given to

existing uses and activities to ensure these

can be supported and enhanced through

new proposals.

The next steps will involve dialogue with

the local planning authority and community

stakeholders, as well as potential operators.

The successful animation of the

waterspace, through the introduction of

mooring opportunities and increased

activity will help to safeguard the future

of Millwall Docks. These proposals bring

scope for increased revenue generation

and will provide leisure, recreation and

biodiversity enhancements that will

benefit both visitors to the area and the

local community.

Millwall Docks Waterspace - Final Issue (Sept 2011)

Documents

Transcript of Millwall Docks Waterspace - Final Issue (Sept 2011)