The masterplan for the regeneration of Thamesmead focusses on connectivity, community and character. It will deliver a coherent community with affordable homes and new jobs, at close travel distance to the City of London.
Making use of the opportunities the improved transport links will bring, the first phase of the regeneration of Thamesmead evolves along Southmere Lane, a new pedestrian route from Abbey Wood Crossrail station in the south to Southmere Lake in the north, providing an enlivened sequence of streets and squares to create an improved sense of place.
Active frontages for commercial, retail and leisure space create a mixed use area with a high quality public realm, activating the lakeside and improving the experience of the surrounding landscape.
The mix of uses, large variety of dwelling types, and public space enrich the community, bringing a distinct character to each of the four development areas of the plan. The first phase to be regenerated is Southmere Village, occupying a large site on the edge of Southmere Lake.
A new square will act as the focal point for local residents and visitors, and restore community facilities. Ensembles, groupings of apartment buildings and terraced houses around raised shared courtyards, define the edges of the square. While each of the ensembles has its own distinctive character and style, they are tied together through a uniform articulation in building height and rhythm.
The predominant material is brick, adding a warmer feel to the existing concrete buildings which will be carefully integrated into the new scheme. The courtyards form the green heart of each building ensemble.