Royal Albert Docks Regeneration
Current Regeneration in the Docks and Planned Uses
Royal Albert Docks Team (RAD) and Farrells have joined together to produce a rough masterplan for the site, and have begun to design new uses for the currently derelict Dock Managers Office and the Central Buffet building
Current RAD Masterplan
Image to the left is the current masterplan as shown on the RAD website. This iteration was designed by internationally renowned architects, Farrells. The masterplan involves a multi-stage approach, with stage one being currently completed (buildings highlighted in red). However, this plan is not super detailed and there is little visible evidence of dates for completion of further stages or what exactly they would involve. There is no visible explanation about different building usages, only rough outlines for ground floor coverage. To support this plan there are some key vision statements highlighted on the website, for example to create 'a culture that extends beyond work' or the formation of a 'dynamic commercial district'.
Planned uses for the listed buildings
There are currently some planned uses for the two listed buildings, which have been set out in the listed building consent and design access statement produced by RAD Team in conjunction with Farrells. There are proposals for some rough uses and ideas for the land surrounding these buildings
The application document plans for the refurbishment and reuse of the two listed buildings. The application states that changes made to these buildings would be completed as a part of phase one (as seen on the map above) however it is evident that this has fallen behind target dates for completion as work has not yet begun. The planned changes are as follows: the Dock Manager’s Office will accommodate a new member’s club with outside terrace (left of picture above), and the Central Buffet building will accommodate a restaurant (front right of picture). It is worth questioning the rationale behind planning for a members club, as this may potentially create exclusion between the general public and those allowed access to the building.
There are some rough sketches of the central area in the site which have been produced with this application document, which indicate some rough uses for some surrounding buildings. There is seemingly a large provision of green network features and public open space for pedestrians. There is also thought towards how the site will link to the DLR station on the north, as well as the inclusion of a road through the middle . As this revised document was produced in 2014 (plans of which were all to be included in phase one of the RAD development), it is likely that these proposals made will be outdated. Different uses for the buildings and land surrounding it may therefore be more appropriate for current post-covid urban spaces.