Marine Wharf (2)

Lewisham

Revisions to the design for a mixed-use development of between 1 and 8 storeys in height for commercial uses, 532 new homes, and a new park along the route of the former Grand Surrey Canal, presented within the context of an indicative masterplan for six adjacent sites. Designed by Grid Architects.

We also reviewed this scheme on 21 May 2010.

We welcome the changes that have been made to the application, which have responded to a number of the comments made in our letter dated 21 May 2010. The principle of including a route between The Square and Carteret Way is welcomed, although we do not consider that it is yet generous enough or well resolved architecturally. For example, it might work more successfully if it were located at the natural break between the 3-storey terraced houses fronting The Square (Block P2) and the 4-storey apartment block (Block S6) that runs along the southern boundary.

The success of this development will be dependant on high quality detailed design and the choice of appropriate materials. We are encouraged by the changes to the materials palette, although the metal panels at upper levels will require high quality detailing of joints and junctions with adjacent materials to offset the potential drawbacks to the appearance of this material. The local planning authority should be convinced that the development can be built to a high quality and may wish to apply conditions to ensure an appropriate level of control on design details,

In all other respects the comments made in our letter dated 21 May 2010 still stand.