Britain’s first floating village is one step closer to being built in Newham - but it has met with stiff opposition.
Plans to transform the Royal Victoria Docks with floating homes, restaurants and bars were unveiled by the Mayor of London in February, and today he announced the company selected to build it.
But the proposed design by Carillion Igloo Genesis has been criticised by Sir Robin Wales for not considering the needs of current residents.
The Mayor of Newham said: “We have always been clear that any new development must provide affordable housing and an acceptable mix of uses along with much needed long-term jobs for local people.
“The current plans for the Floating Village do not meet our vision or the Greater London Authority’s own London Plan.
“Newham Council cannot, and will not, accept a development consisting purely of luxury apartments which will be out of reach of the majority of our residents.
“The GLA and Carillion Igloo Genesis need to look again at their plans and ensure that there is sufficient affordable housing provided by the scheme and a range of other amenities to serve the existing community as well as any new residents”
Carillion Igloo Genesis was selected to transform the 15 acres of water into a thriving neighbourhood, using a custom build approach to enable prospective occupiers to be part of the design process for the 50 new homes.
Although the floating village scheme is new to this country, it has already been tested in the Netherlands, with more than 300 floating buildings created at Ijberg.
Boris Johnson said: “This site has the potential to become one of the most sought after addresses in the capital while breathing new life back into London’s waterways.
“Carillion Igloo Genesis’ scheme will create a unique mixed use development providing a range of commercial activities within a high quality water environment for Londoners and visitors, creating jobs and raising the profile of London’s Royal Docks.”
Carillion Igloo Genesis - a consortium of housing constructors Carillion, Igloo regeneration fund and Genesis Housing Association - is expected to submit a planning application to Newham Council in Spring 2015.
Read more:
Image released showing home on floating village in Royal Docks
Superyacht hotel opening in Royal Victoria Docks
Plans for the UK’s largest floating village in Newham’s Royal Docks announced
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