Make submits plans for mixed-use 52-storey tower on Isle of Dogs

Make Architects has submitted plans for a 52-storey mixed-use tower on the Isle of Dogs skyscraper – the latest of three skyscrapers by the practice on the east London peninsulaThe stepped tower would contain 457 homes – 35 per cent affordable – as well as an ‘animated ground plane’ with space for shops, cafés, a youth centre and a health centre. The high-rise residential scheme would have terraces on the first and second floor and also create new public walkways at ground level.The building is proposed for 4 and 5 Harbour Exchange, a site fronting Millwall Inner Dock just south of Canary Wharf’s South Dock.A five-storey office building on the site would be demolished to make way for Make’s scheme. In planning documents, Make describes the existing building as ‘an austere mix of hard materials’ which has ‘no apparent activation of the building’.The practice said the current building was less than 50 per cent occupied despite ‘considerable marketing efforts’ over several months. It also said the building did not suit conversion to a residential building for a range of reasons, including deep floor plates, small existing cores, and lack of outdoor space on the site.Make said its proposed tower would reference Dockland history with a ‘modern industrial aesthetic’, explaining: ‘Vertical and horizontal elements on the façade break down the building form and mimic the traditional scale and window arrangement of the old industrial warehouses synonymous with the area.‘This aesthetic not only grounds the building within its historical context, it also creates a recognisable residential scale which relates to some of the more modern neighbouring buildings and developments.’The proposed tower would stand near Amory Tower, a 53-storey residential building completed by Make in 2020, as well as 225 Marsh Wall, a 48-storey tower residential tower also designed by Make which is currently under construction.Make partner Simon Robins said: ‘One East Point replaces an under-utilised office building with a 52-storey stepped, orthogonal tower that will provide 457 new homes including 119 affordable homes.‘The proposal reduces the footprint of the existing building so that over 60 per cent of the site is returned to public use with new public gardens, a landscaped “underline” beneath the DLR, and a Dockside square.‘The residential homes are supported by a mixed-use podium with a series of publicly accessible terraces. The podium will include creative industry studios, gallery spaces, healthcare facilities, retail and restaurants and a 1,400m² multi-use youth centre.‘The building’s stepping form includes two escape stairs, maximises dual-aspect homes, and provides three shared roof terraces with amenity facilities for the residents. Over 90 per cent of the apartments feature generous naturally ventilated winter gardens to provide private, flexible amenity space that can be enjoyed throughout the year.’