Shadwell Estate

Client: Peabody

Landscape Architect: Turkington Martin

Cost: £1.5m

Duration: 12 months

Location: Tower Hamlets

The Project saw the comprehensive refurbishment of existing courtyards and adjacent circulation spaces within the listed Shadwell Estate which was one of the first Peabody developments in the 1890s.

 WORKS INCLUDED:

• breaking out of existing hard landscape areas to make way for new paving, planting, seating and play areas

• demolition of existing storage sheds

• building of new refuse, storage, caretaker and bulk refuse storage sheds together with some repairs and general works to existing structures

• deconstruction and re-building of existing boundary wall

• new drainage, water mains, power and lighting

Further information:

As well as improving the space for residents, there were considerable benefits for wildlife, and a significant contribution towards targets in the Local Biodiversity Action Plan. New habitats included chalk grassland, open mosaic habitats and mixed native hedge. Nectar-rich and night-scented flowers, dense climbers and Bird’s-foot Trefoil on the green roofs will benefit priority species such as bumblebees, bats, house sparrows and the common blue butterfly.

The scheme was incredibly complex, requiring consideration of the estate being fully occupied throughout the works, being Grade II listed and having no storage space. In this environment, Blakedown designed and installed a new water main system to the entire estate.

The project pushed the dedication of the team to the limits with careful planning, resident liaison and just in time practices all playing a part in the smooth running of the project. The outcome was incredibly well received by both the client and residents who have a very high-quality landscape on their doorstep.