Royal Docks plan unveiled for “floating” Grand Prix

Grant Prior 2 years ago
Share

Consultants the LDN Collective and Dar have unveiled plans to transform the Royal Docks allowing the area to host a potential London Grand Prix.

The concept extends the width of the existing embankment by 20m for a length of 2.7km along the Royal Victoria and Royal Albert Dock from ExCeL to the University of East London.

An extra 48,140 sqm of prime waterfront land will be created by constructing a series of floating modules helping to house a wide variety of functions, from boutique hotels and restaurants to libraries and pocket parks.

Movable and flexible in configuration, the 28 modules offer “22 revenue generating units and six high quality floating parks” with different uses, from spaces to relax and socialise, to playgrounds, learning areas, adventure zones and exercise spaces.

For fifty weeks of the year, London’s new waterside boulevard would be an ‘eventscape’ programmed to encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.

As the F1 race week approaches, the embankment’s linear park can be disassembled to reveal the FIA grade surface, while floating units would be reconfigured to provide grandstands, food and beverage outlets and entertainment facilities.

A London Grand Prix would offer a waterside street circuit with high speed, long duration and full throttle sections with heavy braking zones to maximise over-taking. The 5,868m circuit would have 22 corners, an average speed of 204 kph and an anticipated lap time of 1’42.1.

The design incorporates a mix of floating and non-floating grandstands with capacity for over 95,000 people and a unique pit-lane would use ExCeL’s first floor servicing and loading deck for increased viewing opportunities.

Max Farrell, CEO of the LDN Collective said: “This vision could do for the Royal Docks what the Olympics did for Stratford and the Lea Valley. By extending the promenade we are creating a flexible eventscape and by creating floating commercial uses we are making the proposal financially viable and deliverable, without the taxpayer footing the bill.

“We know that Formula 1 is interested in hosting a Grand Prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations. We have discussed the proposals with the GLA, who are developing a water strategy and planning framework with Newham Council, which we hope to align with.

“With or without F1, these proposals are transformational and would be a huge boost to London and the UK globally, as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Dan Horner, Director of Urban Design at Dar said: “It’s apparent for anyone visiting the Royal Docks that the water is underutilised, but has huge un-tapped potential.

“We have approached this large, contained and clean body of water as a platform which can be reconfigured using floating modules, creating a new family orientated leisure and events destination.

“Although floating buildings, structures and spaces are a relatively new concept within the UK, there is a growing number of precedents, notably in Europe, which have been highly successful and cost effective. We believe this is an exciting and viable solution for activating the Dock, making it a world class destination.”

Latest news

Gilbert Ash to be sold to staff

£267m turnover contractor to transition to an Employee Ownership Trust
6 hours ago

Cardo seals deal to save 100 jobs at Breyer roofing arm

Private equity-backed Welsh maintenance group continues to expand
9 hours ago

Czech energy tycoon buys UK’s biggest rebar supplier

Spanish offload Celsa UK operation to be rebranded 7 Steel UK
16 hours ago

Caddick Construction targets £400m turnover

Regional shake-up pays off at contracting arm
1 day ago

Redrow chief steps down after Barratt merger

Matthew Pratt leaving after 22 years
1 day ago

United Living names new property services senior team

New CEO and COO appointed to lead growth in housing upkeep and retrofit
14 hours ago

Wynne triples turnover in three years to over £90m

Five-year growth strategy pays off
15 hours ago

Speedy Hire blames Budget for branch closures

National Insurance rises accelerate closure programme
15 hours ago

Builder gets suspended sentence for Covid loan fraud

M&E specialist inflated turnover to claim maximum loan
16 hours ago

Scores of M&E firms win places on £400m CHIC framework

Axis Europe and Seddon secured spots on social housing deal
2 days ago

Coroner hears how worker was crushed under digger

Inquest opens into tragedy at Rose Builders site
2 days ago

Billington lowers 2025 forecast amid pricing pressure

Tender prices under pressure due to project delays and cancellations
2 days ago

Willmott Dixon lands Dover town centre revamp

Alliance agreed to regenerate several key council sites
2 days ago

Go-ahead for London City office-to-flats scheme

Hub's 150 Minories job in Aldgate to create 280 co-living homes
2 days ago

Wates mobilises as £200m Middlesbrough scheme approved

Gresham Street scheme includes a hotel, 240 flats and over 400 student rooms
2 days ago

Crashed M&E contractor TNA owed supply chain £7m

Sister company buys assets including company vans
3 days ago

Renaker eyes bumper 2025 despite Gateway 2 concern

Strong construction pipeline to support another record year
3 days ago

Wessex Water picks civils firms for £65m framework

Over 40 smaller firms will support AMP8 civils spending programme
3 days ago

Green light for nearly 400 flats at Leeds scheme

Three blocks up to 18 storeys approved at Armley Road
3 days ago

Subcontractors wanted across South London

Work up for grabs from main contractors and clients: Register now for Constructionline event
3 days ago

Heavy lorry ban on Severn Bridge as cables deteriorate

Crossing "not designed and built for today’s levels or weight of traffic"
3 days ago

Muse submits Oldham town centre regeneration plan

Plan advances for six sites to deliver 2000 homes, an hotel and office space
6 days ago

Construction returns to growth after two tough months

Concern grows Trump turmoil is spooking property investors
6 days ago

Skanska wins £43m Clifton Bridge deal

Contractors says scheme is a "complex project that will be delivered to tight timescales"
6 days ago

Green light for 44-storey Manchester resi tower

Developer Glenbrook to start hunt for main contractor
6 days ago

Ten win £670m Network Rail eastern region small works deal

CK Rail, QTS, Colt and Construction Marine pick up two lots
6 days ago

Mears aims to dominate in compliance and housing upkeep

Firm hails 100% rebid success on a slew of major contract renewals
7 days ago

Investigation after two track workers hit by wagon

Accident in Glasgow during engineering possession
6 days ago

Durkan finance chief joins house builder Thakeham

Paul Kimber confirmed as new Chief Financial Officer
6 days ago

Water win sees Mott MacDonald Bentley hunt for new staff

Recruitment event for the South of England: Register now
6 days ago

Contractor services