Pup Architects worked closely with the Gasworks Dock Partnership to design a masterplan for their site, Cody Dock in Newham, East London. In collaboration with Tibbalds planning consultants, outline and full planning permission was granted in 2019 for over 1000m2 of artists studios, workshop and office space, a dry dock, wash block, community centre, gardens, moorings and a new pedestrian bridge. Sitting uniquely at an intersection of nature, industry, creative enterprise and community engagement, the masterplan sets out a vision for the future of the 1-hectare site.

The masterplan helps to secure the future of Cody Dock by formalising the use of the site and creating permanent new facilities. With huge amounts of development happening in Newham, Cody Dock will provide opportunities for people to connect through volunteering, education and work. Routes through the site create clear connections with public-facing elements, such as the gardens and community centre, whilst more private spaces such as workshop and drydock occupy the far end of the dock.

On a larger scale, the masterplan allows for the opening up of Cody into the Leaway, a continuous route through the Lea Valley from the Olympic Park to the Royal Docks. Supported by grant funding, the development of the dock will take place over the next few years.


Client

Gasworks Dock Partnership

date

2016

location

Newham, London


planning consultant

Tibbalds


Cody Dock Masterplan

Dating from the 1870s, Victorian-built Cody Dock branches off the southern end of the River Lea. It has a strong industrial heritage as an ex-gasworks, and is now surrounded by a contemporary light-industrial estate. The Gasworks Dock Partnership gained a 999 year lease for the land in 2009 and since has brought the site back into use from dereliction. With the help and support of many volunteers and partner organizations, the dock has grown into a community-based arts and creative industries quarter, populated with gardens and temporary structures.

The new layout considers the most efficient use of the unusually shaped plot, bounded by industrial uses around the perimeter, and water in the centre. New clearer entrances and routes through the site, including the new bridge will provide greater accessibility.

The design principles of major new buildings such as the workshop, drydock and community centre have been established through the masterplan.