Client: Vastint UK BV
Project overview
Sugar House Island, spearheaded by Vastint UK BV, stands as a landmark 10.5-hectare regeneration project located in the vibrant area of Stratford, adjacent to the Olympic Park. This expansive mixed-use development is set to revitalise a previously industrial zone into a dynamic and sustainable community hub.
With the introduction of 1,200 new homes and 58,000 square metres of commercial space alongside restaurants, bars, and a hotel, Sugar House Island is poised to become a focal point for both living and working, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
This transformative scheme aims to draw approximately 6,000 people to the area, establishing a collaborative environment conducive to living, working, and socialising. Nestled amongst the scenic waterways of the River Lea and the Three Mills Wall River, and with its proximity to the Olympic Park, the development enjoys unparalleled connectivity.
Residents and visitors will benefit from easy access to eight railway stations, five bus routes, and two dedicated cycle paths, ensuring seamless integration with the wider London transport network.
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1200 new homes
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58,000 sq. ft. of commercial space
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10.5 hectare regeneration scheme
BWB's role
Comprehensive engineering
Our engagement with Sugar House Island was characterised by a deep commitment to addressing the complex challenges inherent in rejuvenating a site with a significant industrial legacy. Due to its proximity to the water environment, bounded by the River Lea and Three Mills River, the redevelopment of the site imposed a significant pollution risk. Our contaminated land team conducted an exhaustive ground investigation, comprising over 200 points of analysis, to understand the environmental and structural nuances of the site thoroughly. This foundational work was critical in devising innovative and sustainable ground remediation solutions to mitigate soil and groundwater contamination, thereby reducing long-term environmental liabilities.
Strategic river wall overhaul
The site was bounded by more than 1km of river wall, of varying condition. In taking a long term investment decision on the site the client wanted to ensure a 120 year design life for the river wall. Therefore, in close consultation with the Environment Agency, Canal and River Trust, and other key stakeholders we led the assessment and detailed design of full sheet-piled replacement scheme for the entire length of river wall.
To improve buildability, this included a solution that projected the wall alignment into the waterbodies, thereby requiring significant river surveys and hydraulic modelling by our in-house teams, of the whole intertidal system to support the associated Environmental Permit applications.
The design of the river wall also formed part of the River Thames defences and was compliant with the parameters set out in the Environment Agency’s TE2100 strategy, which allows for future effects of climate change. Our structural and geotechnical teams worked with the D&B contractor to inform design, methodology and temporary works. We also undertook site supervision throughout the construction period in addition to ecological support due to the potential impact on the inter-tidal mud flats and wading birds..
Sustainability initiatives
A testament to our commitment to sustainability, our involvement also facilitated the retention of all materials on-site, employing cutting-edge remediation technologies to minimise the development's carbon footprint. This strategy not only underscored our dedication to environmental stewardship but also yielded significant cost savings for the client, underscoring the economic viability of sustainable development practices.