The idea
Our project aims to celebrate our industrial and maritime heritage by enhancing the hugely popular but unimagined riverside jetty that sits in the river, in-front of the warehouses of Butler’s Wharf, Shad Thames.
The jetty, on the Thames Path, is nearly 100 years old and hugely popular with millions of visitors and Londoners every year. It is in a sorry state. There is huge potential to unite the community with our project which aims to improve the sense of place with better seating, lighting and greening.
We've asked New London Architecture to run a competition inviting landscapers and architects to come up with designs on our behalf, protecting what matters, enhancing what exists and nurturing what is possible.
Our competition will appeal to the brightest and best designers of our time, and includes paying basic expenses to encourage students and small practices to enter. Shortlisted designs will be part of a public display and an opportunity to vote for the winner.
What we'll deliver
- Hold a design competition inviting architects and landscapers to reimagine the jetty at Butlers Wharf
- Conduct an open competition allowing everyone from students to global design houses to enter
- Together with New London Architecture to agree a shortlist of 6 designs
- Provide an honorarium to each of the shortlisted candidates
- Get each shortlisted entry to create a presentation, including a model, of their vision
- Conduct a 2 week public voting exercise
- Appoint a judging panel and agree a winner
- Fund a feasibility study so the winning design can become a reality
Why it's a great idea
Ownership, rights and responsibilities of public space such as the jetty at Butler's Wharf, are hugely complex. We have worked for several years to untangle the history here and have reached a point where all the local stakeholders, residents and businesses, agree - it is time to act.
While there is broad agreement that the area needs improving, a professional design competition is vital to ensure the highest possible standard of design.
We have conducted a local questionnaire, held public meetings and worked with STAMP & STRA, the PLA, Council, Mayor's office and others, to pull the competition brief together and are confident our brief strikes the right balance between all the jetty users.
The competition will have a phased approach, beginning with an Open Call, followed by a Shortlist, and at that point a further and vital round of public consultation. Feasibility, costings and maintenance also form an essential part of this project and the competition outcome.
Steps to get it done
- Conduct open competition with New London Architecture
- Shortlist competitors and conduct phase 2 of competition
- Select winning design
- Conduct feasibility study and agree final design spec
- Get costings and begin fundraising to deliver
We are a group of local residents who got together to make this happen. In common with many other projects, we are inspired by the New York High-line, and hope our campaign will connect with others to create a "green ribbon" along the riverside.
Our project is supported by Shad Thames Residents Association (STRA), Shad Thames Area Management Partnership (STAMP), Illuminated River, Jubilee Gardens Trust, The River Thames Society, Zaha Hadid Foundation, Thames Luxury Charters, Anderson Rose Estate Agents, D&D London and many others.
What we need to do now is conduct a professional competition to ensure we get the right design for the site.
