Transforming an under-used industrial area into a new riverside quarter

Albion Waterside will deliver an attractive, sustainable extension to the town centre with a new community of up to 1,500 new homes, alongside landscaped open space and valuable new amenities. A range of tenures across the site, including market sale, affordable, later living accommodation and build-to-rent properties which will be distributed around the site and within different phases to deliver a tenure-blind community.

Green and blue landscapes will define the new community by maximising the site’s existing assets including the River Thames frontage, the Embankment Marina, the historic route of Albion Parade, and reimagining the Thames and Medway Canal.

Along the riverside, buildings fronting onto the River Thames will benefit from elevated podium gardens affording spectacular views across the estuary. In addition, a new linear park is introduced, tracing the historic route of the Thames and Medway Canal containing three separate, linear bodies of water which will bring nature, ecology and biodiversity into the heart of the scheme.

This results in over 65% of the site being open space and almost 50% is public realm; contributing to creating an engaging urban environment, where it is hoped that the community will meet and come together.

Embracing the 15-minute city concept and delivering convenience and life throughout the day, Albion Waterside will provide 4,500 m2 of commercial floorspace including shops, restaurants and workspaces, improving the resilience of local businesses and fostering a sense of community identity in the neighbourhood.

The proposals also respect the past by providing space for maritime businesses and other complementary uses to help revitalise the Embankment Marina, an important heritage asset, whilst the architecture remembers the legacy of warehouse buildings that stood on the edge of the working river.

Joseph Homes and JTP carried out extensive community engagement to gain valuable feedback from local residents and businesses. New innovative methods of remote community engagement sessions held via online platforms due to the implications of Covid-19, provided meaningful feedback in a collaborative way.