Academy Central (UEL Redevelopment)

JBA was appointed as part of the design team to prepare information to accompany the planning application for the redevelopment of the former University of East London, Barking Campus. Our work included identification of arboricultural constraints and implications, the masterplan for the public realm, the design of private and communal amenity spaces (at ground level and above podium decks) and developing a site wide strategy for play space and public art.

The layout designed by Assael Architecture incorporated a contemporary, high density residential scheme  (two to ten storeys in height) with undercoft car parking and brown roofs. A permeable grid of shared streets was established on the axis of the retained college building and new primary school. A network of green corridors and squares was established to link the adjoining parks and to enhance biodiversity through the site.

JBA contributed towards the Environmental Statement, preparing the townscape and visual chapter, and prepared relevant sections of the Design Statement and Access Statement. Detailed planning consent for the development was granted by the GLA in August 2008.

Client: George Wimpey East London (Taylor Wimpey Developments Ltd.) & London and Quadrant
Project Team: Assael Architecture, Planning Perspectives, WSP Group, Environmental Perspectives, Biodiversity by Design, Four Communications
JBA Services: Landscape Architecture and Arboriculture