Goodsyard changes ‘don’t got far enough’
Goodsyard CGI - Credit: Archant
Revised plans to develop Bishopsgate Goodsyard have been criticised for showing “little improvement” to the original application, submitted a year ago.
The joint venture partners Hammerson and Ballymore submitted the amendments to Hackney and Tower Hamlets councils last week.
They included a new office building and a reduction in heights of three towers by up to six storeys – making them 26, 30 and 38 storeys.The tallest tower, 46 storeys, has been trimmed by one floor.
As a result there will be fewer homes – from 1,464 to 1,356 – but additional community spaces will be included.
But campaigners from the More Light, More Power group have created a petition on Change.org and are unhappy the new plans show “only a minor reduction” in the height of four residential towers.
They claim the addition of a new building and increased heights of two other office buildings would make the development even denser overall.
David Donaghue, a spokesman for the campaign group, said: “There still remains seven inappropriately tall towers on the site, all of which would conflict disastrously with the adjacent low-rise conservation areas.
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“Disappointingly, the critical failure to provide adequate provision for affordable homes has not been addressed at all.
“The developers have made minimal adjustments only, and have not dealt with the fundamental criticisms we have made over the years of the devastating effect their proposal will have on our community and environment.
“We have dangerous levels of air pollution and traffic congestion which will be further exacerbated by the propsals. But they will devastate our cultural and social environment which has developed organically.
“They are imposing an alien inappropriate monster on land we own that will kill the golden goose.
“This unique site, in the centre of London’s creative Tech City hub, has been derelict for 50 years.It deserves a markedly higher quality, imaginative and innovative scheme to create a world-class development for London to be proud of.”
A spokesman for the joint venture said the amendments were made according to a consultation with more than 1,300 local businesses and residents.
He added: “Our plans for The Goodsyard will open up a fantastic space in the heart of one of London’s most interesting areas.
“The amended scheme including over 1,300 new homes, will not only breathe life back into this derelict site but will also create 7,000 new jobs, provide 2.4 acres of new park for Londoners and preserve historic architecture like the listed Braithwaite arches.”
