Limehouse Curve = London's High Line
Tower Hamlets, London

Shortlisted entry, RIBA Forgotten Spaces 2011

Disused Limehouse track could mirror New York Highline
on BBC News London, 8.09.2012 (watch)
 
What if this elevated section of disused railway became a place to walk, enjoy nature, play, grow food, discover the local history and enjoy stunning views of the city?

What if: projects are initiating the redevelopment of the Limehouse Curve site into an iconic new public space. We plan to secure funding for the project from a mixture of sources and have teamed up with Spacehive to fund the acquisition of the site.

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By inserting two new public access points, could this elevated section of disused railway provide a precious green open space that serves the public and the local community? A place to walk, enjoy nature, play, find solitude, grow food, discover local history and enjoy stunning views of the city.

The Limehouse Curve is a 120m long dismantled brickwork viaduct that bridges over Commercial Road in Tower Hamlets. Built in the 1840’s the viaduct previously linked two sections of the London and Blackwall Railway and was last in service in the 1960’s. A large section of the Curve was demolished 5 years ago to allow for a new housing development. The space is currently inaccessible to the public and over the last few years nature has taken hold at track level.

 
 
The Curve is located in a local conservation area that includes interesting and important examples of industrial infrastructure such as the Limehouse Accumulator Tower and the Limehouse Station viaduct. The steel bridge section of the Curve, spanning Commercial Road is a 'listed structur'e and beneath is a 'listed' Victorian water fountain. In tterms of pedestrian connections, the Curve is located near a network of London walks including; the Jubilee Greenway and the Thames Path walk.
 
 

Could this new open space provide an interesting detour to the Jubilee Greenway walk? An elevated moment along this journey providing views toward Canary Wharf. Theroute then continues on to link ultimately with the Thames Path walk at Limehouse Basin. The Curve could also inspire new local walking tours such as a Limehouse Heritage trail linking industrial landmarks and buildings of historic interest.

 
 
The space on top of the viaduct has already given itself over to the nature. New planting could be introduced through importing lightweight soil substrate: a mixture of grass and wildflower meadows, fruiting and deciduous trees plus new community growing plots.

The proposed main entrance to the Curve is via a stair and lift tower at Commercial Road and an alternative access via a staircase at Mill Place.
 
The High Line, Manhattan, NYC. Nov 11
 
The Limehouse Curve proposal was shortlisted as part of the RIBA Forgotten Spaces 2011 competition and was exhibited at Somerset House, London 20th October - 29th January 2012.
 
Disused Limehouse track could mirror New York Highline
on BBC News London, 8.09.2012 (watch)
 
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