Limehouse Curve

press: BBC News London, 8.09.2012 (watch)
award: RIBA Forgotten Spaces 2011, shortlisted
exhibition: Somerset House, London 20.10.- 29.01.2012

What if this elevated section of disused railway in Tower Hamlets became a place to walk, enjoy nature, play, grow food, discover the local history and enjoy stunning views of the city?

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.