LDN Collective and Dar have unveiled plans to transform the Royal Docks into an ‘eventscape’ which could host a potential London Grand Prix.
The concept extends the width of the existing embankment by 20m for a length of 2.7km along the Royal Victoria and Royal Albert Dock from ExCeL to the University of East London.
An extra 48,140 sq.metre of prime waterfront land will be created by constructing a series of floating modules helping to house a wide variety of functions, from boutique hotels and restaurants to libraries and pocket parks.
Movable and flexible in configuration, the 28 modules offer “22 revenue generating units and six high quality floating parks” with different uses, from spaces to relax and socialise, to playgrounds, learning areas, adventure zones and exercise spaces.
As the F1 race week approaches, the embankment’s linear park can be disassembled to reveal the FIA grade surface, while floating units would be reconfigured to provide grandstands, food and beverage outlets and entertainment facilities.
A London Grand Prix would offer a waterside street circuit with high speed, long duration and full throttle sections with heavy braking zones to maximise over-taking. The 5,868m circuit would have 22 corners, an average speed of 204 kph and an anticipated lap time of 1’42.
The design incorporates a mix of floating and non-floating grandstands with capacity for over 95,000 people and a unique pit-lane would use ExCeL’s first floor servicing and loading deck for increased viewing opportunities.
Max Farrell, CEO of the LDN Collective said: “This vision could do for the Royal Docks what the Olympics did for Stratford and the Lea Valley. By extending the promenade we are creating a flexible eventscape and by creating floating commercial uses we are making the proposal financially viable and deliverable, without the taxpayer footing the bill.
“We know that Formula 1 is interested in hosting a Grand Prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations. We have discussed the proposals with the GLA, who are developing a water strategy and planning framework with Newham Council, which we hope to align with.
“With or without F1, these proposals are transformational and would be a huge boost to London and the UK globally, as we emerge from the pandemic.”
Dan Horner, Director of Urban Design at Dar said: “It’s apparent for anyone visiting the Royal Docks that the water is underutilised, but has huge un-tapped potential.
“We have approached this large, contained and clean body of water as a platform which can be reconfigured using floating modules, creating a new family orientated leisure and events destination.
“Although floating buildings, structures and spaces are a relatively new concept within the UK, there is a growing number of precedents, notably in Europe, which have been highly successful and cost effective. We believe this is an exciting and viable solution for activating the Dock, making it a world class destination.”
Main image: The eventscape could potentially host Grand Prix (credit: Dar)
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