Spacehub have been working in close collaboration with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH) and Lea Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) on the site adjacent to the East India Dock Basin known as Orchard Wharf, on behalf of Regal UK. As a direct consequence of this experience and the relationships established during this process, Spacehub have subsequently worked in collaboration with LVRPA to support the LBTH Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid to central government for funding to this strategic piece of infrastructure and to fulfil the site’s potential as a heritage resource and nature reserve.

East India Dock Basin is designated Metropolitan Open Land and a Borough Grade 1 Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). The site is made up of a diverse range of habitats, including salt marsh, unique in this stretch of the Thames, reed bed, woodland, and grassland. At the confluence of two huge rivers, wetland habitats would originally have dominated this area. The basin contains tidal brackish water and there are important mudflats for wading birds such as Redshank, with a small band of salt marsh vegetation along the north bank.

The Basin is the remaining entrance for the East India Docks, constructed in 1802 comprising a pier and jetties into the Thames, exterior walls and a mooring dolphin surrounded by open public space. The entrance to the lock, gates, adjacent pier, bollards, capstans boundary wall and gateway are grade II Listed heritage assets.

The proposals seek to enhance the existing range of habitats, repair historic features, provide site interpretation and additional facilities such as a café and visitor centre. To allow the Rediscovering of the East India Dock Basin Area, the study aims to explore further complementary placemaking opportunities on partners’ land and ensure its good pedestrian and cyclist connectivity with the key creative, cultural, and environmental destinations in the Lower Lea Valley.