Plans have been unveiled that aim to transform a “neglected” stretch of the Thames near Tower Bridge.
Butler’s Wharf jetty, a riverside walkway in Shad Thames, has been subject to a dispute over who is responsible for its upkeep.
Working with local residents, Southwark Council launched a design competition for the area last summer. This year as part of the London Festival of Architecture, the winning design was revealed.
Architects LudwigWillis’ vision, called the Tide Line, is for planters, benches and and other riverside plants. The plans were revealed on Butler’s Wharf in a glass case called “the tank” lent by the charitable foundation of the architect Zaha Hadid.
Anna Ludwig of LudwigWillis said “The Tide Line reimagines the jetty as a riparian landscape tracing along the line of the low tide beneath the deck and is marked with floating masts and rise and fall with the river.
“We have produced casts which mix with rusted metal and sweet chestnut timbers and showing plants inspired by mud flats and coastal shingle, in three ‘islands’ linked by places to sit and enjoy the view. The Tide Line is designed to provide a sanctuary for health, well being and resilience.”
Emma Sanderson-Nash, who helps run local group Butler’s Wharf Riverside Trust, said: “Ludwig Willis have produced a truly beautiful design in The Tide Line, which reflects the river’s rich history and nestles comfortably in the warehouses of Shad Thames between the giants of Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.
“We follow in the footsteps of campaigners Ada Salter, who launched the ‘beautification of Bermondsey’ over 100 years ago, and more recently Maggie Blake who campaigned to the keep the jetty open to the public. It’s a vital evolving public space and we are delighted to bring these proposals to our community.
“In putting the display together we were endlessly stopped by passers by and well-wishers, delighted to see something in the tank on the jetty and wanting to learn more about our proposals. We hope the owners and stakeholders are inspired to help make this happen.”
The ceremony was attended by local residents, the architects and councillors.