There are some huge projects set for completion in the not too distant future, and we’re busy laying the foundations for what will be a landmark year. Architecture has never been so exciting, and we are honoured to be a part of some of the UK’s most exciting builds.
Here’s a roundup at what to expect in 2024:
The New Museum Of London
Last week, plans for the new Museum of London were approved. So that means a new start, new location and an iconic new home for our cultural hotspot. West Smithfield will be the new site, and the project has been designed by Stanton Williams and Asif Khan, together with conservation architect Julian Harrap. This is set to be one of the largest cultural projects in Europe, and will see the existing campus metamorphosize into a 24-hour cultural hub.
Paul Williams, Principal Director at Stanton Williams, said: “This is a pivotal milestone not just for an ambitious architectural scheme for London, but also a testament to the vital importance that culture and education play for the evolution and resilience of our global city. Because London’s story is a story of renewal, reinvention and cultural diversity – a story that will be actively told by the Museum of London from its new home at West Smithfield for generations to come."
‘Renewal, reinvention and diversity.’ This is a brilliant sentiment, and one that captures the spirit of our capital to a T. The project will bring some ground-breaking architecture to the table, and the space will exist to inspire every London child. It’s penned in the diary to open in 2024, and we can’t wait.
London Resort Theme Park
The latest images of the London Resort Theme Park have just dropped, and the plans are breath-taking. This 3.5bn monster of a project will be built on 535 acres of land, and once completed, it will be three times larger than any other park in the UK. The park will breathe life into a former cement works site, and it will put Swanscombe, Kent, on the global stage. It will be the first development in Europe to be built from scratch since Disneyland Paris in 1992, so there are big shoes to fill, and eyes watching all around the world.
But for us, this project is all about the highstreet. The latest images show a large walkway surrounded by hotels, restaurants and shops. The opportunity to design on a blank canvas of this scale is an architect's dream, and the structures and buildings will be welcomed on a global stage. The project is not lacking confidence, and rightly so. The self proclaimed, ‘world-class, sustainable, next-generation entertainment resort’ is making big claims, and we can’t wait to see even bigger buildings. We’ll get our first taste of the park in 2024, with the second resort scheduled for completion in 2029.
London Resort Theme Park Set to Open in 2024.
Landmark New Offices
We are proud to be part of some seriously impressive office builds taking shape across London right now. And as the bricks are being laid, our Linear and Unique bricks are proving to make a noise amongst the London crowd. Our long format Linear collection is being laid by builders as we write, and with these bricks, we aim to go down in the history books. These bricks are more than a material. There is something extraordinary about them. And together with the country's most exciting architects and developers, we are changing London. By 2024, we’ll see new offices, headquarters and studios all over London, and we’ll celebrate as it emerges as the world’s architectural capital. Big claims, maybe, but ambition breeds results.
Carmody Groarke Gets Go-Ahead for Finsbury Circus Office Revamp.
East London Transformation
Since we’re talking big changes and big plans, let’s look at East London. The area from the city to Havering is entering its next phase of regeneration; we’d call it ‘transformational’, but that would be an understatement. Think 53,000 new homes, communal green spaces and a swanky new crossrail. All by 2024.
Let’s take a look at the West Ham district, where Berkely have released their massive 3,800- home plans. The TwelveTrees Park development focuses on injecting some much needed community life into the area, and with half of the 26-acre site dedicated to green space, there is a key emphasis on precious conservation land. With plans for a 4.5 acre wifi-enabled park, this development responds to the modern Londoner, and is built for inner city living.
Here at UK Brick, we are always thinking ahead. We’ve got some extraordinary plans taking shape, and we can’t wait to share the details. But it’s not all about us, we love to hear your plans too. Let us know what exciting projects you’re keeping your eye on, and get in touch if you need some seriously impressive bricks.
Fast-Changing East London Area City Transformed With 53,000 homes.
chris.flynn@uk-brick.com