London Railway Arches Converted into Modern Space

Posted by Construction Industry News Magazine on 2nd August 2024 -

The redevelopment of six empty railway arches in London’s East End is now complete, offering a variety of new commercial spaces that blend the city’s historical charm with contemporary requirements.

The initiative, carried out by the prominent multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard in collaboration with Stephen George + Partners (SGP), has revitalized an area rich in history, situated just 16 minutes from the City of London.

A space has been created on Witan Street, Bethnal Green, suitable for light industrial use. The completed works encompassed detailed surveys of the arch structures and the original brickwork. New interiors have been fitted, complemented by glazed infills and electric roller shutter doors.

The new commercial spaces form a segment of Project 1000, which is The Arch Company’s ambitious £200m initiative aimed at revitalising a thousand vacant or neglected spaces throughout England and Wales by the year 2030.

Providing expertise in structural, civil and building engineering, Santosh Patel, strategic account director at Pick Everard, said: “From concept to completion, we were able to advise and coordinate with SGP to allow efficient structural and drainage solutions to be designed.

“This collaborative approach has delivered exceptional results that converts the unused archways into modern industrial units, creating spaces that are both functional and versatile. With every inch of space in London highly valuable, the regeneration of the arches grants exciting new opportunities.

“It’s been a rewarding experience to once again collaborate with SGP and The Arch Company on a development that will support local businesses and enrich the urban area of Bethnal Green.”  

Alan Soper, studio director at SGP, added: “Urban industrial property can play a vital part in local economies, yet good-sized, modern industrial space close to central London is often difficult to find.

“That’s why we’re delighted to be working with The Arch Company on the transformation of these previously unloved arches on Witan Street into vital commercial spaces that will suit a variety of industrial occupiers and support their daily operations in a location close to the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.

“Witan Street, with its nearby transport links to central London, is perfectly located for commercial businesses to thrive and it’s incredibly gratifying to have refurbishment work complete and see these arches back in productive use.”

In London, the transformation of four neglected railway arches on America Street, Southwark, into venues for restaurants, cafés, and bars has begun.