Livingstone Opens New Public Square in Royal Docks

The London Development Agency (LDA) today (14 December 2001) unveiled a further example of its commitment to revitalising previously run down areas of London with the formal opening by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone of a new £3.5 milion public square, the Royal Victoria Square, in the Royal Docks, Newham.

The opening of the 1.6 hectare square (4 acres), immediately adjacent to London's newest and largest exhibition centre ExCel, coincides with the launch by the LDA of its draft economic development strategy, a blueprint for the future economic development of London.

Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone commented: "Royal Victoria Square is a tremendous asset to Londoners, providing an amenity that can be enjoyed by local people and visitors for many years to come. It again demonstrates the important role an integrated approach to physical regeneration plays in the revitalisation of areas in great need."

LDA Chief Executive Michael Ward, added: "Royal Victoria Square is another fine example of how we can work with partners in innovative and imaginative projects to turn former deprived regions into a vibrant residential, business and recreation centres."

Royal Victoria Square creates an attractive through route from the Custom House DLR Station to ExCel, and on to the award winning Royal Victoria Foot bridge which links the northern dock to the Silvertown residential development, also completed by the LDA.

Innovative Design The innovative design of the Square in plan, scale and interpretation seek to echo robust Docklands environment of yesteryear. Dramatic elements include water, steel and lighting. A large central sunken lawn is framed by two oversized canopies to its east and west and two decks areas to its north and south.

The 5 metre wide cantilevered steel canopies are supported by 4.5m high black precast concrete fins with white granite paving and large timber seats beneath. Graphics recall the names of ports and ships.

The north deck has a row of 38 computer controlled foam jet fountains, lit by fibre optics that that change their blue colour tone as the fountains form a wave like motion from one end of the dock to the other.

Granite seating the full length of the fountain provides people with a place to sit and watch. A large reflective pool separates this north deck from the warehouse.

The south deck incorporates seating steps down to the lawn, and four original cranes provide a permanent reminder of the site's history. A steel grille floor allows people to walk over the dock and view the water below. Royal Victoria Square forms part of the LDA's Royal Docks development, one of the largest integrated development projects within London.

As well as ExCel, it includes Norton Healthcare's European headquarters, the London Regatta Centre, the Royals Business Park, the University of East London Docklands campus, Silvertown Urban Village and the recently opened Thames Barrier Park.

Around £16 million has also been invested in infrastructure improvements for the exhibition centre development, including the provision of an access road, extending the public walkway along the north side of the Royal Victoria Dock and putting in place a service corridor to carry water, gas, electricity and telecommunications to existing and future tenants.

Victoria Dock was opened in 1855 by Prince Albert, but did not become 'royal' until 1880 on the opening of the Royal Albert Dock. Built to service steamships, it was the first dock to be linked to the railway, also making full use of other technology such as hydraulic lifts, dock gates and cranes.

By 1888, the site had become a 'finger' dock with adjacent piers where ships berthed to unload their cargoes. The design of the Square mirrors that layout.

Although heavily bombed in WW2, Royal Victoria Dock flourished and in the 1960's was the most modern dock in London. In 1981, the closure of the Royal Docks was announced. During the 80's, the Royal Docks came under the London Docklands Development Corporation before being handed over to English Partnerships in 1998.

In July 2000, responsibility for developing the Royal Docks passed from English partnerships to the LDA, who is now managing the completion and hand over of the Royal Victoria Square to ExCel. Fitzpatrick Contractors carried out the construction works.

They were awarded the contract on 20 December 1999, and started work on the 28 February 2000. The works were completed on 20 November 2000. EDAW were the lead consultants for the Square's development, in conjunction with architects Patel Taylor, engineers Aspen Burrow Crocker, and quantity surveyors, Tweeds.

Notes to Editors:
The LDA is one of the four functional bodies of the Greater London Authority created on July 3rd 2000. The LDA's primary aim is to increase economic benefit and jobs to Londoners in a sustainable way, creating open space wherever possible. It is responsible for:

• Furthering the economic development and regeneration of London
• Promoting business efficiency, investment and competitiveness in London
• Promoting employment in London
• Enhancing and developing the skills of local people and
• Contributing to sustainable development.