Royal Albert Docks

Royal Albert Dock is one of Newham’s and London’s most important strategic development sites. In 2015, plans were approved to transform the entire 35acre site into a new, vibrant business district. Only part of the site was ever developed and only Phase I, totalling c.500,000 sqft. of office space was ever built. These 5 blocks that make up the constructed Phase 1 have remained largely vacant for almost 5 years.

The concept involves re-purposing the existing office buildings to create a new student campus at the heart of the Royal Docks. The aim is to transform the buildings use, while doing so in a way which is suited to the buildings’ construction and that compliment each other to form a cohesive development. The proposal will provide social amenity spaces to enhance the student experience and promote active frontage at ground floor to engage with the surrounding area.

The existing buildings’ design is well-suited for conversion into student accommodation, requiring minimal changes. Its plan depth, consistent vertical and horizontal alignment and generous floor to ceiling heights provide the flexibility needed to create a variety of layouts. The repetitive window spacing and stacking from floor to floor further support this design.

The proposal retains the existing structural frame, core layouts, and primary service risers, with minimal alterations to the façade. Internally, only non-structural partitions will be removed to optimize space for student living, ensuring a cost-effective conversion while preserving the building’s integrity.

The RAD project will revitalise the area as part of a new urban higher-education campus in Newham. DMBA have collaborated with a comprehensive team of world-class designers and specialists to deliver a proposal that puts retention and reuse of the existing fabric first. The project places significant emphasis on the public realm and landscaping scheme which seek to transform the current environment of the site.

The proposed architectural adaptations seek to celebrate the docklands deep rooted place in London’s industrial and architectural history. Inspiration has been taken from the large scale steel frame structures historically located on the site, whilst also creating a visually impactful design language that speaks to today’s contemporary architecture and user requirements.

The project features a diverse range of room types, designed to cater to different needs and preferences of individual students. Each room is thoughtfully crafted with its own private ensuite bathroom, ensuring convenience and privacy. Whether for relaxation or productivity, the rooms are designed to offer comfort and functionality, with each element thoughtfully incorporated to enhance the overall living experience.

Externally, the proposal will create a consistent language across all primary facades by introducing a new, rationalised Back-of-House entrance design, two new primary entrance canopies along Royal Albert Quay and Lascars Avenue, and panelled features with artwork fronting the public realm. The design of these interventions and adaptations has been developed from the site’s industrial history, and the vibrant colour palette inspired by the contextual features, and will be closely linked to the design of the covered walkway canopy to ensure cohesion across the scheme.