WHAT IS THE PROJECT ABOUT?
Network Rail has prepared a masterplan for up to 30 acres of brownfield land at Bow Goods Yard in Stratford, right next to Pudding Mill Lane DLR. Between June 2023 - early 2024 more than 700 local people helped our design team to develop a masterplan that meets the needs of existing and future communities. See the proposals on the Pre-planning exhibition tab.
THE SITE
Bow Goods Yard currently contains one of London’s last remaining rail heads; it is capable of supplying over two million tonnes of concrete and aggregate to the construction industry by rail freight (find out more here).
This site was instrumental in building all of the major London 2012 Olympic venues and the majority of developments around the area.
WHAT COULD THIS PLACE BECOME?
The site is designated as ‘strategic industrial land’ and the railhead and concrete batching plants currently on site will be retained and improved through the redesign.
We have explored a number of different options and in April 2024 submitted an outline masterplan for a mixed use scheme that includes:
Improved rail freight operations
Space for employment
Modernised space for industry
Leisure and commercial space
New landscape and public spaces
WHAT IS RAIL FREIGHT AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT?
Rail freight plays a vital role in constructing our communities, transporting heavy goods like aggregates which are then used to build schools, roads, hospitals, and housing.
Rail freight reduces congestion and emissions, shifting transport from trucks to fuel-efficient trains. It’s essential for addressing the climate crisis whilst meeting the needs of a modern city.
The redesign of Bow Goods Yard’s rail head will improve efficiency, and sustainability whilst creating space for other functions in the new neighbourhood.
