Manbré Wharf has created a vibrant life sciences campus, providing a new riverside space for all on the banks of the River Thames in Hammersmith.
Formerly part of the grounds of Brandenburgh House, where Queen Caroline took residence in 1819, the site later became a sugar refinery – the Manbré and Garton Saccharine Works.
With the River Thames extending along the frontage of the site, the landscape proposals focus on embracing this significant asset, creating a new landscaped river frontage – Manbré Gardens – which open up the site to the River Thames.
Levels are reworked across the site to remove the previous extensive steps and ramps, creating a more accessible and inclusive site and allowing a café to spill out from the building into the landscape, animating the spaces.
New riverside gardens connect into the Thames Path and help to provide a coherent identity for the development, with sinuous landforms inspired by the fluvial movements of the river.
Existing mounds within the landscape have been remodelled into fluid forms that extend through the site, creating a series of dwelling spaces for office workers and public alike. Plans for a programme of events to activate the lawns, overlooking the water will help to populate these spaces and embed them into the local community.
Marginal tree species and planting palettes reinforce the local natural landscape character and a focus on pollinator plants, biodiverse roofs and nesting boxes encourages habitat creation across the newly developed site.
A seated terrace defines the edge of the Thames Path providing opportunities to enjoy the regattas or pause to take in the views of the neighbouring listed Harrods depository building and the iconic Hammersmith Bridge.
Our role on the project spanned from feasibility and concept design studies, through complex planning discussions and numerous public consultations, working closely alongside the Client and the design team.
