Planning success for Stratford Cross new build in East London

Image by SECCHI SMITH. 

Located at the gateway to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, S10 in Stratford Cross has received unanimous approval at the London Legacy Development Corporation’s planning committee.

Stratford Cross (formerly International Quarter London South) is an emerging high-density development and innovation district in the heart of East London’s Stratford. S10 is a 15-storey commercial building designed by Waugh Thistleton Architects with LDA Design responsible for its public realm and roofscape.

The Stratford Cross site is relatively constrained but benefits from its close proximity to the Park and its new cultural and educational district, East Bank. The S10 site connects directly with public realm also designed by LDA Design for two residential towers by Alison Brooks Architects at Park Place.

LDA Design states:

'Dynamic patterns within the S10 public realm allow for diverse activities by different groups throughout the day and week so that the landscape can serve as a unifying force among residents, workers, and visitors.

'The public realm design follows the masterplan vision for Stratford Cross, for a progressive greening approach. The public realm prioritises a connection to nature through naturalistic planting, abundant tree canopy, vibrant understorey planting, and distinctive landforms.

'Youth engagement sessions highlighted the importance of striking design, nature, vibrant communal areas with social seating, and active play. The lighting is designed to create inviting spaces after dark, supporting spill-out and social experience

'Responding to the local community’s desire for engaging spaces, the landscape has been designed as a playable environment. Exploration and engagement are encouraged throughout the public realm, and children can interact with nature through elements like climbable boulders, stepping stones and timber balancing beams.'

Matthew Steenhoek, executive director at Lendlease the developer of Stratford Cross, commented:

“The recent planning approval for S10 at Stratford Cross is a testament to the power of collaboration between the project’s development partners and marks a significant step forward in creating an emerging creative and cultural workplace destination at the heart of East London.”