O2 Arena could see pair of apartment block towers built next door
By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for a pair of tower blocks beside the O2 Arena have been unveiled, which will contain more 800 new homes and a swimming pool for residents.
Developers Knight Dragon have submitted plans to Greenwich council for two tower blocks including 866 new homes for rent at a site beside Waterview Drive near the O2 Arena in North Greenwich.
The two buildings form part of a wider scheme by Knight Dragon to deliver 17,000 homes to Greenwich Peninsula.
The taller of the two buildings reaches 35 storeys at its highest point, while the neighbouring tower is 19 storeys tall.
Planning documents by Jo Cowen Architects, on behalf of Knight Dragon, said the ground floor of the buildings includes a library room, coworking space, concierge and swimming pool.
Rooms in the towers were also said to be designed with “high levels of privacy”, with balconies and windows being placed to prevent overlooking from neighbouring flats.
The plans also include a number of improvements to the area around the towers such as a plaza, outdoor gym area and spaces for children to play.
The developers said glass was used in the design for the landscape to prioritise “openness and transparency”.
They said the existing walkway will be transformed into a “more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly environment with trees, street lights, and a small garden”.
Knight Dragon said in planning documents that both Greenwich council’s Local Plan and the London Plan from the Greater London Authority had been considered when designing the blocks.
The developers said careful attention had been paid to the comfort of residents when planning the height of the two buildings.
The developers added: “The aspiration is to design a new urban quarter to the northwest of the Greenwich Peninsula, anchoring the neighbourhood together as well as revitalising the waterfront with views of Canary Wharf.”
Pictured top: A proposed view of the two buildings as seen from Western Boulevard looking north east (Picture: Jo Cowen Architects/Knight Dragon)